Telstra and Vodafone launch iMate PocketPC (Himalaya)

[Peter Poelman]

The Himalaya, branded as i-mate, is to be released in Australia through Telstra and Vodafone. The same model is not officially released in New Zealand, where I know it's being tested with the Vodafone network, although I've seen it listed in channel distributors.

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=2141

[Andrew - Sydney Australia]

Any idea on pricing? I can't seem to find any info on Telstra or Voda websites.

[MattM]

Any idea on pricing? I can't seem to find any info on Telstra or Voda websites.

Hi Andrew,

Price is currently between AUD$1299 and AUD$1399, although some shops are still selling purely at the original RRP of $1599. You can get the i-mate from Telstra Shops for $0 on a 24 month plan. The catch is that it has to be a $150 per month plan, and you pay $55 per month for the i-mate.

Still, a better deal than the Exchange Mobile Mail (http://www.mtekk.com.au/browse/page467.html) service, which gives an i-mate Pocket PC Phone (or Smartphone2) without voice or data - just unlimited Server ActiveSync with your own or Telstra's MS Exchange server.

One place to check out is Press Digital (http://estore.pressd.com/cache/header-113public__0-0.html?cache=no) - I've been dealing with them recently... they have good pricing, but more importantly - great service.

If you do buy one, feel free to drop in on our website at http://www.mtekk.com.au and let us know! :-D

Hope that helps,

Matt

[Andrew - Sydney Australia]

Thanks Matt,

I am waiting for my Optus Contract to expire in March. Hopefully they will have released it then (and even cheaper :lol:). Thanks for your info and I'll sign up to your site (looks pretty good) when I get the XDA II. That Telstra deal of $205 ($150 plan + $55 phone) per month seems a bit steep for 24 month contract. I am spending about $100 each month and I truly don't want to spend anymore. And I am not really interested in having my own MS Exchange Server. Prefer to run everything from my device as I am the only one that would use it.

Andrew.