The Waiting Game..

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Finally, I was able to visit SM Aura for the very 1st time.  The mall, by the way, is just a few minutes away from where I live.   If not for their 3-day sale which started last October 4 and ended today, October 6, I would have deferred my trip to some other weekend.  I was disappointed however when only a few of the high-end shops in there participated in what I term as "over 50% off" sale.  Nonetheless, my visit was not put in vain when I learned that Sony has a branch at the 4th floor of the mall.  I thought to myself, maybe this would be my chance to buy my most long-awaited phone...

I somehow expected to find a display of Sony Xperia Z1 at their store.  But then I already know that, that possibility would be remote considering that I heard nothing of any news of the recent launching of the latest product of Sony Xperia here in Metro Manila.  True enough, the salesman told me that the phone is not yet available.  To my dismay, I would have to wait for 1st week of November or perhaps on the 2nd week or who knows when.

I admit I'm getting tired of waiting.  I read from an internet article that Sony Xperia Z1 would be available here in the Philippines within the month of October.  It was already launched in Singapore last October 4 and earlier in Malaysia.  If Sony would have to postpone its launching here in the country, I'm afraid I might lose my appetite for the phone and probably shift my attention somewhere..

And Z2 is coming, too..

In less than two weeks' time, Sony Xperia Z1 will be launched in Singapore, and eventually here in the Philippines.  But even before this unit could make its grand entrance, rumors has it that Sony Xperia Z2 is on its way and is scheduled to share the limelight three to six months after the launch of its predecessor.

Will it affect the sales of Sony Xperia Z1?  Certainly, as prospective buyers like me would think twice whether to grab the Z1 once it hits the market or just hold the patience and wait for a few more months for its successor.

This means another decision-making mode for me.  I'm getting tired of this decide-and-dismiss game.. :(

And then there's Z1...

A day after I finally had my eyes fixed (and pockets, too) on the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Sony Xperia Z1 was launched.  Curious on what this new phone has to offer that would make Samsung's sales tremble, I browsed through its features and was totally blown away by its 20.7 megapixel camera.  Whoaa!

It can be recalled in one of my previous posts that I got interested in having a new mobile phone only because I simply wanted to buy a high-resolution camera.  And I thought the 13 megapixel camera of Samsung Galaxy S4 was good enough.. until Sony Xperia Z1 came along..

Gotta have this phone!  Sad to say, I have to wait for it not earlier than next month.  I just read from asia.cnet.com that the Sony Xperia Z1 will be available in Singapore starting October 4 this year.  If only I were in Singapore.. :( 

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Globe, No Longer An Option

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Just when I already decided to get myself a Globe Plan P1,799, I found out that my residential address is not among those covered by Globe's long-term evolution (LTE) service.  I will be transferring to a new residence soon and my inquiry disclosed that even my future location is not covered too.  Too bad, Globe's plan package would have had suited my budget and lifestyle as compared with that of Smart.

It is disappointing to know that Globe is not yet that competitive especially when it comes to internet service.  It does not even offer LTE connection yet for those on prepaid plans and/or light internet users like me who, at times, depend on free wifi signal every time there is a chance to be connected free of charge.

No wonder Smart still dominates the telecommunication industry.  That only means one thing, I have no other choice but to get a Smart plan.  Whether it is a postpaid or a prepaid, that is the question.. :(

Why Not An Iphone?

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A year ago, when a colleague bought herself an Iphone 4s, my other colleague remarked that iphone is dubbed as the best mobile phone in the world.  I was not a bit interested.  For me, I agree with what others thought of buying a costly phone as, ridiculous!

But then, things have changed.  I have become a gadget-techie myself.  I blamed it to my HK travel.  And maybe also because of the fact that the phone I'm using right now is screaming for a replacement.  Its keyboards are now hard-headed, as if knowing that it will be passed on to its new owner soon.

Since I was on the mood for buying a new mobile phone, I was thinking, why not the latest phone, for a change?  I guess it is high time for me to splurge.  The brand-conscious freak in me thought of getting an Iphone 5.  But then, googling it helped me decide that I am better off with a Samsung Galaxy S4.

To know why, i suggest you make your own research.. :)  

Prepaid? Or Postpaid?

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I am now in dilemma., whether to buy the Samsung Galaxy S4, or bundle it with a postpaid plan.  Right now, I am maintaining two separate plans, one for my internet needs and the other for my mobile use.  Good thing, the lock-in periods of both plans have already expired.  Hence, I could terminate my subscriptions anytime I want to.

Now I am thinking, why not get two-in-one package for internet and mobile postpaid plans?  By doing so, I might get the phone I'm aiming for as a freebie.  But then, browsing through the plan builder of Globe and that of Smart, I realized I could not consume the free calls and texts that goes with the plan.  In fact, I have not maximized the unlimited texts that I am getting from current mobile plan.

With that, having a prepaid plan might be a better idea.  In that way, I only get to pay on  what I consume for.  But then, spending P30,000+ for a phone may not be practical for budget-conscious freaks like me.  Now, I'm more confused...

Next question, Globe or Smart? :)

Opting for an S4

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Now that I have set my mind into buying a new mobile phone which also coincided with the termination of my subscription contract with Smart Communications, Inc., my next step would be to find a new mobile phone.  When I was in HK, I almost bought a Samsung Galaxy which model and features I didn't bother to care about.  I was just too focused on getting a new phone, as a souvenir from HK.

One thing that held me back from buying that phone, aside from the price, of course, was knowing that someday I will regret shelling out a pretty penny without doing any research at all.  As much as I can, I do not want to buy anything on an impulse.  On the other hand however, I tried to justify that I did not have anymore the luxury of time doing my homework while we were in HK.  Good thing, I still listened to my senses.

I found out that the Samsung Galaxy model (I almost had) has features which specifications are lower than that of the S4, not to mention the poor resolution of its camera.  And that model was bigger than the S4!  I could not imagine myself trying to hold a humongous phone in one hand while taking a call. :(

I'm just thankful that I waited this long. :)