This is great news. The Raon Digital Vega is going to be available outside Korea.
I’ve been in touch with three agents today that have all said they will be adding the Vega to their portfolio.
Firstly, for Australia, New Zealand and surrounding islands, Tegatech will be offering both the 256 and 512MB versions to resellers. The MSRP (recommended price) has been set at AUS$1299 for the 256MB version and AUS$1350 for the 512MB version. End-user prices are unknown at this stage.
Secondly, for the UK market (and offering shipment into Europe,) Pocket PC Solutions will be selling the 512MB version for 550 pounds (815,- Euro) Pocket PC solutions say that stock will be limited to start with so order early for an Oct/Nov delivery.
Finally, the U.S. market looks like it will be served, as it is for many other ultra-mobile devices, by Dynamism. Dynamism are in negotiations with Raon Digital and will be announcing availability and pricing very soon. We’ll report here as soon as we hear more.
If you missed it yesterday, the full review of the Vega is now available along with a data sheet containing images, news and specifications. I’m also happy to answer questions over in this forum thread at Origamiportal.com.
Steve / Chippy.
tags: vega, umpc, uppc, mapc, carpc, carputer
Do they really think people are going to pay over $1000 for this way-underpowered computer. I mean, it is about $750 for the 512mb version in Korea so why the HUGE increase in price markup from these resellers?
Its expensive for sure but remember in Europe the average prices are much higher anyway. The UK is one of the most expensive markets in Europe too so when you talk about 550 pounds for such a unique device in the UK, it’s not so shocking. Also remember that the Vega is being imported en-spec and will have 15-20% taxes added on import. Add the shipping (x2) and a margin for the resellers support, marketing and profit and there’s not much room for improvement.
Steve.
So in other words it’s now well beyond the $750 range which made it enticing to start with. I can buy devices like these in the $1000.00-$2000.00 as I easily have the job to support this purchase but I value my money and want to have an equal exchange for what I put into it.
This little device is just too low-spec for the costs now. I see another pepperpad unfortunately that is great only for the early adopters and techies. Shame.
Looks like my only hope is the Averatec AHI.
Prices in the U.S. haven’t been announced yet so if we take the average price difference between Germany and the U.S. (something around 15%) I’d say its going to arrive in the U.S. at something around $850.
Dynamism are working on this and as a well-known and popular company they might be in a better position to negotiate discounts for the much much bigger US market.
I’m in touch with Dynamism and will relay the prices as soon as I hear something.
Regards
Steve.
Anonymous
If the US prices is as Steve suggests $850 and you buy direct from the US, then add $50 FedEx shipping which will make the VEGA $900. Now convert at the average credit card/bank exchange rate of 1.78, and the device come in at £505. FedEx will then process the shipment through customs on your behalf and charge approx £6, and then UK customs will add 17.5% VAT. Add them all together and your total cost for the VEGA purchased from the US will cost you £600, so based on this the UK price in cheaper for once than the US. Of course we will have to see what the US price is when launched.
Thanks)) I like it))