i’m saimatkong

Yes, finally Maxis and Digi website is up with the iPhone 4 registration or interest page now. Both telco are now fighting to promote and push for iPhone 4 now and getting their users to submit their email for the latest updates of the iPhone 4 availability. There’s no pricing of the iPhone 4 and the new data rate plan but I believe they will come up with more idea how to compete between this two telco.

The registration of interest does not treat as iPhone 4 per-order. You may also wait and see which telco could provide the best rate and best iPhone 4 package but I recon it will not be much different. Maxis registration page required much information compared to Digi page and Digi is using GoogleDoc to collect data, they are really smart and cost saving. =)

For Maxis register here.

For Digi register here.

Despite of iPhone 4 antenna issue and screen issue I believe there’s still a lot of iPhone fans out there who’s dying for this. Will you be getting a free iPhone 4 bumper / case to solved the iPhone 4 antenna problem as well? =p

I’ve actually registered myself to both Maxis and Digi so that I could get the 1st hand information and details (e.g. when is the iPhone 4 available to Malaysia and the pricing of the iPhone 4 package) from both the telco.

Digi will be the 2nd Telco to bring in Apple iPhone 3Gs, when will be Celcom turn? I have already leave my email address to Digi so that I will receive the 1st hand info when they have any updates on the iPhone 3Gs price or offer packages!

Leave your email now for the updates too or just visit saimatkong often then you will get the updates of the iPhone 3Gs deal! http://www.digi.com.my/iphone/.

Digi iPhone 3Gs FAQs

1. When will the iPhone be available?
The iPhone from DiGi will be launched within the first half of 2010.

2. What are the packages offered?
These will be revealed after the launch date has been announced.

3. Where will the launch date be announced?
It will be announced in selected major newspapers and broadcast media.

4. Who’s eligible to get the iPhone from DiGi?
Full details, including the packages and offers will be announced after the launch.

5. I am an existing DiGi customer, can I purchase an iPhone with my current rate plan?
We’ll let you know after the launch.

6. Will there be any special packages for corporate customers (DiGi Business)?
DiGi will provide attractive offers for all qualifying corporate customers after the official launch date is announced.

7. I already have an iPhone, when can I switch to DiGi?
If you already have an iPhone, you can switch to any of DiGi’s existing Postpaid / Prepaid rate plans. More details here.

8. I have purchased my iPhone from another operator, can I obtain support for warranty /servicing/replacements, if I switch to DiGi?
Your iPhone warranty is tied to the operator that you purchased the device from. DiGi will not provide support for warranty / servicing / replacements for devices purchased from other operators/countries.

9. Can I pre-order the iPhone today?
Pre-orders / advanced booking will be announced soon. Please check www.digi.com.my/iphone for the latest announcements

Not sure whether Digi will bring in the latest iPhone 4G in June maybe? It’s a good competition with Maxis so we the consumers will be benefited from the better offers or services. No more exclusive to Maxis!

DiGi entry in mid-year may spark iPhone price war

By B.K. SIDHU

PETALING JAYA: The iPhone will be sold by DiGi.Com Bhd before mid-year and this could spark a price war on services and packages in the smartphone market.

The entry of DiGi in the iPhone space will also end Maxis Communications Bhd’s nearly one-year monopoly in the segment.

DiGi said yesterday it had reached an agreement with Apple Inc to distribute iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS in Malaysia but the celco did not disclose when the packages for the iPhone will be launched.

DiGi said on its website that those already with an iPhone could switch to any of DiGi’s existing Postpaid/Prepaid rate plans.

That leaves Celcom Axiata Bhd, one of the three “big boys” in the local cellular industry, out of the iPhone race for now.

“We are open to the idea of selling iPhones,’’ Celcom Axiata chief executive officer Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly said yesterday. He said talks with Apple first began two years ago and the talks were still under way.

He did not give any indication on which way the talks would go but did admit that it was “not easy to sell the iPhones as we need to get a support system in place before we can do that. That is why we chose to focus on selling the Blackberry.’’

DiGi is excited about the deal with Apple as it expects the “three-year agreement will help DiGi increase sales more than 5% this year, higher than the industry average,’’ its chief executive officer Johan Dennelind told Bloomberg TV yesterday.

It recorded sales of 2% last year, slowing from 10% in 2008.

“The iPhone is fashionable and trendy. There is a large enough market out there still looking for reasonably priced packages to buy the phone. The determining factor, however, would be pricing,’’ according to a market source.

Maybank Investment Bank senior analyst Khair Mirza reckons that pricing of the device is fixed by Apple but DiGi’s ability to tap into the market will depend a lot on its positioning, “hype” and data plans.

Analyst do not expect DiGi to see a huge impact on its bottomline in the near term.

As for Maxis, the entry of DiGi appears to be a dampener as they now have to compete with DiGi, but the impact on earnings will be small, according to analysts.

Maxis declined to comment on queries from StarBiz on its iPhone sales and DiGi’s entry.

But market research company IDC claims that the celco last year sold 91,000 units since the launch in March 2009 and the shipments included both the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. The iPhone is sold in 85 countries and has about 25,000 applications that can be downloaded.

A recent report released by Gartner said Apple iPhone’s sales had doubled in 2009 , with 24.9 million units sold in 2009 against 11.4 million units in 2008.

Source : TheStar

Hmm I was wondering why my BlackBerry constantly connected and disconnected from the network and most of the time only I could get “edge” in small cap instead of “EDGE” big cap. When you see “EDGE” meaning you are connected to the network and able to send / receive emails and surf and IM or twitter. Arghhh, what happened to Research in Motion – RIM?

I have been searching high and low and found some source said it’s North America, but how come I can’t be connected to “EDGE” and affected? I’m not sure whether my case is related or not, but I don’t see any other BlackBerry users complaining about it?? Are you are BlackBerry user? Can you confirm whether is there any outage these few days? It’s really driving my crazyyyy….!

BlackBerry users hit by eight-hour outage

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

* BlackBerry didn’t give reason for outage, which ended around 2:45 a.m. ET
* At one point, 100% of North American customers were affected
* A similar outage hit BlackBerry system last week
* Research in Motion says it has about 32 million global BlackBerry subscribers

(CNN) — BlackBerry customers throughout North America were without e-mail and Internet services for more than eight hours after a widespread outage that lasted until early Wednesday.

Customers began receiving e-mails again around 2:45 a.m. ET. Initial reports of outages came from BlackBerry around 6:30 p.m.

BlackBerry did not give a reason for the outage. It was the second such outage for users in less than a week.

At one point, BlackBerry estimated 100 percent of its customers in North America were affected by the outage, according to an e-mail sent to customers.

“BlackBerry subscribers may be unable to send or receive messages. Subscribers may also be unable to register their device, roam in another location, or use other services such as Internet browsing,” the e-mail said.

“BlackBerry Internet Service subscribers may be unable to use the BlackBerry Internet Service web site or perform activities such as creating new accounts, integrating third-party email accounts, or viewing email attachments.”

Research in Motion Ltd., maker of the devices, said it had about 32 million global BlackBerry subscribers as of the end of August.

BlackBerry phones run on multiple wireless carriers, including AT&T, Sprint Nextel and Verizon.

Source : CNN

Xpax has recently launched the Every Month Bonus XXL. You can now get double bonus in November and December when you use RM50 or more! So the more you use the more bonus you will get to enjoy! Bonus will be given each month and what you need to do is just reload RM50 and above in November and December 2009 to entitle for the XXL Bonus. The bonus is given out monthly and not like 3 months from other Telcos. No further actions required other than reload, then your bonus will be credited into your accounts secara automatically~!

Not an Xpax member yet? Join now to get bigger bonuses plus enjoy lowest 12sen calls to 15 friends on ALL networks and ½ sen SMS to friends within the same network.

More details : xpax.com.my

Grab your Xpax BlackBerry Curve 8520 Apps, Themes & Wallpaper here.

I have been using my Xpax BlackBerry Curve 8520 for almost a month and it’s been a good experience! I’m proud that I actually inspired some of my friends and readers to get this BB! They told me that I actually influence them about this BlackBerry, at 1st they don’t want to get but in the end grabbed 1 after reading so many benefits and all from the Xpax BIS Package. =p

Here’s the screen shot that a reader sent me. (Capture It)

Must Have Application :
1.) UberTwitter – Twitter
2.) MSN Messenger – Instant Messaging
3.) Gmail App – Gmail Application
4.) Google Maps – GPS/Mapping (Using your cell location coz BB Curve 8520 don’t have GPS.)
5.) Google Sync – Sync Device & Google Calendar
6.) Google Talk – Instant Messaging
7.) Facebook – Social Networking
8.) Blackberry App World – Blackberry App World (Having trouble install BlackBerry App World? Download from here then you able to install App World if not you can’t coz different country and all.)
9.) Quick Pull – Simulate Battery Pull (You can make your bb reboot and free memory)

Get your free wallpaper here : http://crackberry.com/wallpaper/by/320×240

The two theme that I’m using…

Get your free theme here :
1) blackberryseeker.com
2) crackberry.com
3) coolblackberrythemes.com
4) blackberrythemes.net
5) blackberrythemes.co.uk

Saw some nice theme but still not available for BlackBerry Curve 8520 =(

What is BlackBerry Messenger?

BlackBerry Messenger is simply an instant messaging program for BlackBerry to BlackBerry communication. It allows two people with BlackBerrys to chat in real time anywhere in the world so long as they have data service. With BlackBerry Messenger there is no per message charge like there is with SMS, messages are sent through RIM servers similar to email messages. It’s absolutely free, so BlackBerry user can start to chat like there’s no tomorrow.

Start talking with BlackBerry Messenger
1. The first time you log into BlackBerry Messenger, you’ll be prompted to create a display name and password.
2. Once your display name and password are created, you’ll log into BlackBerry Messenger automatically each time your BlackBerry smartphone is connected to a wireless network.

Start using BlackBerry Messenger

- Add a contact:
o By scanning a barcode: on the contact list screen, press the Menu key. Click Invite Contact, then click Scan a person’s barcode. Click Continue. Hold your smartphone so all four corners of the barcode appear on your screen. Continue to hold your smartphone until you hear the success beep.

o By typing an email address or PIN: on the contact list screen, press the Menu key. Click Invite Contact, then click Enter a person’s email address, PIN or name. Type all or part of the contact information. Click the contact information. Change the Send Using and Category fields if necessary. Click Send.

o That uses text messaging1: on the contact list screen, press the Menu key. Click Invite Contact, then click Enter an SMS contact’s name or phone number. Type all or part of the contact information. Click the contact information. Change the Category field and type the name you want to appear in your BlackBerry Messenger contact list if necessary. Click Add Contact.

- Start a chat: on the contact list screen, in a contact category, click a contact. Type a message, then press the Enter key.

- Start a new group chat: on the contact list screen, in the BlackBerry Groups category, click a group. Click Chats. Press the Menu key, then click New Chat. Type a subject for the group chat. Click Create.

- Send a file to a contact: during a chat, press the Menu key, then click Send File:
o Send a picture: click Picture. Click Camera or File. Take a picture or click a picture. Type a caption if necessary. Click Send.
o Send a document: click File. Click a file.
o Send a voice note: click Voice Note. Click Start to record your message. Click Stop if necessary. Click Send.
o Send a contact attachment of a contact from the contacts application: click BlackBerry Contact. Click a contact.
o Send a contact attachment of a BlackBerry Messenger contact: click Messenger Contacts. Click one or more contacts. Click OK.

Update or download the new and latest version of BBM v5 now!

Check out the User Guide

Enjoying your Xpax BlackBerry? Do you know what’s the light blinking in your BlackBerry for? Here is a quick guide and tips to the BlackBerry LED indicators.

Blue – Blue is for Bluetooth.

A flashing blue light indicates an active connection via bluetooth. You could enable/disable this feature under “Options > Bluetooth > Menu > Options > LED Connection Indicator: On/Off”

Green – Green is for coverage indicator.

Who really wants to be continuously reminded they are in a service area? I definitely don’t need this, it’s a waste of your batt if it’s blinking all days! Anyway it’s off by default! You could enable/disable this “feature” under “Options > Screen/Keyboard > LED Coverage Indicator On/Off”

Red – This is the good one! A flashing red light indicates a new message is waiting. Check under your messages folder for any unread items.

You can choose to be notified of new messages visually under “Profiles > Advanced > [Select profile you wish to modify] > [Select message the application that you wish to modify on how's the notification] > Repeat Notification : LED Flashing/Off”

Yellow – Yellow indicates that you are running out of battery. Find a charger quickly!

No Light – Nothing happen la! duh. Haha.

Okay now let’s compare and see both telco Xpax and Hotlink for BlackBerry Plan.

Xpax Promotion

No hidden clauses, no upfront payment and all. You just need to pay RM998 + RM50 reload (Free 1 week BlackBerry prepaid access & Free imported skin), no commitment and you can stop anytime you wish to. (Promo valid from 11 October to 15 November)

Xpax BIS Usage Plan

BlackBerry Social Plan RM1
-The social networking & instant messaging services under this plan only applies to the following built in BlackBerry applications: Facebook, Flickr, Myspace, Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, AOL Messenger and BlackBerry Messenger.
-The speed for unlimited data under this plan is 128kbps and on best effort basis.
-The service is only valid in Malaysia
-By signing up for the service, auto-renewal on a shall take effect on daily basis subject to credit availability.

BlackBerry Advance (2.5G)
-The social networking & instand messaging services under this plan only applies to the following built in BlackBerry applications: Facebook, Flickr, Myspace, Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, AOL MEssenger and BlackBerry Messenger.
-Unlimited browsing is only applicable within the BlackBerry handheld device.
-Data usage is capped at 1GB per day. Additional additional usage will be charged at RM0.10 / 10kb.
-The speed for unlimited data under this plan is 128kbps and on best effor basis.
-The service is only valid in Malaysia
-By signing up for the service, auto-renewal on a shall take effect on daily basis subject to credit availability.

Hotlink Promotion

*RM899 (1 free skin for every purchase of Blackberry® CurveTM 8520. While stock last.) Exclusive Blackberry® CurveTM 8520 offer for Hotlink subscribers!

*Terms & Condition
“Pay the full price of the Blackberry® CurveTM 8520 at RM 1,199 to enjoy a RM 300 rebate over a 12- month period. Only available for package subscription of 12-month and above.” By saying this, meaning there’s a commitment for you and you need to use 12 months in order for you to get the rebate if not that BlackBerry Curve 8520 is priced @ RM1,199

So you need to pay RM1,199 upfront and they will rebate you over a 12 months period.

When will the rebate be given?
The rebate will be given at the end of each monthly Prepaid BIS subscription period across the 12-month contract prior to subscription renewal. RM25 for 12 months (RM300). If the monthly Prepaid BIS subscription renewal fails at the end of the subscription period, renewal will be retried for 5 days. If Prepaid BIS subscription is still not renewed within the 5 days grace period, the contract will be deemed to be broken and the remaining monthly rebate will be void.

Hotlink BIS Usage Plan

There’s 4 plans and it might confused you compared to Xpax which only has 2 unlimited plan.

Hotlink BIS Usage Plan : Social RM28 per month, Messaging RM28 per month, Weekly Premium RM28 per week, Premium RM98 per month

Subscribers can enjoy usage up to 100MB for Social and Messaging packages, up to 50MB for Weekly Premium package and up to 1.5GB for Premium package. Subsequent data usage will be charged at a pay per use rate of 1 sen per kB (peak) or 0.5 sen per kB (off peak).

Conclusion

- Xpax no commitment needed for RM998, Hotlink need to stay for 12months to enjoy cheaper phone.
- If opt for BIS premium you need to pay RM98 for Hotlink but you only need to pay RM75+- (e.g. RM2.50*30)
- In the premium plan : Xpax give your more flexibility without worrying you exceed the usage where it give you 1GB per day vs Hotlink 1.5GB per month, if you exceed the usage be prepared to pay the high price but a lot of BlackBerry users who use for push mail and all saying that it’s using very minimum of the usage 5MB.

Additional Info :
1) If you already own a blackberry phone but not purchase from Hotlink, and want to subscribe to Hotlink Blackberry Plan, you are not allowed to do so. On the other hand, for Xpax, you can subscribe to their Blackberry plan regardless of whether it was purchased from them or not.

All the above info quoted from their respective website. What say you about the plan?

Love my BlackBerry Curve 8520 so much!

Xpax + BlackBerry Curve 8520 can do wonders!

Package Include :
1 Charger
1 USB Cable
1 Battery
1 Handsfree
1 2GB microSD

It’s a good phone and I really like that track pad compared to track ball, I tested the track ball with my friend’s BlackBerry Bold not so sensitive and the ball will be dirty and need to be replace. The camera is 2.0 Mega Pixel without any flash or LED light, it’s best to take in bright lighting condition. The download speed is still bearable at 128kbps with Xpax BlackBerry Social RM1 or Advance RM2.50 plans, sometimes it might takes awhile to load.

The lacking features in this phone is just 3G (no video calls and only using EDGE or GPRS connection) and GPS. Overall this is a good entry level phone looking at the price and it worth every cent that you paid for. I need to re-charge my BlackBerry everyday due to high usage and can’t leave without it! =)

Free apps that you might interested for your BlackBerry Curve 8520 : -
- Google Sync
- Google Gmail For Mobile
- Google Map
- UberTwitter
- Facebook version 1.7
- MSN Messenger
- BBM Version 5 (New version)

For other free apps, theme, or ringtone, etc go to http://m.crackberry.com/, if you know any better apps then please let me know too so that we could share share and enjoy most out of this BlackBerry.

Just received my XBerry Party invite from email.

Xpax is the 1st in Malaysia to bring BlackBerry prepaid daily unlimited plan at RM2.50 per day unlimited usage (RM75/month). RM2.50 per day meaning just like eating nasi lemak or roti kosong plus teh tarik for unlimited usage? Worth the money? Hmm… Surely worth from all the positive feedback that I received.

Besides that it’s the cheapest BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone in the market, at only RM888 (RRP: RM1188) special promo at the XBerry party. No hidden cost, no upfront payment or rebates required! Come to the party to get exclusive package and 1 month FREE BlackBerry prepaid access.

Register now as it’s not too late yet! http://www.xpax.com.my/blackberry/reg_file/order.php