August 18, 2006
This is a very very preliminary review. More information is forthcoming!!!
The P990 has been much anticipated since its official product presentation by Sony-Ericsson in October 2005.
A couple of good preview reviews:
http://www.mobile-review.com/review/sonyericsson-p990-en.shtml
http://www.engadget.com/2005/10/10/the-sony-ericsson-p990-umts-and-wifi-smartphone-is-official/
But today is the first day of the actual sale of the product in SINGAPORE. Again, this review is based on the Singapore market and is probably the SEAsia version.
Some observations that I feel is important to note:
1. the stylus is now on the left side of the phone
2. the 910 5-way scroll wheel is now a 3-way scroll wheel
3. phone lock is now a switch on the lower left hand side
4. return function (previously part of 5-way wheel) now has its own dedicated button
5. still uses MS Duo for external memory (investment protection)
6. software for business card scanner is AWESOME!!! it was tested and was able to fill in most of the information correctly!!!
7. weight wise is slightly lighter than 910
8. all accessories need to be changed to the new SE adapters
9. radio function (must use supplied headphones for antenna reception)
10. The 990 screen actually looks and feel smaller than the one 910, but the resolution is better, so you actually see more
11. love the lighted QWERTY keyboard though I personally think the 910 layout was an ingenious option
12. wanted it to be able write Chinese natively, but apparently the Chinese handwriting software is not installed (I was going to get the Nokia 6708 for the excellent handwriting software but decided to wait)
13. UI layout is slightly different, so for 800, 900, 910 users, you'll have to spend some time figuring it out all over again
As of today here are some of the prices that have been circulating in Singapore:
1. $1320 + 5% GST (standard package)
2. $1488 (standard package)
3. $1388 (package but MS upgraded to 2GB - special pre-launch order price)
4. $1388 (standard package)
The Sony Gallery in Wisma allocated all its units to the pre-order. Almost all of them were collected on 17 Aug evening!
Most places in Singapore are short of the supplies. A shop in Sim Lim (1 week before launch) claimed that it had 23 pre-launch orders!
The local telcos have yet to launch this product so the prices may be lower once there are contracts associated.
Anyways, finally it is here and let the party begin!!!
Stay tuned for the lates updates once I get my hands on one to make a full detailed review!!!
August 19, 2006
Just checked around and there are quite a few places that are selling the phone, BUT the OFFICIAL launch is not until next Thursday/Friday (Aug 24/25).
The official launch does not translate to immediate availability at the local telco retail stores.
It may take another 2 to 3 weeks before they get their hands on it for proper product launch at the telco retail side.
Advantages of waiting for the telcos to market and sell it include:
1. Warranty (as opposed to some parallel imports - resulting in non-support and/or upgrade of firmware)
2. Possible reduction in price through extension of contract
3. Possible reduction in price through trade in of older mobile phones
4. Possible reduction in price through redemption of points (similar to frequent traveller miles)
So for now it is definitely still a wait and see game here in Singapore!
Thank you and I hope to update this space soon!
Cheers!
August 24, 2006
CNET Asia has an official blurb - see http://www.cnetasia.com/reviews/mobilephones/ontheradar/0,39050922,39393490,00.htm
- so we know that it is officially launched in Singapore.
None of the telcos are currently carrying or advertising this phone through their retail channels. All phones that are/were on the market were brought in by what we call parallel importers and/or specific Sony Ericsson distributors. The price seems to have stabilized at SGD1,388 for the standard package.
Let's see if the phone will be making an appearance at the upcoming COMDEX computer show from Aug 31!
The 3rd party Decuma Chinese input system (now owned by Zicorp (see http://www.zicorp.com) has replied my email regarding Chinese input. Following is excerpted from their email reply:
"Unfortunately, Decuma Chinese is no longer being developed for download.
There are no plans of releasing a version for UIQ3."
So disappointing ... I wonder what system the P990c will be using?!?
Take care all!
Till the next update!
August 29, 2006
Singapore's Straits Times Digital Life section focused on the upcoming COMEX IT show starting on 31st Aug (Thursday). Sony has taken out a lot of advertising space - including dedicated ads on various VAIO accessories.
In all that noise, the P990 also received its own full page ad. However, the presentation is incongruous to the other ads that are presented by Sony.
So now the product is officially launched with the great Sony marketing engine started.
The "footnote" of the ad states - "Hurry! Purchase the P990i now and receive a stylus pen & screen protector FREE! Whilst stocks last."
The question I have is - where to buy from to get this offer? This is a general Sony advert so I don't think parallel importers will be subject to offer it to the buyers ...
Anyways, do tune in for more updates on this product.
Thanks!
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