On one hand, I wish I hadn`t started tracking the pricing info for the M528. On the other hand, I think its been important at highlighting customers opinion to the resellers. For example, when the first reseller price was released, the tech blogs and potential customers reacted very negatively. Not surprising at that price! And then, just days ago, the reaction turned positive as Expansys added the M528 to its catalogue at a teasingly good 550 Euros.
Today though, I`m wishing that the resellers would get their acts together because I’ve received a response to my `is that price correct and does it include 3G` query. You guessed it. The price does not include 3G which changes the equation completely. Now we`re looking at a device that simply isn’t a MID anymore. What makes Gigabyte and resellers think that people are going to want a MID that only works in WIfi hotspots and where is the 3G version? A modified description at Expansys leads us to believe that the 3G is now user upgradeable but I don`t see any upgrade options.
"LAN/Wireless LAN – 802.11b/g via SDIO I/F, HSDPA available through mini card module (available separately)" (ref)
I`ve sent a query email to the UK marketing people but as its past 6pm there as I write this, I don`t expect to see an answer until Tuesday.
