Database Users

UK Users: Buy now or wait?

I'm in the UK on a SIM-only deal on O2 and looking for a new unlocked handset. The N1 has caught my eye, and I think I will take the plunge.
I'm currently using a loaned phone, so I am quite keen to get a handset soon, but Google haven't given any firm info as to the release date of the handset into the UK other than "Quarter 2" which could mean any time up to the end of June.
So, should I succumb to my impatience and get the American one via the Google website? Other than a 2-pin plug and a VAT bill, what are the downsides? I've heard about things such as the sat nav being US-specific? How much of a deal is this? Are there any other "Americanisms" I should be aware of?
The price is something I would just have to take a chance on. I understand that the handset + VAT + shipping comes in at around £450 give or take based on exchange rate. I've seen a few on eBay a bit cheaper than this as well.
It's possible that buying the UK one from Google would be cheaper, but to be honest, I'm sure that even Google won't be able to resist a bit of "rip-off Britain" and I'd be surpised if they price the UK-version of the handset much cheaper than £450 anyway.
What are people's thoughts then? Anyone regret not being patient?

Hey, I brought a Nexus One back in January - your estimate is about right - you get the VAT charge from the courier a week later in the mail. One thing I did was declined the country-specific AC adaptor as doing so seems to completely avoid import duty - the US adapter supports our voltage and hence works with most shaver adapter plugs.
On the note of 'sat nav' it is true that Google Maps Navigation is currently US-only, but hopefully Google will eventually make the necessary mapping licensing changes to make it available in the UK.
In respect to a 'UK version' my guesstimate is that it'll only be in respect to availability on contracts on some of our carriers, rather than a reduced-price model that isn't imported when ordered unlocked/contract-free.
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

The only reason to wait for a "UK" version is if you plan on getting it on contract. And even then you still have to order it direct from google's website as you won't be able to walk into a Vodafone store and walk out with a brand new Nexus One.
Off-contract price including VAT will be similar. The Desire from expansys is going for £440. So even if there is an "official UK" version of the N1 I doubt the price would vary much compared to the Desire, and even if it does it certainly won't be any cheaper. Even after VAT, buying from google direct now still works out at around the £440-460 mark.
So unless you plan on getting it on contract with Vodafone, there really isn't much reason to hold off.

Have you considered getting a Desire?
You _should_ be able to get an unlocked phone for less than you can pickup and import a Nexus One. (Afaik you can get a PAYG Desire from Carphone Warehouse for ~ 400 quid)
Depends on personal preference really though - having played with a Desire I MUCH prefer the look and usability of the N1, sense just doesn't "do it " for me anymore and N1 should get updates before the Desire does (hopefully anyway!)

My rationale for waiting is that I assume a direct-from-Google UK version of the phone will be tailored for the UK market, e.g. sat nav, localisations, adaptor, etc. Of course, not having access to a phone, I'm not sure at the moment how problematic having an American version would be (if at all).
How easy is it to configure for UK operator settings, e.g. MMS?
Highland3r - I looked at the Desire, but I also don't "get" the SenseUI. My previous phone was an X1 WinMo phone which I flashed with a custom TouchFlo ROM, and I ended up flashing back to Stock. Seems to slow the phone down considerably and a bit too "idiot-proofed" for my liking.

I’m considering Nexus One, but I will wait for its UK opening. I am quite sure that the price will be lower and the Desire is the reason. Currently, it could be taken for £350 and this is a lot of a difference towards £450 for an imported Nexus One. The only issue is that there is not any info when the Nexus One will be available here. The latest news stated for the current month, but we never know...

Considered BundleBox? May be cheaper.

O and O said:
Considered BundleBox? May be cheaper.
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I entered a price of $529, a weight of 0.9kg, a size of 12x8x6.25 inches, and a type of Consumer Electronics :: Mobile Phone.
4-5 day delivery is £111.79 - including shipping (£38.41) VAT (£68.80), and an extra £4.58 handling fee.
My understanding is that Google use DHL, and it costs about $30. VAT would be similar. So you are probably saving about £10-20 by shipping direct from Google.
Cheers for the link and the info though; always handy to know about these things.

No problem, always happy to help.
I wanted to get a Zune HD with them but found it cheaper on eBay.

I ordered my nexus 1 from america in feb for around £400-£420 all together, it was very fast delivery, i ordered it on a thursday and it arrived on monday, the DHL tracking facility was excellenf, i was even able to track the flight it was on! although admittedly that wasnt part of the dhl tracker.
Your best off ordering one from america me thinks, theres no difference really, yes you do need to configure some VPU settings to get it to pick up your signal, but its not hard to do, theres a thread on here somewhere with a walkthrough.
Also, for the nexus one on Play.com and Amazon your looking at spending £570! .... much cheaper to buy straight from google in the states, you get the free engraving which didnt seem to slow delivery down at all.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Htc-Nexus-O...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1271156008&sr=8-1

It is expensive and especially as we get ripped off on postage and VAT. You can get it on expansys for a little less I think. But I would rather pay extra knowing it's official to me like. Going to get the car dock and desk dock next week once student loans clear.

Mine cost me £412, without the adaptor (use the US one and an 80p shaver plug), miles cheaper than any other retailer.
And you'll probably get it quicker ordering from Google as well, mine was ordered Tuesday evening and it was in my hand on the Friday.

Rusty! said:
And you'll probably get it quicker ordering from Google as well, mine was ordered Tuesday evening and it was in my hand on the Friday.
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Rusty - i notice your on Vodaphone?!? What package do you use?
thanks in advance!

Online billing says this: Your Household Discount Plan comes with 300 minutes + Unlimited Texts with Mobile Internet
It costs £15 per month, but it is discounted 50% for 11 out of the 12 months
Hooray for retentions!

digital_elysium said:
My rationale for waiting is that I assume a direct-from-Google UK version of the phone will be tailored for the UK market, e.g. sat nav, localisations, adaptor, etc. Of course, not having access to a phone, I'm not sure at the moment how problematic having an American version would be (if at all).
How easy is it to configure for UK operator settings, e.g. MMS?
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No problems with an import version - you set the locale to English UK on first use (think of it like setting up a PC after installing windows / OS X / <insert flavour of linux here>).
Piece of cake setting up the APNs for O2 UK - for O2 Contract I setup 2..
Name: O2 Mobile Web
APN: mobile.o2.co.uk
UserName: web
Password: web
MCC: 234
MNC: 10
APN: default
Name: O2 UK MMS
APN: wap.o2.co.uk
Port: 9201
UserName: o2wap
Password: password
MMSC: http://mmsc.mms.o2.co.uk:8002
MMS Proxy: 193.113.200.195
MMS Port: 8080
MCC: 234
MNC: 10
APN: mms

Cheers for the advice guys. I bit the bullet and ordered one direct from Google. following sound suggestions from people on here, I left out the UK adaptor. I fancied the desktop dock, but I have left it for now; hopefully get one cheaper later.
Came to about £370 minus the inveitable £65 VAT bill. Not too bad.
Even though I know it will take a week or two to arrive, doesn't stop me checking Google Checkout every 5 minutes to see if it has switched from "processing order" to "shipped"!

digital_elysium said:
Even though I know it will take a week or two to arrive, doesn't stop me checking Google Checkout every 5 minutes to see if it has switched from "processing order" to "shipped"!
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Nice one..
Mine took 3 days to arrive (ordered Sunday night UK time, arrived at work Weds morning).
Once you get a tracking number you can setup emails / texts from DHL on each change of status.
Enjoy the phone

As above, 3/4 days is the norm for delivery times. You might regret not getting the dock though... it's another $20 shipping charge to order separately!

digital_elysium said:
I'm in the UK on a SIM-only deal on O2 and looking for a new unlocked handset. The N1 has caught my eye, and I think I will take the plunge.
I'm currently using a loaned phone, so I am quite keen to get a handset soon, but Google haven't given any firm info as to the release date of the handset into the UK other than "Quarter 2" which could mean any time up to the end of June.
So, should I succumb to my impatience and get the American one via the Google website? Other than a 2-pin plug and a VAT bill, what are the downsides? I've heard about things such as the sat nav being US-specific? How much of a deal is this? Are there any other "Americanisms" I should be aware of?
The price is something I would just have to take a chance on. I understand that the handset + VAT + shipping comes in at around £450 give or take based on exchange rate. I've seen a few on eBay a bit cheaper than this as well.
It's possible that buying the UK one from Google would be cheaper, but to be honest, I'm sure that even Google won't be able to resist a bit of "rip-off Britain" and I'd be surpised if they price the UK-version of the handset much cheaper than £450 anyway.
What are people's thoughts then? Anyone regret not being patient?
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Hi,
I'm on o2 Sim only deal. I bought a sim free mobile from Google USA.
I think it worth your while & you mighty as-well just purchase one of the Google website & get it shipped.
Thanks
JAW$

Rusty! said:
As above, 3/4 days is the norm for delivery times. You might regret not getting the dock though... it's another $20 shipping charge to order separately!
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There was method to the madness... the phone needs to be toddler-proof, which is the basically the equivalent of bomb-proof. So I have ordered a neoprene shell and screen protector. But I am guessing the desktop dock is contoured in such a way that it would not take the phone with a shell on.
So basically, I need to try it out first. If the shell is pointless, I will just take it off, then I can get a desktop dock; hopefully by then it will be released in the UK on Vodafone and they'll be selling the docks in the Vodafone stores. If the shell is mandatory, then I will just leave it as is.

[Q] Some questions about buying online

My sister is looking to buy this phone as a Christmas present and we are not that big on online shopping but it looks like it is going to be the only way to get the cheap price after news on LGs MSRP.
Does anyone know what time and timezone to start trying to get it on the Play Store? Since it only has a notify me box and no way to preorder and I feel it will go out of stock fast. So she plans on sitting at the computer to get it bought as fast as possible.
Also what shipping and other fees can be expected when shipping it to Canada?

Google Play support has stated that the store is in the PST timezone (GMT-8), and it's assumed to go on sale at midnight. It's all speculation at this point though

Thanks, that helps a lot.

[Tablet] Importing to Australia: Lessons Learned

For those in the US, getting your hands on one of these devices appears to be relatively straightforward (providing you can get stock).
For those of us anywhere outside the land of the free, it is rather onerous. I have one winging it's way down to me in Brisbane, Australia.
Following it sometime in September (so Amazon suggests) will be the wireless controller and case. I hope it's sooner. I don't know if a solution for superuser exists for the Shield at this time. I need to do some more reading here and see if I can get SixAxis working to tide me over in the short-term. Otherwise I'll have to go back to my Moga Pocket until the controller ships to me.
For those who covet the tablet in Australia, I wrote a blog post with my experiences with Freight Forwarders over at http://jaredleonmorgan.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/from-usa-to-colony-shipito-vs-hop-shop.html
The usual local importers such as MobiCity haven't committed to importing the device yet, so take your chances.
I'm really, really hopeful that I get a device without the random issues some folks have reported. It will be a costly exercise to get it back to the US for warranty if I am unlucky.

Got mine via Shipito, used them for years now. Very fast and reliable service.

NZtechfreak said:
Got mine via Shipito, used them for years now. Very fast and reliable service.
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Yeah, definitely. There is no disputing their reliability. Very good customer service as well, which is important when entrusting a company to ship your valuable electronic items to you.
I just found the account verification process a bit onerous (I do understand why it's so important though). And the Website is showing it's age from a usability perspective.
The Hop Shop Go option will be interesting to experience when the Controller and Case ship later in September. I just like the convenience of it all plugging into PayPal, and the Business Process Management approach to how they structure the customer workflow. They are little things, but they make a big difference to how the customer interacts with the service.
It's worth noting that Hop Shop Go is purely for parcels. If you need to forward letters from the US onto other countries, then Shipito is set up really well for that particular service.

jaredmorgs said:
Yeah, definitely. There is no disputing their reliability. Very good customer service as well, which is important when entrusting a company to ship your valuable electronic items to you.
I just found the account verification process a bit onerous (I do understand why it's so important though). And the Website is showing it's age from a usability perspective.
The Hop Shop Go option will be interesting to experience when the Controller and Case ship later in September. I just like the convenience of it all plugging into PayPal, and the Business Process Management approach to how they structure the customer workflow. They are little things, but they make a big difference to how the customer interacts with the service.
It's worth noting that Hop Shop Go is purely for parcels. If you need to forward letters from the US onto other countries, then Shipito is set up really well for that particular service.
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NZ Post has a freight forwarding service called YouShop now, which is an interesting sign of the times as a response to dropping postal revenues around the world. Used them and they were fine, but no expedited shipping options like Fedex Priority via Shipito. Another good thing about Shipito is being able to do your own customs declarations.

NZtechfreak said:
NZ Post has a freight forwarding service called YouShop now, which is an interesting sign of the times as a response to dropping postal revenues around the world. Used them and they were fine, but no expedited shipping options like Fedex Priority via Shipito. Another good thing about Shipito is being able to do your own customs declarations.
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I have to say NZ is generally ahead of Australia in offering services and trying new things (PINs on Credit Cards being something my wife continues to cite when the subject comes up).
I had a good poke around Hop Shop Go and they use either DHL or FedEx as their carriers. What I liked is that the shipping is a fixed price based on KG weight (unless the item is really bulky).
I got a bit frustrated with Shipito and how what I thought was the full amount for the transaction turned out to not be after I paid the balance. I ended up having to do two transactions which costs me more in fees.
It was also my fault, but I didn't realise that I couldn't store more than one parcel at a time with the Free Service, and the Oregon address was extra as well. Contrast that with Hop Shop Go which offer consolidation and Oregon tax free status by default. I could have saved about $45 in tax and shipping.
Putting a positive spin on it though, Shipito did force my hand in getting the Shield Tablet shipped much earlier than I probably would have been inclined to with Hop Shop Go, purely because I had to clear my mailbox before the other order arrived (or pay $10).

how to get Nexus Protect in Canada?

I'm looking for a way to circumvent the regional restriction on buying my Nexus 6p.
In Canada I can buy the device, but I can't get the Nexus protect, only in US; is there a work around to allow me to buy from the US Playstore? I want the warranty, my carrier only carries the 32g model, but I want 64, and a different color; I also don't want to go without the coverage, especially with some of the concerns about bending a device.
Appreciate your advice.

Can you get Squaretrade in Canada? I heard there were some discount coupons flowing around
Other than that, go spend a weekend with a friend in the US and buy the phone there. You won't pay import duties if the phone is under CAD$800. Only bad thing is, if you ever want to make a claim, I don't think they'll ship to Canada, so you'll have to use your friend's house again.
Edit: Nexus Protect is available in Canada now

US force users, where did you buy your phone?

Im currently using a nexus 5. My screen is broken pretty badlyand and my headphone jack is failing. I really like the specs of the force/turbo. I'm on ATT so I would need to go force. I'd also like to get the force so I can root. But I'm haveing a hard time finding the phone on the market though. Is there anyone in the US that is using the force? If so where did you end up buying it from? Are you enjoying it?

You can get one from Mexico. I've got mine from UK because I went to EU for holidays. I'm really enjoying it. The best Android phone I ever had and the first one I'm using at is. No bl unlock, no root. Strange feeling
Usually I'm unlcoking and flashing custom rom max few days, max one month after purchase.

Did you order from the Motorola EU online store or did you buy it in person somewhere? I looked at the Mexico Motorola store today but it looks like they will only ship to Mexico. Need Google translator to confirm though.

BrownEye02 said:
Did you order from the Motorola EU online store or did you buy it in person somewhere? I looked at the Mexico Motorola store today but it looks like they will only ship to Mexico. Need Google translator to confirm though.
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I won it on ebay auction. Few shops from UK selling it too. Jaocagomez can help you to get one from Mexico.
I'm still in Europe (Budapest) on business trip and flying back to San Jose on February 6. Maybe you can order here and I can bring to you. Not sure is it good idea

Thanks, but I'd rather purchase it so it ships directly to me. No middle man hasels.
I did confirm Motorolas Mexico site will only ship to Mexico.
Hunting around I feel like the phone has not been released yet. I know its going to be released in India in February but from the news articals I read the phone was released in november, yet most webistes say preorder or coming soon. Did I miss something? Even some ebay listings reflect this. Unless you want to spend 900$+.

BrownEye02 said:
Thanks, but I'd rather purchase it so it ships directly to me. No middle man hasels.
I did confirm Motorolas Mexico site will only ship to Mexico.
Hunting around I feel like the phone has not been released yet. I know its going to be released in India in February but from the news articals I read the phone was released in november, yet most webistes say preorder or coming soon. Did I miss something? Even some ebay listings reflect this. Unless you want to spend 900$+.
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I ordered mine from Clove technologies in the UK

Thanks! I saw them before but didn't see an option to select US by just browsing the site. But I just tried checking out and there it was. They even have it listed for a very reasonable price.

A you wish. I wasn't sure should I offer you help or not, take responsibility, etc.
I saw one on swappa and another one on ebay, both USA sellers but prices was really bad. One from Ebay sold for $810!? Then I've checked sites from the link I posted and contacted them. If you're buying from USA then is without VAT but you're importing it in USA so you have to pay duty, tax and maybe stuck at border to get permission for importing uncertified device.
@BladeRunner could you share details how much you paid all together and did you have any problems at border. Would be really useful info for everyone.

Zeljko1234 said:
A you wish. I wasn't sure should I offer you help or not, take responsibility, etc.
I saw one on swappa and another one on ebay, both USA sellers but prices was really bad. One from Ebay sold for $810!? Then I've checked sites from the link I posted and contacted them. If you're buying from USA then is without VAT but you're importing it in USA so you have to pay duty, tax and maybe stuck at border to get permission for importing uncertified device.
@BladeRunner could you share details how much you paid all together and did you have any problems at border. Would be really useful info for everyone.
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I paid ~615 USD. It's been sitting at JFK International since the 21st, but I think that may be because of the Blizzard and a sunday rather than any issues with customs.

BladeRunner said:
I paid ~615 USD. It's been sitting at JFK International since the 21st, but I think that may be because of the Blizzard and a sunday rather than any issues with customs.
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That's without VAT? Would be awesome if we can order phone from UK without VAT and do not pay anything else. Handtec representative told me opposite.

Zeljko1234 said:
That's without VAT? Would be awesome if we can order phone from UK without VAT and do not pay anything else. Handtec representative told me opposite.
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Correct, no VAT for anyone outside of the EU

BladeRunner said:
Correct, no VAT for anyone outside of the EU
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Yeah but it's hard to believe that you can just import without paying anything. Please keep us up to date.

I want to buy from clove store , please confirm is true if I can buy from UK???? I live in NY thanks

Thanks for looking into this so much guys!
With my gears a turning the past couple of days I think im going to hold off though. Id really like to buy straight from motorola. That way if I have any issues I can just deal with them directly. That and I gain the ability to cusomize the phone if I order through them.
Im being optamistic I know but the phone was listed on Mexico's site on Monday and just noticed it was listed for Brazil today. So you never know.
This is definatly a good thread to keep alive incase others are interested like Makiger.

So I thought I would try and do an "over the phone" order to see if there was anything special they could do. Sadly this was unsuccessful. But the agent I spoke with did say something that may be intreeging to some. It honestly could mean nothign or it could mean real soon. Who knows?
Jessel: Oh, I do apologize for that. As of the moment, this Moto X Force is not yet available on our webiste. What I can suggest is to visit third party vendors and see if they already have Moto X Force available here in the US. We looking forward to this phone to be available soon.
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I think that agent doesn't have a clue what he's talking He's just repeating generic phrase. Turbo 2 is exclusive for Verizon. Do you really think that Moto can offer basically the same device in US and brake exclusive contract with Verizon?
Don't get me wrong, I would like that Moto didn't even make Turbo 2, just Force globally.

makiger said:
I want to buy from clove store , please confirm is true if I can buy from UK???? I live in NY thanks
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you can buy from the UK, it just takes a while to get it.

A listing just popped up on India Amazon a little early for the rumored release date..
http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B01A8DQSW2?tag=kostprice-21

PSA:
If you do buy from Clove Technology - or any overseas store - and you're paying with PayPal, make sure to change their default currency conversion to use your credit card's exchange rate instead.
Just priced the phone (Jan 29, 2016) as £431.83 shipped to me in the USA. According to XE.com, that's $613.78 USD with a conversion rate of 1 USD = 0.703554 GBP.
PayPal was giving me a rate @ 1 USD = 0.678425045 GBP, which would make the cost $636.52 USD, or an increase of $22.74, which is a full tank of gas for me.

Good Experience With Handtec
I got mine from Handtec UK (Sorry, can't post a link)
It arrived today in Louisiana from FedEx and it only took about 2 days to get here. No problems with customs or VAT whatsoever. All in all, it cost me around $625 (Used PayPal at Checkout), including shipping. Other than the UK wall plug it came with, I'm very satisfied so far.