Smartphone Prices

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Dulouz

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#31308 12-Mar-2009 15:18

I am considering buying a new phone - either an iphone or a Blackberry but think the current prices through Vodafone are a bit expensive.

I have a theory that once we have some competition (i.e. Telecom opens their new network or NZ Comms starts up.) handset prices will go down.

I just can't stomach spending around $900 on a phone while still having to sign up to a two year contract knowing that in other markets people get their phones for free or at least heavily subsidised.

Is it worthwhile delaying the purchase? Or should I just bite the bullet and face the reality in a market like NZ we will always have to pay high handset prices??

Amanon

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#200870 12-Mar-2009 17:37

Dulouz: I just can't stomach spending around $900 on a phone while still having to sign up to a two year contract knowing that in other markets people get their phones for free or at least heavily subsidised.

It doesn't help our rubbish exchange rate vs the US dollar, but the cost of pretty much everything here is higher than anywhere else. At least we have the beautiful scenery and fresh air as a consulation prize.

ninjabear

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#201339 15-Mar-2009 22:08

Dulouz: I am considering buying a new phone - either an iphone or a Blackberry but think the current prices through Vodafone are a bit expensive.

I have a theory that once we have some competition (i.e. Telecom opens their new network or NZ Comms starts up.) handset prices will go down.

I just can't stomach spending around $900 on a phone while still having to sign up to a two year contract knowing that in other markets people get their phones for free or at least heavily subsidised.

Is it worthwhile delaying the purchase? Or should I just bite the bullet and face the reality in a market like NZ we will always have to pay high handset prices??

I would recommend buying it overseas.I've never bought a mobile ever since I've started breathing

zocster

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#201357 16-Mar-2009 06:05

I bit the bullet and got things on trademe, even tho it's a vodafone nz branded phone I got it quite cheap as they were unwanted prize.

I would look at their feedback and track record, other than that I believe you can wait until the cows come home and prices here in NZ won't drop as much, as overseas, as others have mentioned. Mind you it's not that much difference after you do the exchange rate with our weak dollar at the time being.

NZtechfreak

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#201381 16-Mar-2009 10:54

I'd advise against trademe - you'll them cheaper with warranties and no branding from places like e-info and phonesdirect. I've purchased from both before and they're fine. Check pricespy for the cheapest prices (e-info is usually the cheapest).

As others have mentioned I wouldn't hold your breath on our telcos dropping their prices.

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marcthom

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#201384 16-Mar-2009 11:23

i've had a look around at prices etc. i'd say wait for telecom's new network. from what i've heard, they are on track to be releasing it early. if you want throughts on mobiles - go the blackberry storm, out does iphone!

Dulouz

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#201385 16-Mar-2009 11:39

I think I will, I imagine they will be pretty keen to get new users on their network,

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sbiddle

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#201388 16-Mar-2009 11:57

With the fall in the $ pricing in NZ actually isn't too bad at present. We never saw prices drop with our strong $ but aren't seeing prices jump either which is good.

Overclocker01

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#202268 19-Mar-2009 21:08

So now we just have telcos making normal profit margins instead of stupidly massive margins when we had a decent exchange rate with the USD

ninjabear

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#202611 22-Mar-2009 15:31

E-info and parallel imported has the worse customer service

NZtechfreak

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#202613 22-Mar-2009 15:38

True, although E-Info has the best prices, so there are pros and cons there.

I'd never go Parallel Imported, since both their service and prices are terrible.

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nate

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#202697 23-Mar-2009 02:37

NZtechfreak: I'd never go Parallel Imported, since both their service and prices are terrible.

Can't say I've ever had a bad experience with PI, and I've bought plenty of stuff from them over the years... none of it mobile phones though.

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NZtechfreak

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#202703 23-Mar-2009 07:17

I'm speaking only to their mobile phones sales, never found anyone in their store who really knew anything about the phones, and their prices are well adrift of other PI-stores.

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riahon

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#202710 23-Mar-2009 07:47

ninjabear:
I would recommend buying it overseas.I've never bought a mobile ever since I've started breathing

I'm planning a trip to HK later on this year, any tips where to shop for phones or where to avoid?

RockResearch

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#202713 23-Mar-2009 07:59

I don't know if Hong Kong is like Taiwan but I imagine it is. I found the prices in Taiwan the same if not more than New Zealand. Maybe due to NZ$, not sure.

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ninjabear

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#205050 3-Apr-2009 03:24

riahon:
ninjabear:
I would recommend buying it overseas.I've never bought a mobile ever since I've started breathing

I'm planning a trip to HK later on this year, any tips where to shop for phones or where to avoid?

Unless you can speak cantonese then you can buy mobile at good pricing at shum shui po otherwise just buy it at mong kok big shops like broadway,citicall

Remember to buy ones with a Nokia Warranty Label. Those that aren't are imported elswhere and have no relationship to Nokia Hk that means there's a chance the mobile has been refurbished but if you buy from those two shop then you won't need to worry about it cos they are well known genuine shops

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