BenQ P50 Released Next Month?

[marlof]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/01/05/HNbbenqphone_1.html' target='_blank'>http://www.infoworld.com/article/05...enqphone_1.html</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/marlof-20041224-benqp50.jpg" /><br /><br />If you've been reading this site lately, you've been kept well <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33141">informed</a> <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=32203">about</a> <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=26557">the</a> <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33057">BenQ</a> <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=35816">P50</a>, the Pocket PC that looks as if the designers were convinced that the Treo hardware was a good idea to start with. Happily BenQ didn't leave it at that, but also threw in some goodies like 1.3 Megepixel camera, Bluetooth and WiFi. It will run Windows Mobile for Pocket PC Phone Edition, have 64 MB of RAM, will weigh 170 grams and measure 4.7 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.8 inches (11.93 centimeters by 6.09 centimeters by 2.03 centimeters). And.... according to the newsstory on InfoWorld is unveiled at CES, and announced by BenQ to be released worldwide next month for $800. Which would make the <a href="http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=112410">Expansys pre-release price</a> of GBP 275.95 a bit hard to understand. The suspense is killing me!<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> And in the meantime <a href="http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000693026251/">Engadget</a> has published some more info on the BenQ P50, including some cool pictures, which compare this to its arch rival, the Treo 650.<br /><br /><b>Update2:</b> Since this post, Expansys has upped their pre-release price without a contract from GBP 275.95 to GBP 509.95. With a Vodafone contract the new price now is GBP 274.95. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/marlof-20050106-benqp50treo650.jpg" />

[Darius Wey]

And.... according to the newsstory on InfoWorld is unveiled at CES, and announced by BenQ to be released worldwide next month for $800.

Nice device. But high price? 8O

I may have to think twice. ;)

[Underwater Mike]

And.... according to the newsstory on InfoWorld is unveiled at CES, and announced by BenQ to be released worldwide next month for $800.

Nice device. But high price? 8O

I may have to think twice. ;)

No VGA, right? Sorry, but with a standard screen and only 64MB, this would have to be offered at around a 50% discount to get me interested.

[marlof]

No VGA, right?

I'm glad it doesn't! Squeezing 640x480 in a 2.8" screen wouldn't be exactly be my dream setup. But that might be my old eyes deceiving me. ;)

[yslee]

Oh no, US$800! Ouch ouch ouch! Time to give the local Benq office a phone call in the next morning..

[Darius Wey]

I'm glad it doesn't! Squeezing 640x480 in a 2.8" screen wouldn't be exactly be my dream setup. But that might be my old eyes deceiving me. ;)

Actually, I'd be promoting such an innovation. My eyes love high-resolution, regardless of screen size. :D

Edit: Okay, it's scary when all three of us post simultaneously. 8O

[Underwater Mike]

No VGA, right?

I'm glad it doesn't! Squeezing 640x480 in a 2.8" screen wouldn't be exactly be my dream setup. But that might be my old eyes deceiving me. ;)

I know, I know. :oops: But spending that much on a PPC makes me want LOTS of goodies, including a bigger, hi-rez screen!

[boldbidder]

That price is steep, but this device would be unmatched in functionality. One question I have that isn't readily apparent from the photos is whether or not the keyboard is backlit? This my sound trivial, but it's a deal-breaker for me. Trying to get a little work done on a plane or in any other low-light situations would be impossible without a backlit keyboard.

[yslee]

I'm working from the depths of my not-so-great memory, but I believe it is.

It still hurts, ouch, US$800.

[MarcTGFG]

Anyone noticing the missing pictograms on the two keys next to the center navigation key? These look like they were made for the new one handed (two soft keys) use in Windows Mobile 2005...

But its probably too early to expect any WM05 device isnt it?

[MarcTGFG]

phonescoop.com is reporting:


BenQ today announced the P50, a powerful new PDA phone running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Pocket PC. The [...] The P50 is expected to be available in Asia around March/April, and in the U.S. around June/July.

Hey, what about europe???

[Matt Kitchen]

AHK!!! EVERYONE IS POSTING DIFFERENT DATES OF AVAILABILITY!

I am so confused. Brighthand, engadget, and that infoworld link say Next Month.

BUT, BargainPDA and PhoneScoop say June/July in the US.

Is everyone talking to different people, or what?

[Phoenix]

Forget $800. Expansys is showing the price as $925 USD!!! 8O

$925! Are they serious?

Cool device, but geesh.

[jeasher]

Forget $800. Expansys is showing the price as $925 USD!!! 8O

$925! Are they serious?

Cool device, but geesh.I "pre-ordered" at $449 just for the hell of it and now they are not honoring it, as you can imagine. I'm annoyed but I understand why. And since this was my first time buying from them, I hope they understand that we'll never end up doing any business together. To put up a pre-order price of $449 is just irresponsible! So shady...if they're not going to honor their prices why not offer the device for $200? That'll get people talking.