Posted by citysoldier
Anyone have any idea what this Vodafone BestMates super pre-paid thing will be like. Its gonna replace free txt weekends.
Nobodys reading this but posting it since I found out what it is.
BestMate™ is as much talking, TXTing and video calling as you like to one Vodafone number for $6 a month.
BestMate™ is only available on Supa Prepay.
Would be better if they atleast made it to more than one number. Ill probably never use this.
[ This Message was edited by: citysoldier on 2006-10-31 03:11 ]
Posted by carkitter
bump!
Posted by brix25
It def needs a bump. How are things in enzed?
Posted by carkitter
Okay. It's very humid here in Auckland, mostly fine weather. Good for cycling.
I missed seeing the Taupo round of the A1GP last weekend
I heard Johnny Reid (NZ) came third in both races, moves us up to 3rd or 4th in the Championship.
Glad to see
and Vodafone sponsoring one of my favourite V8 Supercar drivers Craig Lowndes. He nearly took the title last year and could take it this year. Looking forward to some 888 phone content...
Any other kiwis online?
_________________
SE and Vodafone sponsor Motorsport in OZ
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2007-01-29 23:25 ]
Posted by Evilchap
I think Im always online, stuff all else to do here.
Posted by citysoldier
Hardly come here anymore. Take a look every now and then.
Its amazing that only the V630 sells in NZ now. I dont really mind though. If I ever upgrade from my K750 Ill go to parallel imported.
Posted by carkitter
Err... why?
Aren't parallel imported phones becoming obselete now that 3G is in vogue?
_________________
SE and Vodafone sponsor Motorsport in OZ
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2007-02-02 21:43 ]
Posted by citysoldier
Dont they sell 3g?
Posted by carkitter
They sell mostly 2.5G which suits them because they don't have to supply vodafone MMS and browser settings.
They do sell 3G phones but make sure that you see the MMS/Browser/Video Calling working on the phone before you leave the shop. Vodafone don't like supplying PI customers with the settings and if they do, they'll charge a fee.
Careful you don't buy one of thier EDGE phones.
VFNZ doesn't support EDGE.
Anyway, Vodafones pricing is much sharper than it used to be.
PI generally set pricing a VF-$50. Your better off paying the extra $50 and having the VFNZ support IMO. The only reason to consider PI is for otherwise unavailable phones like the W900i.
Still can't believe that didn't make it here.
_________________
SE and Vodafone sponsor Motorsport in OZ
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2007-02-04 23:46 ]
Posted by citysoldier
Yeah also getting unbranded phones. Dont like voda branding.
Can only go parallel if NZ arent getting anymore Sony Ericssons.
Posted by carkitter
Well, Vodafone have seen the light and are promoting the V630 heavily. Funny how it takes a Vodafone exclusive model to catch their interest...
They don't seem to be pushing the K800i and the W850 though both are available, Nokia have the high end to themselves pretty much.
were sponsoring Rove Live! last year but that came to a screeching halt when Rove's wife died. The sponsored the Womens Tennis this summer (as they do overseas), let's hope SENZ and VFNZ pick up on the V8 supercar sponsorship in OZ - see my sig for info.
Posted by carkitter
Anyone take any pics with their
at the BDO?
Posted by carkitter
Okayyyy... guess not.
I was naughty on the weekend... I bought a Nokia 6234, and promptly gave it to my 11yr old son!
I couldn't resist buying it, Vodafone were offering it to me for $20!
Wish they'd made an offer like that with the V630.
Mind you, everyone WANTS a
Posted by carkitter
Anyone else going to the Pukekohe round of the V8 Supercars this month?
Posted by carkitter
Pictures of what I got up to this weekend.
Blues v Sharks at Nth Harbour Stadium. the Blues lost 25-32
Pre-production model Audi R8 on display at Continental Cars, Newmarket.
Where have all the Kiwis gone?
Posted by JK
Is it preproduction?? We already have a few here registerd, not for sale to the public though.
Posted by Nirodha
Hi all,
In Auckland here, although I'm originally from the U.S, and have been here 8+ years now.
Quick question: Where do you all buy phone in order to avoid being ripped off by Vodafone and Telecom? I'm thinking of having friends buying stuff for me in Hong Kong and sending it over, cuz it's still cheaper.
Peace
Posted by carkitter
@786KBR
I heard a salesman tell someone it was a pre-production model 'doing the rounds' for display purposes. NZ will be allocated 4 R8's this year.
@Nirodha
Why assume Voda and Telecom rip u off?
Telecoms phones are always quite cheap and Vodafone does great deals and loyalty discounts for account customers. The last phone I bought cost me $20.
I wouldn't touch anything from trade-me, importers or overseas mates. It's just not worth the hassle.
Posted by Nirodha
Hi carkitter,
It's not an assumption. It's based on calculating their on-account discounts and account costs against the cost of what I can get a cellie in Hong Kong for. Also, I don't really care for on-account right now as the telecom industry is getting ready to open up here, finally.
As it stands right now, Telecom and Vodafone are making a mint off of us. And, I'd rather not fatten their pockets when it's not necessary, as I can go around them quite easily and inexpensively. For example, a cellie that costs me $500 here I can get for $200 in Hong Kong. And, since I can get it shipped in a diplomatic bag - wifey works for the gov - I can bypass customs and taxes. If it acts up, not a problem. I ship it back over and get it replaced - no hassle.
Posted by carkitter
Well thats up to you I guess, as a Business Student I don't see a problem with a company making a profit off its customers for its shareholders. I mean, thats the purpose of being in business!
I believe VodafoneNZ has about 10% profit on turnover - thats not excessive.
So you can get a $500 phone for $200 eh? Well so can the parallel importing companies who then onsell the phones for VF prices minus $50 but without the VF 3G settings or support network.
Who's the real rip-off artists?
Posted by Nirodha
Oh, what-ever...why did you start yammering at me in the first place, like you were my olds or something
Posted by carkitter
Sorry if I upset you, I just don't have much time for the whole "big business is the bogey-man" type attitude especially when the evidence is to the contrary.
Look back a few pages and you'll see I was a vehement critic of VF's pricing structure, but now they've got thier act together with cheaper accounts, cheaper phones and cheaper and faster mobile broadband, it's time for credit where credit's due.
In the last six months I've recieved discounts on products and services worth over $1000 and thats not including the phone they replaced under VF insurance. There's no getting ripped off if you choose the right plan.
And that $20 phone... it was a Nokia 6234 worth $499.
Posted by carkitter
Anyone else go to Pukekohe on the weekend? I've posted some pics - see my signture link.
I wanted a Team Vodafone shirt but they'd sold out in my size and at $55 for a Tee Shirt it would have been the most expensive Team Tee on sale at Pukey yesterday...
And contrary to the info on Team VF dot com, there was no VFNZ or
stand (at least that I could see). A missed marketing opportunity?
Posted by carkitter
Just noticed that Vodafone have given their website a revamp. Much better looking IMO!
Vodafone are doing a special online only price of $299 for the
W200. Anyone seen one of these in the shop? Certainly not seen them at Sony Style Newmarket or Sylvia Park lately. Anyway 
+ 512Mb M2 + 130 New Zealand music tracks for $299? Very tempting! Not that I need another phone ATM.
Edit: W200 available in Black and white!!!
Also noted K800i and W850i RRP now $699 and Z610 down to $460 new on TradeMe!
_________________
SE and Vodafone sponsor Motorsport in OZ
If a man speaks in the woods and there's no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2007-05-04 06:41 ]
Posted by carkitter
Been quite a few things happen mobile phone-wise in Godzone...
On the
front, the V630i has been discontinued 
and the K610i has popped up to take it's place for $399 RRP. The S500 was pulled from SE.co.nz but is available at Parallel Imported in Black only at this stage. Beware the Green Keypad paint! K800i and W850i available at the Vodafone Online Shop for $629 each. Z310 clamshell been available now for a couple of months too. Sony style store now at Sylvia park, Mt Wellington, Auckland's second!
In the Mobile Industry there have been some major changes too!
Telecom have finally admitted thier CDMA mistake and have announced they'll be building a $350M GSM/UMTS2100 network, this will finally put pressure on mobile pricing and services and hopefully it'll lead to the sort of plans common in the UK where there is no peak/off peak differentiation.
Vodafone has released it's Mobile TV in conjunction with SKY. 9 channels are available and pay-per-view options to watch the Tri-nations rugby (I watched these) and Air NZ cup games which start next weekend. I'm surprised they don't broadcast the Warriors games, I'd definately pay for those. The Silver Ferns and the Americas Cup wouldn't go astray either.
I've been keen to get the S500 in Spring Yellow, but without 3G it really is quite useless to me, especially at $469 when a K610i sells for $399! I guess I'll probably wait for the W910 in Red...
Whadya reckon?
_________________
SE and Vodafone sponsor Motorsport in OZ
If a man speaks in the woods and there's no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2007-07-29 05:21 ]
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Heya. Haven't posted here for a while! I'm surprised this thread is still alive. Thanks for the update, any ideas on the K850i's NZ price and release date?
On the S500, I'd say its a bit of a chicks phone, especially in the golden colour. But it does look nice.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Anyone got an idea of the SE K850i's release date and price?
I've been doing a few conversions of prices taken from people other Esato members mostly from Europe. I get between $900NZ and $1100NZ most of the time. So going by the normal high NZ prices for SE phones, i think about $1400. What do you guys think?
Posted by carkitter
@ Oh-li
Welcome back!
When the K850i and W960i were first announced on the NZ
site, I checked the 'Please contact me when these phones are released' box and added my email address but no contact yet. Vodafone UK have not included K850i in thier pre-Christmas announcement so I wouldn't hold my breath for its release in Enzed. Watch for V640i and W910i to show up soon though!
Do you keep a eye on Vodafone's online shop? N95 now $999 and E65 selling for $649 - NZ's cheapest Wifi phone! K800i and W880i going for $629 and $699 respectively. Great prices, wouldn't go anywhere else TBH. Have you got a Vbox? Vbox discounts from Vodafone enabled me to get a Nokia 6234 for $20 and a Samsung Z400v for $99 recently...
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Yeah i checked that box too and haven't received any email yet unfortunately. I was really hoping for a new phone for Christmas, and I was waiting for the K850i and W960. Oh well, i guess thats the usual in NZ!
How do you find out about VF's phones coming out soon? I checked their website and found nothing about phones coming soon. Those prices seem really good, I think thats where i'll get my next phone from, it seems cheaper and more reliable!
What is a Vbox btw? Never heard of it! But if phones come that cheap, I'm keen to find out!
Posted by carkitter
Last year when I had my old V800 serviced for WSOD I asked about availability of the V630i and was told that it wasn't even listed as coming soon. A week later MoreFM Auckland ran a radio competition where they gave away several V630i's even though no Vodafone stores had stock.
I look at the Vodafone online shop every couple of days as it changes constantly.
If you have an Account and I'd recommend you do as they are CHEAP atm then you can get access to a Vbox with exclusive discounts and competitions every Quarter. I'm expecting some pre-Xmas discounts real soon...
As for the 6234, I combined Vbox discount of $399 with with 3G Handset subsidy of $80 (Choose 20 24-month contract with Add-ons) to end up paying $20 instead of RRP$499.
That was back in March, many other Vbox holders did the same thing and put thier 6234's on TradeMe with a $100 reserve. They did the same thing in June when the Z400v was reduced to $99. I gave my Samsung to my wife and the Nokia to my 12yr old son.
I'm hoping the current N95 drops further in price after Xmas when the new 8 gig version arrives. It'll either be that or a W910/W960/K770 as my next phone. I want either a slider, 3.2Mp+ camera or Wifi in my next mobile. N95 has all of these.
_________________
I
V8 Supercars
New Zealand - Hosts of the 2011 Rugby World Cup
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2007-10-19 22:18 ]
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2007-10-19 22:24 ]
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Thanks for the info! I'm just on prepay at the moment as i am just a student. I tried a plan late last year, but it didn't really work out as i found it too expensive for my tight budget! I find it easier with prepay, where i just top up when i have the money to spare! I would love to be able to get that kind of discount though!
Yeah, Nokias like the N95 are starting to tempt me more and more lately. But i think i'm going to wait for either the W960 or K850 to replace my V630 which i'm thoroughly sick of! I want a decent camera this time around! The WiFi of the W960 would be nice too if i can afford it.
_________________
This message was posted in the mail
[ This Message was edited by: Oh-li on 2007-10-24 11:46 ]
Posted by carkitter
On 2007-10-24 12:45:46, Oh-li wrote:
...to replace my V630 which i'm thoroughly sick of! I want a decent camera this time around! The WiFi of the W960 would be nice too if i can afford it.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What's wrong with the V630i !
I have one and love it! It's great value for the price; which would you rather have for 500 NZ peso's? K610i with no memory card or stereo speakers? 6234? Z400v? Moto V3XX? V630i wins hands down! A/F is not the be-all and end-all that some make out it is, but I do miss the flash as in my K700i and V800...
I think Wifi is the next big thing. Free urban Wifi networks are on thier way to NZ... they're already at many tertiary institutions such as Unitec Waitakere where I was earlier this year.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Oh yeah, i'd take the V630 anyday over anything in its price range! But I'm just a bit bored I guess... I think i'm like many members on Esato that want the newest SE phone when they came out simply because of a few upgraded features.
But i must say the V630's camera is one of the worst 2MP phone cameras i've seen. Its very grainy and is shocking in lowlight. But then, i came from a K700 and V600, similarly to you, and they both had camera lights. Maybe my V630 is a dud though... I really only got it beacause i couldn't afford a K800 at the time.
I have WiFi at home so it would be pretty cool to surf the internet with a phone while at home. Unfortunately Canterbury university charge fees for the use of their WiFi. But i hear they're going to make whole city centres into Wireless hotspots sometime in the next few years. Can't wait for that!
Posted by carkitter
I have a Wifi router but no longer use it since I got my Vodem. AFAIK my 1Gb data plan only includes the SIM card installed inside the Vodem and not data from browsing on my V630i. I have just recently installed Opera Mini on the V630i and I'm real impressed! I gonna have a chat to Vodafone about thier Data plans including all data charged to my account instead of just one SIM at a time. It is 2007 after all. Mobile broadband is coming of age...
Posted by citysoldier
PPl stil visiting here aye. Dicksmiths is selling the k800 for a crazy $350 limited time. Like wtf http://www.dse.co.nz/cgi-bin/[....]0a87f330678/Product/View/E9137 My bros getting it.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Yeah check out the vodafone shop!
K800i for just $399!
K610i for just $299!
W950i for just $399!
That W950i price seems way too low... it must have been selling really badly!
Also, the W880i is down at $649... Not so great, but still better than it was.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
I think its obvious though, they are clearing stock in anticipation of new models.
I think that, in New Zealand at least, they are replacing the K610i with the V640i, the W950i with the W960i, and the K800i, i presume will be replaced with the K770i - even though it is not the K800i or K810i's true replacement. Thats what I think will happen anyway!
I wish we got the K810i here. It would have been my next phone!
Posted by soane28
If any of you guys are interested in getting the K850 ASAP, have a look on trademe. The prices are real good ($899 at cheapest so far). They go down in price real quick too, so keep looking back.
Posted by carkitter
I reckon when the K850i is released officially by Vodafone it'll sell for RRP$899 just like the K800i did on its arrival... and PI usually sell thier's for RRP - $50; I think Vodafone NZ support and warranty is worth easily $50+
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Yeah true, so with buying a 3G SE from PI, is it possible to get the video calling and 3G features going without hacking the phone with software like wotan? Like can you get settings from Vodafone?
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Ok, just read earlier in the thread that Vodafone will charge to do this. Any idea how much?
Posted by carkitter
No idea.
_________________
I
V8 Supercars
New Zealand - Hosts of the 2011 Rugby World Cup
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2007-11-02 22:43 ]
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Thanks anyway. I contacted them by email. Wish I could go to their store, but I live in chch. I wish VFNZ would release more SE phones, then parallel importing wouldn't tempt me so much!
Posted by humphreybc
New Zealanders - check out my "Vodafone vs Telecom - The great New Zealand telecommunications battle" thread.
Voice your opinion! Stand up for yourselves and your inner love/hate for networking in New Zealand!!
Go for gold!!
Haha.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Just checked it out. Well worth a look guys.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
I think its getting pretty obvious that on Esato, there aren't enough NZ members to make a popular NZ topic thread!
I believe Carkitter found this problem out pretty quickly. Same with humphreybc. It seems there are only a few NZers active on Esato. Maybe up to bout 6???
So I am going to attempt to find us all and make a list right here:
So theres myself: Muhummad-Oli
Carkitter
Humphreybc
Chrispy
Thats all I can find that have been active within the last few months!
I'll add to the list if more turn up or if you are a NZer who isn't on the list!
[ This Message was edited by: Muhummad-Oli on 2007-11-18 22:55 ]
Posted by carkitter
My laptop has died, so I'm not here as often over the last 2 weeks. Will try to participate as much as I can from my local library!
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Thats bad luck! Yeah every NZ topic seemed to have died. I decided to give them a "bump".
NZer list:
Muhummad-Oli
Carkitter
Humphreybc
Chrispy
RevoWution
[ This Message was edited by: Muhummad-Oli on 2007-11-19 02:42 ]
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Well theres a bit of news on the NZ Vodafone/SE front:
The W910i, K770i and V640i are no longer "coming soon" on the SE NZ website. But they haven't showed up on the Vodafone online store yet.
The W850i is no longer for sale on the online store. It appears as though the W910i will be its replacement. Like I said earlier in this thread, I believe that Vodafone NZ is using the K770i as the K800i successor, even though it is not quite as well featured as the K800i.
The P1i has appeared at the Vodafone online store at a price of $899 down from an RRP of $999. I was thinking it would come out at a much higher price than this, so perhaps NZ Vodafone doesn't have high hopes for this model???
[ This Message was edited by: Muhummad-Oli on 2007-11-21 08:40 ]
Posted by soane28
im from new zealand if your wondering.