Chungwa and Gigabyte will be launching the M528 on Dec 6th with availability set for Dec 22nd according to an official statement appearing in PC World via the IDG News service.
This is of course good news for the west because up until now, the product didn’t even have a production line schedule. We had heard that the M528 was to go out initially through Expansys in Europe but that could have changed. I doubt anyone will be getting it as a Christmas present but we’ve put queries out to our contacts and hope to bring you the definitive answer later today.
The local price in Taiwan (including 3G and 3mp auto-focus camera) will be $583 dollars without any subsidy. Expansys are offering pre-tax pre-orders (aff. link) now for the equivalent of $685 but it’s not listed on the Expansys US web site yet.
Our hands-on with the M528 is here. There’s plenty more information in the M528 page.
November 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
It is running on Linux, not Windows! What a relieve.
baap Reply:
November 30th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
…but it would be capable to run WinXP right ? Also I had a “silly” question – I know that this has 3G but in the US, how do I sign up for 3G only services ? I mean do I have to go in for a new phone?
Further, I’m in a dilemma on whether the 3G is really a value-with-price add over the AIGO p8860. WHAT are the major differences between the AIGO device and the M528 apart from the 3G?
Zthaks,
/\ \/
November 24th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Hmm – the official Gigabyte Produkt Page don’t show any kinde of release Date, at the moment: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Notebook/Products_Spec.aspx?ProductID=2833
I hope the Information from PCWorld is correct. I’m wait thew Month for this Device :/
Greetings Sebi
Chippy Reply:
November 24th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
The press event was confirmed from Gigabyte.
Sebi Reply:
November 24th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
oh – ähm – wow o.o’
I’m Sorry – if thats real – its realy great!
Thanks for the Information
Greetings Sebi
November 24th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Maybe this is why expansys uk has availability on the device for 6 dec, and mobilx on 22 dec.
guess mobilx got it right… sort of…
November 24th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I dodnt get final feedback from Gigabyte of Expansys on EU availability yet. Gigabyte were a bit wishy-washy saying that its a job for the distributors to get it out in Europe. I guess that means that it’s coming at least!
Steve.
November 24th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I won’t hold my breath for getting my hands on one this year, but at last we have something a little more concrete!
22nd December is a Saturday, so it seems unlikely any will be shipped in time for Christmas even if they are in Europe.
I’ll just have to buy myself a New Year present!
November 25th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Even Heise.de (one of the biggest Computer News – Websides in Germany) reports from the Anoucement: http://www.heise.de/open/Mobile-Internet-Device-mit-Linux-von-Gigabyte–/news/meldung/119366