Kaiser Coming To AT&T? Perhaps In August

[Jon Westfall]

<i>"The Cingular 8525 has proved to be a popular model with AT&amp;T, but it's starting to show its age. Rumor has it that this device will soon be replaced by a device based on the HTC Kaiser. This model -- supposedly to be called the AT&amp;T 8925 -- will, at first glance, look a great deal like the 8525. It will have a tablet shape with a QWERTY keyboard hidden below the 2.8-inch, QVGA screen."</i><br /><br /><img src=http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/hisham-20070702-modaco-kaiser-review.jpg><br /><br />The little dynamo of my latest device dreams looks like it's setting up for an AT&amp;T release possibly as early as next month. The Kaiser is a pretty full featured package, and if it's sold through an American provider, the price should drop down to a reasonable range. I knew AT&amp;T was toying with the Kaiser when I saw a leaked ROM version with Cingular branding on it - but the August release date is news to me. Anyone ready to line up and get this thing the day it is released? It sure seems to beat that other popular device AT&amp;T has out these days!

[Ed@Brighthand]

I'm not sure if I believe the rumors of an August release because I'm being pulled in two different directions.

Con:
The 8525 debuted in November of last year. If the 8925 comes out in August, it will replace a model that has only been on the market for 9 months. That's a fairly short product lifetime.

Pro:
The first rumors of the Kaiser surfaced early this year, which gives AT&amp;T enough time to put the device through testing.

[Underwater Mike]

I sure hope it's true, and that the price is reasonable. The 8125 is driving me nuts!

[dragynox]

What's driving you nuts about the 8125?

[Jason Lee]

Wow, this could be great news.. I was planning on getting this device when it came out. If AT&amp;T releases it that could save me some serious cash. Provided they don't cripple it some how.

[virain]

Still, Iwould be more interested in an unlock virsion

[myuser]

Still, Iwould be more interested in an unlock virsion

negrielectronics is selling the kaiser for 780 something unlocked. Of course that price may change when they get them in stock - it often does. Personally I am waiting on the imates series, especially the 7150. VGA Screens+520 proc + 128MB RAM + Nvdia Go chip and XDA out.

I have a matchbox size GPS for when I need GPS and Ive quite honestly never used the camera in my Wizard.

[Underwater Mike]

What's driving you nuts about the 8125?

Pokey processor, pokey EDGE

[ale_ers]

I'm not sure if I believe the rumors of an August

I completely agree. I will add a few more reasons why I think there will be a delay:

1. It still has not cleared the FCC
2. There is still the matter of the QUALCOMM/Broadcom patent dispute and the current trade band on the processor
3. AT&amp;T is still pushing iphones out the door and reeling from that success and extra work.

Don't get me wrong, I want to see this phone as soon as possible as it will be my next. But I have learned to be a little pessimistic with these release dates.

[virain]

Still, Iwould be more interested in an unlock virsion

negrielectronics is selling the kaiser for 780 something unlocked. Of course that price may change when they get them in stock - it often does. Personally I am waiting on the imates series, especially the 7150. VGA Screens+520 proc + 128MB RAM + Nvdia Go chip and XDA out.

I have a matchbox size GPS for when I need GPS and Ive quite honestly never used the camera in my Wizard.

There are a number of websites that offer Kaiser preordering, including Dynamisim. As far as options like GPS, large VGA screen, etc. - that is a beautity of WM market, you can choose the one that siutes you the best. So if you use your device mostly for interteinment, of course, I-mate Ultimate is the one for you. For me, being constantly on the road, truly all-in-one device is more important than 3.5 VGA. I mean it may be nice to have, but I would choose GPS, quad-band, HSDPA, and compact size, over fancy screen without a doubt. BTW, Have you considered Iphone?

[saint168]

I am also waiting for this phone. I held out from upgrading my 8125 to 8525 last year because of various reasons. My 8125's touch screen offset problem is driving me nut. I heard a lot of ppl have the same problem with this phone.

[DimensionZero]

Does anyone know if this phone will be coming to Canada any time soon? I'm planning on switching to Rogers soon and am trying to put it off for as long as I can.. Otherwise I'll get the TyTN but the GPS and tilt screen would be a really sweet addition.

[DimensionZero]

So a quick update for anyone interested. I spoke to a sales rep at Rogers today and he told me that they are expecting to get the HTC P4550 some time in August. He has no date yet but told me that they know 2 weeks in advance so I'll check back in another week or two to see if they have an actual release date. :)

[Jon Westfall]

So a quick update for anyone interested. I spoke to a sales rep at Rogers today and he told me that they are expecting to get the HTC P4550 some time in August. He has no date yet but told me that they know 2 weeks in advance so I'll check back in another week or two to see if they have an actual release date. :)

Good to see that the release dates seem to be earlier around the globe than the original estimate of October that we heard a few months back...

[DimensionZero]

Another update. lol.

I heard from a friend that the P4550 will be in stores on Aug 8th at Rogers. I haven't called to confirm but apparently the guy who told my friend works for Rogers.

Good timing too. My Treo650 has pretty much kicked the bucket..