Dopod Launches in Australia and New Zealand

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.cnet.com.au/pdas/pdas/0,239035588,339271163,00.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.cnet.com.au/pdas/pdas/0,...39271163,00.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Dopod, the self-proclaimed fastest growing mobile communications company in Asia, has today announced its entrance into the Australian market. Initially, two models from Dopod's range will be available for purchase locally -- the 838 Pro and the 595. Both of the devices offer 3G connectivity and run the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system, but local pricing and specific availability details are still sketchy."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20060920-dopod838pro.jpg" /><br /><br />If you're in Australia or New Zealand, prepare for Dopod infiltration. In a launch event at the Sydney Opera House yesterday, Dopod revealed the 838 Pro (HTC Hermes) and 595 (HTC Breeze) as the launch devices, with many more to come in the future. 3 and Optus have already expressed interest in the sale of the devices, so you can expect to see them market Dopod's offerings shortly.

[Rethink]

Great news that Dopod is coming down under, hope the carries will pick them up soon so we can see them in shops?
I personally hope that Optus will be the one and that they do it sooner rather than later, so I can get my hands on these.

Does anyone know if 02 is doing a version, I've heard of an 02 Mars but don't know if it's with the right 02 for Australia.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Does anyone know if 02 is doing a version, I've heard of an 02 Mars but don't know if it's with the right 02 for Australia.

O2 AsiaPac no longer have a relationship with HTC/Dopod, so you won't be seeing O2 branded versions of any new HTC models in the foreseeable future. New O2 devices (and there are some good ones) will be made by Quanta, Gigabyte and Asus - the Mars is one of them.

[MitchellO]

Well 3 currently has (and has for a few weeks had) the dopod 595 in testing on their network. I just can't wait for the Hermes to come out on 3. It has it all: UMTS, WiFi, BT, keyboard, WM5, touchscreen. Gimme gimme gimme!!

[Rethink]

Well 3 currently has (and has for a few weeks had) the dopod 595 in testing on their network.
Do you have any knowledge of the 838pro and it's testing in Aus?
That's awsome, their own website (Dopod) says nothing about who they are in bed with, would love it to be on 3 their plans are very affordable.

Thanks for the update on 02, have the mini and really like their included software and support but think they are with Optus.

[MitchellO]

Well 3 currently has (and has for a few weeks had) the dopod 595 in testing on their network.
Do you have any knowledge of the 838pro and it's testing in Aus?
That's awsome, their own website (Dopod) says nothing about who they are in bed with, would love it to be on 3 their plans are very affordable.

Thanks for the update on 02, have the mini and really like their included software and support but think they are with Optus.

No I don't believe the 838 is currently in testing. I really hope they start testing soon so they can release it!! They put a nice subsidy on their phones. My M600i was cheaper from them than from anyone else (and they unlocked it for free even though I bought it outright).

[Rethink]

Do you have any knowledge of the 838pro and it's testing in Aus?
Just got a response from Dopod in Aus, they advise that 838pro will be available from 3 in October.

[MitchellO]

Do you have any knowledge of the 838pro and it's testing in Aus?
Just got a response from Dopod in Aus, they advise that 838pro will be available from 3 in October.

Really!!! Awesome!!!

[Darius Wey]

Do you have any knowledge of the 838pro and it's testing in Aus?

The base model (Hermes) is also being tested by other carriers. Can't say which carriers specifically, but it's coming. :)

[Rethink]

Had another questions answered by Dopod Aus, they advise that the RRP for 838pro will be $1499 which is more than I expected. Hopefully the carriers will be able to sell subsidised (heavily) units, not sure how much I would want to pay on a plan...

BTW - Optus is also testing, but have not heard of any other carriers

[MitchellO]

If it comes out at over AU$999 then I have no hope of buying one.

[Darius Wey]

Had another questions answered by Dopod Aus, they advise that the RRP for 838pro will be $1499 which is more than I expected. Hopefully the carriers will be able to sell subsidised (heavily) units, not sure how much I would want to pay on a plan...

Ouch. Did you manage to get a price on the 595?

BTW - Optus is also testing, but have not heard of any other carriers

Yup. Optus and 3 are the first two carriers to sign on in the 838 Pro testing phase. There are other variants of the Hermes being looked at by other carriers, though.

[Rethink]

The price is pretty steep, had a look at Ebay and there it is selling for $1500+ for the buy now price but it sold for $1199.
So lets hope the carriers/Dopod throw some money at it to make it sell.

I have asked for the RRP for the 595, should know shortly!

Are the other HTC Hermes devices selling for the same price? I thought Dopod was cheaper the lot...

[Darius Wey]

Are the other HTC Hermes devices selling for the same price? I thought Dopod was cheaper the lot...

If I recall correctly, most vary within a hundred dollar range. It does depend on the reseller, though.

[Rethink]

Got a price from Dopod for the 595 it's $988.

Not long until a possible launch date with Three.....

[Darius Wey]

Got a price from Dopod for the 595 it's $988.

Not bad. Could be better, but then again, it could be worse.

[MitchellO]

Well if the 595 is $988, then the 838 is guaranteed to be around the $1200-$1300 mark.

[l0wey]

Any news on the Rest of the HTC range via dopod - darius?

The Artemis or whatever the P3600 was called?
I've finished my migration to Exchange 2003 SP2 and the money is burning a hole.
I nearly got an Atom Exec but then I saw the Dopod and remembered the rumours
I want an Artemis so bad I can taste it.
No plan required outright purchase
How about I but one and review it ;-)

[Darius Wey]

Any news on the Rest of the HTC range via dopod - darius?

Not yet. Actually, I haven't asked. I might shoot an e-mail over to my contact at Dopod.

I nearly got an Atom Exec but then I saw the Dopod and remembered the rumours

The Xda Stealth was just released this week (I'll post details on the front-page within the next few hours). It is one other device to consider, if you really do go the O2 route.

[l0wey]

So Darius,

Any news on the other HTC/Dopods yet...
I'm an old stick in the mud when it comes to flip/movable objects. Just more things that can break.

I spoke to the guy at Organiser world on Tuesday and he said the new Dopods were due in a few weeks? Very unspecific, can you be more specific.
I need a device that can:
Do push email.
A2DP and AVRCP I have a set of blue ant SP5 - ab fab IMHO.
prefer mini SD
FM radio
GPS
oh and small and black would help too.

[Darius Wey]

Any news on the other HTC/Dopods yet...

I haven't heard back yet. It's a busy time for Dopod, so I'm not expecting a fast response.

I spoke to the guy at Organiser world on Tuesday and he said the new Dopods were due in a few weeks? Very unspecific, can you be more specific.

The resellers are getting stock in these coming weeks, and there's no specific date attached to it yet. Optus and 3 are finalising testing in this timeframe too.

I need a device that can:
Do push email.
A2DP and AVRCP I have a set of blue ant SP5 - ab fab IMHO.
prefer mini SD
FM radio
GPS
oh and small and black would help too.

Except for GPS, it sounds like the Exec fits your needs.

[l0wey]

Ah Darius,

The HTC P3300 is it, or 3600 whatever, I forget the numbers but the HTC device named Artemis does have all of the above nest-ce pas?

I saw that it had been released or very nearly in Germany (what's that about?)

Wondering about the AUS release of those babies - presumably Dopod branded?

Thanks for all the info.
and I still want to review one for you :-)

[Darius Wey]

Ah Darius,

The HTC P3300 is it, or 3600 whatever, I forget the numbers but the HTC device named Artemis does have all of the above nest-ce pas?

Sure, it has all of that, except miniSD and the "small and black" attribute.

I saw that it had been released or very nearly in Germany (what's that about?)

HTC primarily sells their branded devices in Europe and Japan. An equivalent version here would rely on another company picking the devices up and rebranding them.

Wondering about the AUS release of those babies - presumably Dopod branded?

Given Dopod's strong relationship with HTC, I think it's likely.

Thanks for all the info.
and I still want to review one for you :-)

Not sure if it's of interest, but I will soon be reviewing the 595. Expect that to show up on Smartphone Thoughts in the coming months.

[Darius Wey]

Do you have any knowledge of the 838pro and it's testing in Aus?

The base model (Hermes) is also being tested by other carriers. Can't say which carriers specifically, but it's coming. :)

Okay, I'm allowed to open my mouth now. :lol:

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/index.php?action=expand,51711

[l0wey]

I heard on the GV that the 838 Pro was exclusive to Telstra.
Pity for us Optus Folk.

Anyway quick question
Let's say I have an existing Telstra GSM connection - do I have to "upgrade" (read pay more) to get on this new HSDPA network or is it like GPRS where you just need to get your number activated?

[Darius Wey]

I heard on the GV that the 838 Pro was exclusive to Telstra.
Pity for us Optus Folk.

You mean the JASJAM? You should still be able to purchase a JASJAM separately through one of i-mate's resellers, and stick an Optus SIM in. Of course, you won't be able to take advantage of any of Optus' special bundle pricing.

Let's say I have an existing Telstra GSM connection - do I have to "upgrade" (read pay more) to get on this new HSDPA network or is it like GPRS where you just need to get your number activated?

Theoretically, you can use your existing SIM, get an HSDPA-enabled handset, and have Telstra enable Next G access for you. But you would have to double-check with them on this. Some carriers can be a little anal about the use of existing SIMs.

On a separate note, since you raised the topic of GPRS, Telstra quietly rolled out EDGE, so if your device supports it, you may see a new 'E' icon. Why they decided to keep the upgrade tight-lipped is beyond comprehension.

[l0wey]

I used the Telstra pradigm as an example for what you physically do to get the connection going.
I did a search on the Optus site for anything EDGE related a while back and basically got nada.
I am with Optus via a reseller and locked in for a while yet.

Q. Are Optus doing the EDGE/NextG thing in the not too distant future?

Thanks for the info.

[Darius Wey]

Q. Are Optus doing the EDGE/NextG thing in the not too distant future?

I'm unsure of Optus' roadmap at the moment. I would like to see them (and the others) beef up their networks. More competition will drive prices down. The sad fact in Australia is that while our cellular networks are one of the most developed in the world, the carriers still milk us dry. Our data and call costs simply amount to daylight robbery. :roll:

[l0wey]

I went down to Organiser World yesterday and fully intended to purchase an Atom Exec.
I checked the specs and it says it does EDGE so I thought it is time.
I then called my Optus provder and asked about EDGE, they said
"That's only in Europe - we will never see it here"
I confirmed this via the guys at OW
So I quickly backpedalled on the purchase.

I've just finished my Corporate Exchange SP2 upgrade/conversion so I figure the 3G speed would be beneficial in a device.

All in all I think I've altered my "perfect device specs"
Could you please forward these on to the manufacturers?
I've talked to alot of people in the IT industry and business, every time I see someone with a device I ask them about it and I always get the same answers.

It must be reliable as a phone - first last and always no missed calls ever.
It must be fast.
It must remind me - reliably!
It must have bluetooth (preferably 2.0 and A2DP, AVRCP)
It should have wi fi
It should have hi speed internet capability not too fussed how (new one)
It should have a radio
It should have a miniSD slot
It should have standard 3.5mm headphone jack
It should have GPS built in (this one is me talking)
It should have lots of buttons on it (read one hand operation)
I should have a good screen (widescreen seems to be the norm these days)

I think if a manufacturer came out with such a device they would sell millions of them. Lots of devices almost make it but fall short in a few places. I was marvelling at my Artemis and realised - no 3G EDGE only.

Have you heard of such a device Darius - I'd love to get one?

[l0wey]

On the paying too much part.
I've been on the same plan for the last 2 iterations.
however,
this last one is a $49 /month $230 cap and includes GPRS data charges

Cool but slow :-(

Cheers

[Darius Wey]

I think if a manufacturer came out with such a device they would sell millions of them. Lots of devices almost make it but fall short in a few places. I was marvelling at my Artemis and realised - no 3G EDGE only.

The Trinity is a close fit, but again, it's not perfect (according to your specs). Best to wait a while and see what else the manufacturers release. ;)

[MitchellO]

Problem with the device that l0wey described is that it would cost too much, therefore it wouldn't sell millions. Will high-end users and corporations would buy them, the average man wouldn't because it is too complicated, has more features than they want, and its too expensive.

[l0wey]

Mitchell0 thanks for the down to earth post.
I do get carried away sometimes ;-)

However, I do say again to the manufacturers build it and they will come.
I am relying on actually talking to folk here.
Ask anyone - is their device the way they want it.
The answer is universally - almost.
The imate's really great but too slow (processor wise)
The O2 range great but unreliable (they have fixed that now)
Most mobile phones even, ask people they will say "It's perfect but ...I wish the screen was bigger or the keys were easier
etc... etc ..
Human nature.

I don't want to part with my hard earned on a device that is "almost" right and then find literally the next week that "the" device was released - and no one told me.

Cheers for the info Darius - now where do I get a Trinity from?
Actually does the Trinity have an FM radio?
In retrospect I think I want an HSDPA Atom Exec - how about it Quanta?
then a bluetooth GPS dongle thing.

[MitchellO]

I have to say, the imate JASJAM is almost perfect for me. I would just like it to be a bit thinner. I have gotten so used to the incredible size on my M600i that going to a thicker device will be hard, but I think for the WM5, WiFi and camera it will be worth it.

[Darius Wey]

Cheers for the info Darius - now where do I get a Trinity from?

At the moment, HTC in Europe. Orange France is also picking it up. Long story short, nothing locally, if that's what you were hinting at. However, I have a good feeling that we'll see it within a few months.

Actually does the Trinity have an FM radio?

No.

[l0wey]

Well said Mitchell0

Case in point "almost perfect"...

Anyway back to the issue...
********** Begin rant *****************

A couple of months!
Who do I need to call to find out EXACTLY WHEN I can get a trinity.
Surely - someone knows.
In this day and age of technology and instant communication
RFID and Internet tracking of packages SOMEONE MUST KNOW!

If you want to sell stuff let people know!
Please explain the purpose of not telling people when your product may be purchased
Increase the anticipation?
Increase sales?
Piss customers off?
All of the above
********** End Rant *****************

Seriously though, does anyone else but me find these marketing tactics at all satisfying?
Can anyone explain to me (marketing folk possibly) how annoying people sells your product?

If the Trinity is available in Europe why can't I purchase one from a store here.
Are we second class citizens or something.
Can I pre-order one from anywhere?

I needs to know

:-) All the above is is tongue in cheek folks
Some people still don't get my humour sometimes.

P.S. I have a thing about parting with my cash and actually getting something in my hand - hence I won't be ordering one from Europe. Probably not approved here anyway.

[MitchellO]

I think part of the reason they don't preannounce things is because it would harm the sales of the current product. People would wait for the new one ot come out, either to buy the old model at a reduced price, or to skip the old model and go for the new one, leaving stock of the old one to eventually be sold off at less-than-cost. Thats the way I understand it.

[MitchellO]

Well said Mitchell0

Case in point "almost perfect"...


Exactly :D Its human nature to want things we don't have, so its only natural that we want that extra feature that our phone doesn't have. Even if we get it, it is very unlikely that we will be happy for long :D

[l0wey]

Possibly.

Call it what it is GREED ;-)

As to why they don't announce new models OK accepted.

However, why make a model avaliable in one part of the world and not another do they think no one will tell (shhh...) COME ON!

There's no way a sane person like myself (IMHO) will buy an old model when I know a new one is on the way, within months according to Darius.
He is pretty reliable BTW
So I rephrase my original question as above.

Assuming:
It is on sale somewhere on earth right now.
It will be available in Australia soon.
Why not just say when and start taking pre-orders - works for games EB does it all the time.

Just consider me the old guy who refuses to "settle" for a device that doesn't do what I want!
:?:

Smilies all the way

[MitchellO]

Yeah I hate it when stuff is released in places in the world other than where I live first. I would have had a Treo 700w by now if they had been good enough to make it available to Australian GSM customers.

[l0wey]

Mitchell0,

Dude - no WiFi and a square screen, believe me not what you want specially if you have a JAMIN now.

I think the 700w was CDMA too.
The 750w is the antennaless GSM one - with 3G!

I currently run a very old haggard Palm Treo 600, hence my intense interest in updating - I fell for the wow factor way too early with the 600 - two months later the 650 was released which was and still is a factor of 10 better than the 600.

Once bitten 8O

[MitchellO]

Yeah I know, but I probably would have bought one back then when they came out (with GSM obviously). When they came out I wasn't on 3G.

I would have a JAMin, but I was interested in that about the same time I went to 3G. I went into a Telstra shop today and had a play with the JASJAM. Sufficed to say, I WANT ONE!!!

[Darius Wey]

I would have a JAMin, but I was interested in that about the same time I went to 3G. I went into a Telstra shop today and had a play with the JASJAM. Sufficed to say, I WANT ONE!!!

Price is stopping you, isn't it? Telstra has a habit of milking. :(

[MitchellO]

Yeah it is. If I had the money I would have bought one the day they came out. Any customizations made on a HTC PPC are easily removed either by flashing a generic firmware or stopping the customization app at bootup.

It didn't seem to have any real customizations on it. Just a Telstra logo on the Today screen, and an app in the Programs list.

I am hoping that 3 come out with the dopod at a lower price. I would buy the JASJAM from Telstra, but considering I just bought a car (my first car, hey I'm 17 :D) my bank account isn't as pretty as it was 2 months ago. I will get one, but I may have to wait a little while.

[MitchellO]

Price is stopping you, isn't it? Telstra has a habit of milking. :(

Actually, $1299 was better than I was expecting from them.

[l0wey]

Mitchell0 didn't you say you had a JAMIN?

The 838 is good I looked at it long and hard, had the card out and all but sanity prevailed...No radio or GPS otherwise spot on.

I'll wait.

Good review from that lady though.

I think I'll add to my list

lots of buttons that jog wheel sounds nice


I'm sure it won't be long till every new device has them.
However many Blackberries can't be wrong hey.

[MitchellO]

Nah I considered a JAMin, but never bought one as I wanted to go 3G.

I can attest to how good the scroll wheel is. I have had one on my Sony CLIE NX70 and Sony Ericsson M600i and it is just brilliant. MUCH better than an up/down toggle thing.

[l0wey]

Mitchell0 are you interested in the Trinity at all?

Hey Darius,

Any news from Dopod on release dates its been nearly 2 weeks since this thread started?

[Darius Wey]

Price is stopping you, isn't it? Telstra has a habit of milking. :(

Actually, $1299 was better than I was expecting from them.

Not bad. OW has it for about $50 cheaper, so it's on the same level.

[MitchellO]

To be perfectly honest I can't remember the Trinity. It is basically the Hermes with GPS right?

[Darius Wey]

Any news from Dopod on release dates its been nearly 2 weeks since this thread started?

Still no exact date on when Optus and 3 will release them. However, I've noticed that some online resellers (e.g., OW) have already started selling them, so if you prefer to get one outright rather than through a contract, that's your ticket.

[Darius Wey]

To be perfectly honest I can't remember the Trinity. It is basically the Hermes with GPS right?

It's more like the JAMin with buckets of wireless and a better CPU. ;)

http://www.europe.htc.com/products/htcp3600.html

[MitchellO]

Yeah the Trinity doesn't seem to have GPS. I like the Hermes better. It has an outstanding keyboard on it in addition to everything else.

Do you have any approx dates/price on a 3 release?

[MitchellO]

The dopod 838 pro is listed on Three's business site for $959 outright :D

I am putting my M600i on eBay today!!

[Darius Wey]

The dopod 838 pro is listed on Three's business site for $959 outright :D

Oh hell, it was right under my nose swimming in the sea of unread e-mails. :oops:

Link love: Dopod 838 Pro (http://business.three.com.au/BusinessMobiles.do?mid=27&amp;mname=Dopod&amp;model=838Pro&amp;method=businessMobileDetail) and Dopod 595 (http://business.three.com.au/BusinessMobiles.do?mid=28&amp;mname=Dopod%26nbsp%3B595&amp;method=businessMobileDetail)

That's a killer price for the 838 Pro. I have the 595 now and it's working like a dream. One of the best Smartphones I've played with in quite some time.

MitchellO, if you find a good deal on microSD cards, let me know. Cheapest online retailer I've found so far is OW. 1GB is going for around $55.

[MitchellO]

I think 1GB for $55 is as good as it gets. Nice price!!!

[l0wey]

Trinity no radio :(

[MitchellO]

Just out of curiousity, why are you so passionate about the radio?

[Darius Wey]

Streaming radio is a suitable replacement. Resco Pocket Radio is one of my favourite applications for it:

http://www.resco.net/pocketpc/radio/default.asp

[l0wey]

The radio comes under the heading we already talked about

Almost perfect! (Oh and greed)

I want my new device to be perfect - no compromises.
Besides how much extra effort is required to add an FM radio into a device 1 chip, 2 maybe?
If the Atom and Artemis, I think the ETEN G500 and M600 have them, you gotta ask yourself how come all devices don't have them?
I also like listening to radio the MP3 collection gets a bit stale.

Lastly I have a list that my device must have and I will not rest until it is so.

Streaming radio would suck your battery dry in no time not to mention the data charges?

Call me a crazy old bloke

[l0wey]

Even if they threw in an FM radio built in to the headphones I'd be happy.
How much extra would that cost $5.

[Darius Wey]

If the Atom and Artemis, I think the ETEN G500 and M600 have them, you gotta ask yourself how come all devices don't have them?

For the record, the M600 doesn't have FM support.

Streaming radio would suck your battery dry in no time not to mention the data charges?

High data costs, sure. Battery sucking? Not really. At least, not more than whatever it takes to run all the wireless specifications you hope to see in a device. :)