Question on Mobile Phones:

Not sure how often you get emails like this, but do u have any idea when Apple is planning to launch the iPhone in Singapore? In your article from earlier this year, you mentioned that Asia would see the phone in 2008, but not the quarter. I was wondering if you happen to hear any murmurs about this? Thanks a mil! Hope I’m not the trillionth person you’re answering this question for.

Submitted by Neil

Answer:

Well, I do get this question from a lot of CNET Asia readers and I’d love to give a definitive answer to all of them. Unfortunately, the only clue we’ve gotten from Apple so far is what Steve Jobs mentioned at the MacWorld event earlier this year. And that is, the iPhone will be launched in Asia in 2008. It is unknown when this will happen though. It could be in the early part of the year, during CommunicAsia in June or towards Christmas 2008. Honestly speaking, it’s anybody’s guess for now. We’ll certainly be the first to update the site once more information is released on the launch of the iPhone.

I guess if you are looking to own one this Christmas, you will have to get it (without Apple’s blessings) from mobile vendors who have unlocked the phone using third-party software.

The good news for Asian mobile users is that the the iPhone coming to Asia is rumored to be an improved version of the current one, with possibly 3G or HSDPA onboard.

AndyTheCoach

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AndyTheCoach says...
Actually anyone can buy i-phone from an on-line company called iPmart.com. This is a Kuching Sarawak based company doing a worldwide business on a wide range of IT and consumer products.

Try it.

www.ipmart.com.

AndyTheCoach

Nov 12, 2007 00:52

neilymyang

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neilymyang says...
Thanks Andy for the tip.

Thing is that I'm in North America till the end of the year and so I'll be able to pick up the phone personally at US$399 as opposed to the US$700+ on ipmart.

Initially that was my plan, but considering the downside:
1. Voided warranty from cracking the network lock
2. Apple's sketchy track record with 1G products

and the fact that the phone will (cross fingers) be available back in SG next year (albeit at a higher price), i might wait it out till next year.

I suppose we'll all know when the iPhone's about to come to SG when Apple FINALLY launches iTunes.

Nov 13, 2007 00:57

AndyTheCoach

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AndyTheCoach says...
I can't wait for iPhone so I bought Nokia N95, it works better than iPhone except for the touch screen.

By the way, AndyTheCoach finds the camera of Nokia N95 very powerful, I captured fishes swimming in the Chinese Garden very vividly. Want to see them?

AndyTheCoach

Jan 13, 2008 00:11