HTC Desire Z - release date in SA?

[CathJ]

I'm really, really looking forward to getting the Desire Z, but I have no idea when it might be available in SA, or at what price.

So I'm considering getting it from Expansys @ R6400. But then I could run into warranty issues... and when it is released locally it could be cheaper.... But on the other hand, it could be more expensive, and it could take months to get here!

[kingrob]

The Desire Z & HD were released on the same date worldwide, but I haven't seen a listing for it on MTN's web site yet. The HD is listed under upgrades on www.mtnsp.co.za .

It is a very nice phone! Might be best to give Leaf a phone call, or visit www.leaf.co.za for more info.

[dotVIBE]

I figure release time to be the same as that of the Desire HD, which now looks like mid December-ish.

[CathJ]

The Desire Z & HD were released on the same date worldwide, but I haven't seen a listing for it on MTN's web site yet. The HD is listed under upgrades on www.mtnsp.co.za .

It is a very nice phone! Might be best to give Leaf a phone call, or visit www.leaf.co.za for more info.

I've tried Leaf, but they just don't reply. I've mailed Vodacom, maybe they'll be able to help.

[kingrob]

I've tried Leaf, but they just don't reply. I've mailed Vodacom, maybe they'll be able to help.

All depends who you talk to, or who answers your query....I phoned Vodacom Retentions & the dude didn't even know about the Desire HD. Maybe they're all playing dumb to try and finish off the Desire stock?

*Tip : Start an official HTC Desire Z thread, there are people on here with good connections to the top brass at MTN & Vodacom. They might be able to help you. ;)

[Maddmatt]

Sites like Expansys will rip you off while they're the only local companies that import it. You'll save by importing it yourself.

They were selling the Galaxy S for about R10 000 when I imported mine at a total cost of R5500 from a UK online store.

[mcryan]

Sites like Expansys will rip you off while they're the only local companies that import it. You'll save by importing it yourself.

They were selling the Galaxy S for about R10 000 when I imported mine at a total cost of R5500 from a UK online store.

Which UK online store might that be?

[Maddmatt]

Which UK online store might that be?

I used http://www.handtec.co.uk/
There's plenty of other options too.
Ordered on Moday, phone arrived on Friday. I see no point in using the local importers, just typical SA companies that like to rip us off. I had no trouble importing it myself.

[CathJ]

I actually got a reply from Vodacom - although not a terribly helpful one:

Kindly be advised that we have liaised with our Procurement Division who advised that the handset is currently being tested on the Vodacom network. They have advised that this can 3-4 weeks for completion and based on the outcome of the testing, then only would a decision be made when the handset would be launched on the Vodacom network.

So expansys is looking appealing... but maybe I should wait for my bonus before I make a decision ;)

(and I'd rather go through expansys than import myself - the prices aren't that different, especially when you factor in shipping from the UK, and at least with expansys I know I won't be hit by currency fluctuations or customs fees)

[kingrob]

I actually got a reply from Vodacom - although not a terribly helpful one:


So expansys is looking appealing... but maybe I should wait for my bonus before I make a decision ;)

(and I'd rather go through expansys than import myself - the prices aren't that different, especially when you factor in shipping from the UK, and at least with expansys I know I won't be hit by currency fluctuations or customs fees)

It simply does not make sense to buy a phone cash.

When you get it with a phone contract, at least you get free minutes + data with it. For example, when I took the iPhone 3G with Vodacom, I got 100sms, 120 anytime minutes + 250MB data every month .... makes more sense than buying the phone cash for R8500?

*I'm also swaying towards the Desire Z now.....just not sure about the Desire HD anymore.

[CathJ]

It simply does not make sense to buy a phone cash.

When you get it with a phone contract, at least you get free minutes + data with it. For example, when I took the iPhone 3G with Vodacom, I got 100sms, 120 anytime minutes + 250MB data every month .... makes more sense than buying the phone cash for R8500?

*I'm also swaying towards the Desire Z now.....just not sure about the Desire HD anymore.

For me, it just doesn't make sense to buy it on contract. I rarely make calls, so it's not like the free minutes replace what I would be spending. I buy very little airtime on prepaid, and I spend that mostly on data, so it would actually cost me more on contract x 24 months than prepaid x 24 months + phone cost. And generally there's a large pay-in on the phones I want on contract, anyway.

[kingrob]

For me, it just doesn't make sense to buy it on contract. I rarely make calls, so it's not like the free minutes replace what I would be spending. I buy very little airtime on prepaid, and I spend that mostly on data, so it would actually cost me more on contract x 24 months than prepaid x 24 months + phone cost. And generally there's a large pay-in on the phones I want on contract, anyway.

Then I would go with a TopUp contract, just convert the airtime to data on www.vodacom4me.co.za - will still be much cheaper.

I was actually keen on migrating my iPhone contract to a TopUp contract, but then I would lose my dual sim, which I'm not prepared to do. So....it's a Talk75 contract & I can buy a data bundle every second month (it lasts for two months), e.g. 600MB @ R185.

[CathJ]

Leaf (well, lab88) say they should have it in 2 to 3 weeks...

[b4 u born]

Had a chance to play with someone's Desire Z over the weekend. Stunning phone nice silver finish will go for it as opposed to DHD. Soon.....

Sent from my HTC Desire using MyBroadband Android App

[HawkiesZA]

I mailed lab88 about two weeks ago and they said that it should be available this week. I'm holding thumbs, but not my breath.

[CathJ]

lab88 has a price up! It's still only on pre-order, but it lists it at R6888 (same price as the Mozart, incidentally).

[HawkiesZA]

lab88 has a price up! It's still only on pre-order, but it lists it at R6888 (same price as the Mozart, incidentally).

Yep, saw it too just now. It's a smidge more expensive than Expansys. I'm still a little undecided on this one - I'll definitely take the Desire Z over the Desire HD, but I'm not sure if I should actually get the Desire Z or try and stick it out with my trusty Dream :-/

[CathJ]

Yep, saw it too just now. It's a smidge more expensive than Expansys. I'm still a little undecided on this one - I'll definitely take the Desire Z over the Desire HD, but I'm not sure if I should actually get the Desire Z or try and stick it out with my trusty Dream :-/

It is slightly more, but then you have the advantage of a local warranty, which you don't have with expansys. I'm going to wait until it's available from lab88 - hopefully not too long now!

[kingrob]

It is slightly more, but then you have the advantage of a local warranty, which you don't have with expansys. I'm going to wait until it's available from lab88 - hopefully not too long now!

Cath, don't know why, but I still think you're getting the better phone between the Desire HD & Z.

You know something we dont. :p

[HawkiesZA]

It is slightly more, but then you have the advantage of a local warranty, which you don't have with expansys. I'm going to wait until it's available from lab88 - hopefully not too long now!

Yeah, there is the warranty thing. I have been thinking though, that I'm probably going to end up rooting it anyway, so the warranty will be void pretty soon. I also saw that Altronix has it up for grabs at R5590 + import duties, which should work out quite a bit cheaper than through lab88. Have any of you dealt with Altronix and can they be trusted?

[CathJ]

Apparently there's a "big delay" on the Desire Z's :(
I wonder if they were in the same shipment as the hijacked HD's?

They said they'd give me the new estimated arrival date soon as they can - i'll pass it on when I hear.

[SDSmurf]

Apparently there's a "big delay" on the Desire Z's :(
I wonder if they were in the same shipment as the hijacked HD's?

They said they'd give me the new estimated arrival date soon as they can - i'll pass it on when I hear.

Any news here? My Wife is very keen on the Desire, but definitely wants the slideout keyboard too. I checked with Vodaworld and they (predictably) kept referring to the normal Desire.

[IAMZAIN]

there is a place in fordsburg that has it for R5000

[CathJ]

Okay, so here's what I've heard from lab88: the delay was because the local networks had an issue with the default ROM, so they had to send it back for changes and re-testing (so I wouldn't buy an imported version - you might run into issues with it working in SA. Not major issues, probably, but I know with the old TyTN that I brought in from the UK call-me's didn't work right). It is apparently all fine now, and they were supposed to get stock last Friday but are still waiting. I live in hope that they'll get before Christmas :)

[HawkiesZA]

Got a call this morning from lab88 to say that they finally have stock (limited though, only around 10 or so), but that the price is R6888 (as on the website). This puts it on par with the Mozart and makes it R100 more expensive than the DHD. The reason is that it's the release price while the DHD has been in the country for a bit, so the price for the Desire Z should come down around the end of January.

I'll wait and see what happens, maybe I can get one for cheap from someone who doesn't want it or maybe I can get my hands on a Nexus S.

Merry Christmas everyone!

[kingrob]

Got a call this morning from lab88 to say that they finally have stock (limited though, only around 10 or so), but that the price is R6888 (as on the website). This puts it on par with the Mozart and makes it R100 more expensive than the DHD. The reason is that it's the release price while the DHD has been in the country for a bit, so the price for the Desire Z should come down around the end of January.

I'll wait and see what happens, maybe I can get one for cheap from someone who doesn't want it or maybe I can get my hands on a Nexus S.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Just a quick search on Amazon.co.uk made me realize that lab88 is taking the piss.

You can have a Desire Z for £389.60 (R4,047.80) sim free, so if you are buying from lab88, you are been screwed royally.

Here's the link : http://www.amazon.co.uk/HTC-Desire-Free-Mobile-Phone/dp/B003ZDP5YU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293200029&sr=8-1

[ForSure]

only downside for me about the z is the damn sliding hinge , looks weak lol

[marine1]

Looks like a much nicer phone and better than the Desire HD?

[HapticSimian]

Looks like a much nicer phone and better than the Desire HD?

Better how? It's just a variant in the current HTC Desire range with a hardware QWERTY keyboard...

[kingrob]

Looks like a much nicer phone and better than the Desire HD?

It's the "girlie" version of the Desire HD.

[marine1]

Ha ha I must be a girlie I like keyboards

[marine1]

When is it releasing on vodacom?

[kingrob]

When is it releasing on vodacom?

Should be in January, but there were delays, so might even be later.

[marine1]

Ahh ok thanks, I see the HD version has a bit more grunt but the battery life is not great, maybe this one will be better?

[kingrob]

Ahh ok thanks, I see the HD version has a bit more grunt but the battery life is not great, maybe this one will be better?

Yeah, people are reporting more than a day's use with it.

[CathJ]

Got a call this morning from lab88 to say that they finally have stock (limited though, only around 10 or so), but that the price is R6888 (as on the website). This puts it on par with the Mozart and makes it R100 more expensive than the DHD. The reason is that it's the release price while the DHD has been in the country for a bit, so the price for the Desire Z should come down around the end of January.

I'll wait and see what happens, maybe I can get one for cheap from someone who doesn't want it or maybe I can get my hands on a Nexus S.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Yeah, I also got a call - but they haven't updated the website, so you can't order through there, you have to mail their orders email address. To which I've had no reply, even though I mailed them on the 23rd (I know, it's Christmas, people are on leave - but at least acknowledge my email!)

[CathJ]

Finally ordered mine yesterday - hopefully the payment will reflect today and I should get the phone tomorrow! Yay!

[kingrob]

Finally ordered mine yesterday - hopefully the payment will reflect today and I should get the phone tomorrow! Yay!

Hooray!! Let us know how it goes.

[mcarte]

bought mine thro Expansys - excellent service and reasonable price given the UK price & shipping etc. been hit by customs a few too many times with direct imports!

love my phone, it is the best!

and if you do the math on contracts vs cash phones - only makes sense to buy cash - u can still have a cellphone contract but you can get a cheaper one if you look at the no-phone list (you have to ask for it). buying your phone on contract simply means you are buying it on HP - with all the costs that go into that! crazy.

[kingrob]

bought mine thro Expansys - excellent service and reasonable price given the UK price & shipping etc. been hit by customs a few too many times with direct imports!

love my phone, it is the best!

and if you do the math on contracts vs cash phones - only makes sense to buy cash - u can still have a cellphone contract but you can get a cheaper one if you look at the no-phone list (you have to ask for it). buying your phone on contract simply means you are buying it on HP - with all the costs that go into that! crazy.

You don't really win, as you get free minutes with your contract as well.

I got my Desire HD from MTN on a Anytime 100 contract @ R249 a month (no pay-in), which works out to : R249 X 24 = R5976 + R100 worth of airtime for 24 months = R2400 worth of airtime.

So....if my calculations are correct : R5976 - R2400 = R3576 is what I'm actually paying for the phone.

[ForSure]

You don't really win, as you get free minutes with your contract as well.

I got my Desire HD from MTN on a Anytime 100 contract @ R249 a month (no pay-in), which works out to : R249 X 24 = R5976 + R100 worth of airtime for 24 months = R2400 worth of airtime.

So....if my calculations are correct : R5976 - R2400 = R3576 is what I'm actually paying for the phone.

but like how much data you using every month extra than just the R100 airtime ?

[felixeous]

Okay, so here's what I've heard from lab88: the delay was because the local networks had an issue with the default ROM, so they had to send it back for changes and re-testing (so I wouldn't buy an imported version - you might run into issues with it working in SA. Not major issues, probably, but I know with the old TyTN that I brought in from the UK call-me's didn't work right). It is apparently all fine now, and they were supposed to get stock last Friday but are still waiting. I live in hope that they'll get before Christmas :)
Do you know any more about the issues with the ROM? I've got a friend who is coming out from the UK and I was planning on ordering the Desire Z from Amazon and having them bring it out, but I don't want to end up with a problem phone. Tempting at R2 800 or so less than the local price though.

Those who have the phone - are you happy with it? How is the keyboard? I'm upgrading from a Nokia E71 and use that for a lot of email, so I'd prefer a physical keyboard.

[CathJ]

Got mine today - it's awesome! Just doesn't compare to my TyTNII - it's in another league altogether.

Haven't done much with it yet, but so far I'm really impressed (and a bit intimidated!).

Oh, and it doesn't come with a case, but does come with an 8Gb SD card. It uses a micro-usb cable, which plugs into a wall adapter so you can charge from the wall or a PC, but they aren't two separate things so you can't use one at home and one at work without getting an extra (micro) usb cable. It also comes with a little pair earphones, fwiw. And because it's capacitative, no stylus to lose! :)

[Raithlin]

For the record, I've seen and heard different reviews, but the general feeling is that this is an excellent phone. One reviewer was adamant that this was "the best Android phone yet".

Looking forward to my upgrade in a few months. I played with the keyboard slider at lab88 yesterday (Vodaworld), and it's quite snappy - not as flimsy as it looks.

New owners - I suggest you spend some time at xda developers - there are threads there that do everything from root your phone to overclocking (safely overclocked to almost 1.8GHz!). This is the tinkerer's dream phone... :D

[irshad]

Just ordered the desire z from Nashua mobil today, it should be mine in a few days or so.....Can't wait.....

[kingrob]

Was so looking forward to hear from CathJ how the phone is performing, but she has disappeared. I think she's very happy with it. :)

[CathJ]

Was so looking forward to hear from CathJ how the phone is performing, but she has disappeared. I think she's very happy with it. :)

Yep, I was off playing with my phone :D

It really is great. Although I must say that I'm not sure if I actually need the keyboard... it's so easy to use the onscreen version (I'd heard that, but was doubtful - but it really is easy to use). The screen is sharp and clear, and I haven't noticed any slowness so I don't think I'll need to be overclocking yet ;) The phone feels solid, and the hinge slides easily but feels sturdy.

There are a couple of annoying things - mostly related to just how integrated it is with the net, which doesn't work so well here when you don't have an unlimited data plan. But you can disable a lot, and so far my data usage is under control quite nicely (without crippling the use of the phone). The built-in QuickOffice sucks, it doesn't even allow copy&paste, but there are plenty of replacements in the Android Market.

What else.... oh, whatever you do, don't get Angry Birds. It's such an addictive game, you'll start losing out on sleep :D

Any other questions, feel free to ask and I'll try to answer.

[AfricanTech]

[snip] ...and I haven't noticed any slowness so I don't think I'll need to be overclocking yet ;) ...[snip]

What was your previous phone? I'm very happy with my TouchPro 2 (WM6.5 + SPB Mobile Shell) except for the speed - am a bit concerned that the Z has a fairly slow (compared to all the new phones) processor and don't want to upgrade and still have sluggish response.

[CathJ]

What was your previous phone? I'm very happy with my TouchPro 2 (WM6.5 + SPB Mobile Shell) except for the speed - am a bit concerned that the Z has a fairly slow (compared to all the new phones) processor and don't want to upgrade and still have sluggish response.

I had a TyTN II, which is a couple of years old, so any speed increase is noticeable :)

[irshad]

got my phone yesterday and im loving it!!!!!!!!!!!

[SubliminalThought]

Anyone know if Vodacom ISP (vodashop) will have the Desire-Z on their list anytime soon? Upgrade is coming up soon and i would like to get this phone on a topup 315

[Dean]

Yep, I was off playing with my phone :D

It really is great. Although I must say that I'm not sure if I actually need the keyboard... it's so easy to use the onscreen version (I'd heard that, but was doubtful - but it really is easy to use).


I'm still doubtful :)

The only thing keeping me from switching from my Nokia E71 to Android is the lack of physical keyboards...

Do you mind me asking how much you type/email/message? I type quite a bit for work email and WhatsApp - the tactile keyboard seems like such a must?
(and I have big fingers :) )

[CathJ]

I'm still doubtful :)

The only thing keeping me from switching from my Nokia E71 to Android is the lack of physical keyboards...

Do you mind me asking how much you type/email/message? I type quite a bit for work email and WhatsApp - the tactile keyboard seems like such a must?
(and I have big fingers :) )

Sorry for the slow reply :)

I use it a lot, and always swore that there was no way I could possibly manage without a keyboard - and I don't think I've used the keyboard more than 5 times since I got the phone (and none at all since I installed swype). I'd say see if you can borrow a phone, or try out a demo model in a shop (although that might not give you long enough to get the feel of the phone), and you might be convinced ;)

[Harshaan]

Hi all :-)
i've owned the Desire Z for just over a year and absolutely loved it.
I just upgraded to the Galaxy Note and my oh my is it HUGE ! lol
Going to take sometime to get used to ...
Now that my desire z is not in use i think i should sell it.
If anyone's interested you can PM me
:-)
Enjoy those Desire Z's guys, i surely did !