CellStar To Distribute i-mate Devices in North America

[Mike Temporale]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=5193' target='_blank'>http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=5193</a><br /><br /></div><i>" i-mate USA, Inc. has signed an agreement with CellStar to distribute i-mate mobile devices to wireless carriers and retailers across the USA and Mexico. The agreement enables CellStar to offer i-mate mobile handsets to its network of wireless carriers, agents, resellers, dealers and retailers. "This agreement with CellStar will give i-mate a much stronger presence in the North American and Latin American markets and greatly increase our visibility with consumers in these areas," said Jon Driscoll, president of i-mate USA. "We will work closely with CellStar to drive sales of i-mate products and raise awareness of the brand among wireless consumers."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20050914-imatelogo.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />It looks like it is going to become a lot easier to get an i-mate in North America. Just in time for me to get a new device. :mrgreen:

[cortez]

well, well!!! this company's corporate headquarters and warehouse is 7 miles from my house!!! i wonder who'll be retailing the devices locally and how long it will take before they're actually available for purchase....???

[Mike Temporale]

7 miles from my house

8O Hey, that's pretty cool. 8)

[cortez]

it would be even better if they were selling them from one of the facilities near my home...but that's asking waaaaaaaaaay to much! :D

[Omega2008]

Hopefully this will give carriers the ablity to offer more WM devices!

[Sven Johannsen]

an agreement with CellStar to distribute i-mate mobile devices to wireless carriers and retailers across the USA and Mexico

They are a distributor. They aren't going to be selling onesy twosey to us. The carriers aren't going to bite on this any more than they bought into the VOQ, another CellStar distro deal. I don't see this resulting in Jasjars being at CompUSA or Walmart, without a carrier presence either. I think we'll still be mail ordering these from the same places we can get them now. We'll still pay an arm and a leg, or just a leg. but have our arm handcuffed to a contract.

[Mike Temporale]

I don't see this resulting in Jasjars being at CompUSA or Walmart, without a carrier presence either. I think we'll still be mail ordering these from the same places we can get them now.

I agree, but it will mean that places like Expansys can now get them into the North American market without having to deal with the hassle of customs. In theory, we should see a small price reduction, but I wouldn't count on it too much.

It will also mean that there is easier access to stock. When a retailer runs out, they won't have to worry about waiting for the next shippment to get through customs. Just pick up the phone and order more - hopefully they will arrive over night. :D

[wshwe]

This appears to be a mirror image of their Palm Treo deal. :)