Related
If you are considering a pre-order, I would read this first: http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/1...e-return-policy-are-arousing-suspicion-anger/
I am a web systems admin, and deal with security from an Operations standpoint. With that in mind, I have been watching this over and I am VERY wary of this company. Imo, I would avoid the pre-order and wait until release.
A few things are red flags to me:
- They mentioned that the FCC request is well hidden. Why would they do that? Why the mystery?
- There are ZERO videos of this thing, other than the original prototype from months ago.
- The pics we've seen seem to be photoshopped. Granted, other companies do this but where are the real pics?
- Why hasn't a newer prototype been given to Engadget yet, for review? Again, what are they hiding?
- I have heard that, with the initial pre-order screen, there was no SSL and your SSN was required. Why in the WORLD would they need my SSN?
- $50 shipping. Huh????
- This is not Apple or MS, this is a start-up company. There's no history here.
- I heard that your credit card is being charged, with the pre-order. That is a major red flag. A legit company would put a hold on your CC, but not actually charge you until it is shipped. A recent example of this is what happened with the Archos 101 pre-orders from J&R and Tigerdirect.
I'm not going to go as far as to say that this is a scam, but it sounds very suspicious to me. Again, my 2 cents on the matter. It's a shame because I was considering this device, myself.
I agree completely! I too was considering this device as a preorder option... but I think I can wait now.... I kinda feel like they are just trying to raise the money necessary to START full production.... which is a big NO NO in my book!
--GoJimi
______________________
VEGAn-TAB Developer
Roebeet,
Did you see the Liliputing article from about a hour ago:
http://liliputing.com/2010/12/notion-ink-adam-launch-runs-into-some-roadbumps.html
Well said Roe. I think everyone was considering pre-ordering this thing, but I was expecting a couple videos and plenty of pictures. We got none of that. Therefore, no dice. The mickey mouse ordering system w/ tons of problems being reported and so many questions left unanswered made it easy for me to decide not to preorder one. Anyone who preorders one of these is naive and dumb if you ask me.
roebeet said:
If you are considering a pre-order, I would read this first: http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/1...e-return-policy-are-arousing-suspicion-anger/
I am a web systems admin, and deal with security from an Operations standpoint. With that in mind, I have been watching this over and I am VERY wary of this company. Imo, I would avoid the pre-order and wait until release.
A few things are red flags to me:
- They mentioned that the FCC request is well hidden. Why would they do that? Why the mystery?
- There are ZERO videos of this thing, other than the original prototype from months ago.
- The pics we've seen seem to be photoshopped. Granted, other companies do this but where are the real pics?
- Why hasn't a newer prototype been given to Engadget yet, for review? Again, what are they hiding?
- I have heard that, with the initial pre-order screen, there was no SSL and your SSN was required. Why in the WORLD would they need my SSN?
- $50 shipping. Huh????
- This is not Apple or MS, this is a start-up company. There's no history here.
- I heard that your credit card is being charged, with the pre-order. That is a major red flag. A legit company would put a hold on your CC, but not actually charge you until it is shipped. A recent example of this is what happened with the Archos 101 pre-orders from J&R and Tigerdirect.
I'm not going to go as far as to say that this is a scam, but it sounds very suspicious to me. Again, my 2 cents on the matter. It's a shame because I was considering this device, myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the BIGGEST warning to me, and I pointed it out in another thread as soon as I saw that. To me, this means that they have no money left, and need the pre-order payments right now to fund manufacturing and the company...
Butch1326 said:
Roebeet,
Did you see the Liliputing article from about a hour ago:
http://liliputing.com/2010/12/notion-ink-adam-launch-runs-into-some-roadbumps.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm reading up on their replies, right now - a lot of it sounds like bull, to me. Yes, it's also possible that this is growing pains for a start-up, but the bottom line is that I just don't trust this enough to give them my money, yet.
- The shipping rates. They could have raised the price $25, and then dropped the shipping to $25. My feeling on this is that shipping is not refundable - that means that if you return the item they keep the shipping and make some money off you. This is same thing that eBay sellers do, and it's not a good way for me to trust them. The device is only a few pounds, it's not a heavy device and $50 is excessive.
- No Mastercard payments. They had more than 6 months to fix this, it's Internet commerce 101, as well as SSL. Not having these scares the carp out of me, as a consumer. I have no faith that my credit card info is safe with them, and that is not a good thing.
- No pics of the device. That takes about 10 minutes to fix. Take pics, upload to blog, done. Same with a video -- why the delay? Again, very suspicious here.
The "mystery" factor works for a company like Apple, as they are an established company who has a history. This company is a start-up - as far as we know, this device doesn't exist and the CEO is about to take all your money and disappear.
Here's NI's reply:
http://notionink.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/introspection/
I'm with you. I was on board to pick one up, in addition to my Gtab. I had my CC out and even stayed up waiting for that first 3am preorder. Then details started leaking out and I came to my senses. You are assuming a company will come through because we're used to dealing with large corporations. These assumptions are wrong in this case since this is an uproven company, with unproven people, in another country (legality), with a product that they refuse to show.
My guess is that this is a company run by young enthusiastic engineers getting railroaded hard by the people financing them. However, I'm not going to put my money out their first. The last straw was their sneaky method of jacking the price of the top version, the one I wanted, by 20%. First they increased the base price $50 and then changed free shipping to $50, ending up with a $500 to $600 price.
I hear you Roebeet. I was one of the so called family and got the link and it was a disaster from the onset. Thank God I couldn't get to the purchase page because the server kept crashing and the 12pm PST thing.
What saved me from ordering the adam is that I had to go to work. I was already running late. When I got off work it said they were sold out. WTF! How can something that is not in production be sold out?? If it does exist, I'll wait until it is in a real store.
I am now confident it is still vaporware. I feel for those that bought it without actually seeing a demo video or real pictures. I just hope they didn't get scammed.
Yeah, liliputing echoed my thoughts. I really don't think NotionInk is being deceitful. For those that follow the blog you know they genuinely care about making a great device and I have little doubt Adam exist.
In my mind there is no question the device will be great. The real problem isn't about developing a great device, its about introducing, manufacturing, distributing and supporting your first ever product. That in itself is a huge undertaking if you just planned to sell to one region let alone the world.
I wish them the best of luck and hope this thing does take off. I kind of just wish for their sake they would have started off a little less ambitious.
[My guess is some models 'sold out' because pre-sales numbers where tied to their initial parts inventory and the number of tablets they can produce in a month. That imo is a good thing.]
Too much money to commit for a product with nothing but vapor to show so far. The company appears to be very naive or this is a sham. Hope for the former, none the less.
I am happy with the G and the way I use the device, the viewing angles are fine and the device has 8gb more space and not sourced from India with a VERY dubious January ship date. Gtablet is $150 more for the good display
Some stuff going on does not add up, so if naive or something else, neither is good.
This launch could make the Gtablet seem iPad-like, in comparison
I was about to order mine last night but I couldn't pull the trigger. Too many red flags. The $50 shipping and asking for SSN was what finally made me come to my senses. If this tablet is really awesome why they didn't send demos to any tech blogs ?
For now I'm very happy with my G-Tablet. Thank you roebeet for your hard work.
You know, I kind of think that they might actually have a product and they might have had enough mfged already for the pre-order guys, but ran out of money doing those and hence need to charge new orders immediately.
I thought that they had pictures of an actual unit, that red one in one of the Nov/maybe early Dec blog posts? Still kind of disconcerting that they have no videos and no more better pix of the thing...
Well, since I decided to skip this one anyways since I kept the gTab, I can afford to wait and see what happens, hope that they ship something close to what they claim, and then see if they survive to do a Tegra 3 tablet, which IF they do better in pricing and get me a 7" form factor, I MIGHT spring for...
Maybe just wishful thinking but I guess we'll see when they start shipping, after all remember open pandora? I think they finally started shipping more than prototype versions earlier this year, when they were SUPPOSED to have started shipping over 2y ago! OP is kind of a joke now at the price it's listed at, and what it is...
Took my WPDN back to BBB today. They didn't even open the box, just printed out a form for me to sign and handed over the cash and a receipt showing my return.
After that I wandered over the B&N almost next store and took a look at the Nook Color... was SORELY tempted to just buy one, but decided to wait and see a bit. Nice 7" form factor, nice screen, light(!), and fairly speedy for only being a8 @ 800MHz and 2.1! Woman at the counter claims that they're planning OS upgrades and flash support when I asked her about it. Browser still had problems with the many more button on /. then again so did the WPDN & GT. On the gTab it loads them almost as quickly as my nb... still thinking about NC...
As much as I'd like to think they are just being naive and made some mistakes in the SSL / Mastercard / SSN area, I don't believe that's the case. And for one reason only - no photos and no videos of the product since earlier this year. That is very suspicious.
This is not rocket science - all they need to do is upload a few real photos and a quick video of the device in someone's hands, to allay fears. It's been 24 hours now and that has not happened (yet). If they stop being so darn mysterious and show us that there's really a product out there, then I won't be so cautious.
But, I still wouldn't pre-order it if they charge me before shipping. This is like meeting a stranger on the street, giving them $450 on the honor system that they will come back in 2 months to your house to give you your product. At least we have Visa protection but you might still have a deductible.
Not disagreeing with anyone here, but the whole SSN thing was the credit card companies verifying your identity. That has nothing to do with notion ink, i order internationally all the time and whenever you do so the banks require verification a lot of the time. Also, it doesn't ask for your entire SSN, just the last 4 digits.
I ordered one, nervously. We'll see what happens.
LeftysRule22 said:
Not disagreeing with anyone here, but the whole SSN thing was the credit card companies verifying your identity. That has nothing to do with notion ink, i order internationally all the time and whenever you do so the banks require verification a lot of the time. Also, it doesn't ask for your entire SSN, just the last 4 digits.
I ordered one, nervously. We'll see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it was the last four digits, that's not the same thing - agreed. I heard it was the whole thing, but I didn't see this myself.
I actually hope that I'm wrong and that these devices are shipped in January and are just as good as we all hope they are. But them charging you before shipment bugs me - I heard that was true, correct?
roebeet said:
If it was the last four digits, that's not the same thing - agreed. I heard it was the whole thing, but I didn't see this myself.
I actually hope that I'm wrong and that these devices are shipped in January and are just as good as we all hope they are. But them charging you before shipment bugs me - I heard that was true, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No company should or by law use your SSN to identify you!
This is looking fishery than ever, sadly...
roebeet said:
But them charging you before shipment bugs me - I heard that was true, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what made me most nervous, it's true. I was kinda hoping it wouldn't charge immediately. Dec 18th will hopefully alleviate some concern.
Well, maybe when it eventually comes out, if the firmware is as awesome as Notion Ink says it is, it can be ported over to other devices? I'm sure it would make a pretty awesome Android tablet with their supposed custom interface and apps.
I've been waiting on the Adam for the past year because of its Qi-Pixel display, but the lack of videos/photos and important information kept me from pulling the trigger. For some reason they refuse to release specifics such as whether the damn thing will support the Android market. That's B.S. If you want people to give you $550+ for something, you need to tell them what they're getting in return.
The reason they're not showing pictures on their site probably has to do with US law which would hold them accountable if they shipped a device that didn't match the photo. That may be the same reason why they're not discussing some of the specs. Who the hell knows.
I'm going back to Sears tomorrow to see if I can get the price difference between the $379 I paid and the $349 sale. Hell, if Sears is cool to me I'll probably just pick up a 2nd G-Tab and forget about Notion Ink.
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=/&gl=US#/watch?xl=xl_blazer&v=LPowc1yM0NQ
I would've preordered it if I hadn't bought the G tab which I didn't return due to the awesome 'trio' we have here, working all day & night to make this tab better and better.
I think those Notion Ink guys are facing some problems due to their inexperience and lack of support.
Sent from my VEGAn-TAB-v1.0.0b1 using Tapatalk
Sears has run out of tablets at the location near my house.
I asked when they wil get more and this was his response
"Due to high return rates, I dont think we will be receiving any more."
But we was not totaly sure.
So now what? I just snagged one off amazon incase they get pulled there too. I'm getting a bit mad.
EDIT: I went back there on my way home and spoke to the manager. He told me that the employee was mis-informed. And now I feel Like a jerk cuase I might have gotten that guy in trouble. Oh well.
Picked up one yesterday at Office Depot. They even matched the Sear's sale price of $379. Immediately loaded VEGAn - with the new ROM this device ROCKS!
Not true... Many stores in my area have them and the ones that dont have dates for restock - 15 - 25 days on average...
I just called CS (for the second time today) and SEARS / Office Depot have not pulled the device, at least not yet. And allegedly an update is still planned for tomorrow. Allegedly.
My local Staples has definitely pulled it, even the floor model. They are all being sent back.
Engadget has an article about this... I'd love to know what the defect is/was...
Though if i could guess its the fact that it says it has adobe flash support right on the box and as we all know thats not true.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/18/viewsonic-g-tablet-pulled-from-staples-stores-manufacturing-de/
I called my Staples as well - it sounds like it's firmware related (as I expected). Not the crappy UI as much as things like the boot loops and FC's. Yes, it happens on stock, too.
And keep in mind that, with stock, users don't have XDA or clockworkmod to help them. I can't see how VS Customer Service can fix those issues since there's no way to wipe user data or redo the SD partitions.
Hopefully not the nivida problem again. I got burned by it 2 years ago (my HP laptop)...
roebeet said:
I called my Staples as well - it sounds like it's firmware related (as I expected). Not the crappy UI as much as things like the boot loops and FC's. Yes, it happens on stock, too.
And keep in mind that, with stock, users don't have XDA or clockworkmod to help them. I can't see how VS Customer Service can fix those issues since there's no way to wipe user data or redo the SD partitions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, VS should include a XDA developer link in the custumer support site or the gtablet package.
Engadget HATES the G Tablet
The Engadget guys are becoming [email protected]#$ing pu$$ies, I agree for a normal user this tablet will be a BIG disappointment - GREAT JOB VIEWSONIC for screwing up!, but for advance users this is a decent tablet. It is just embarrassing to see both Samsung and Viewsonic screw up like this by going early to market with bad design decisions (7 inch tablets SUCK!!)
I am eager to see what the "manufacturing defect" Staples has uncovered!
Well this really sucks. I was very worried this was going to happen, once these retailers dump the product, I'm afraid that VS will dump it too. Therefore, all of us that still have the tablet and actually like it will be left without any type of support or updates from VS.
I will assume we will be OK with the development that goes on here, but it would be nice to have VS supply us with stuff. I guess we can use the stuff from the Vega and Z-pad. Any thoughts on that aspect?
rayden25 said:
Well this really sucks. I was very worried this was going to happen, once these retailers dump the product, I'm afraid that VS will dump it too. Therefore, all of us that still have the tablet and actually like it will be left without any type of support or updates from VS.
I will assume we will be OK with the development that goes on here, but it would be nice to have VS supply us with stuff. I guess we can use the stuff from the Vega and Z-pad. Any thoughts on that aspect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've ben concerned about this for weeks, now. Staples pulling it is bad enough, but if SEARS And Office Depot do the same then I will be very worried. And i think there's a possibility that it could happen. In 3 months, we could completely lose any support from VS.
But, as you said, zPad will hopefully be alive and well as well as the Vega. They have superior UI's and if they continue supporting it into 2.3 then we will be in pretty good shape. I would say that the possibility that VS will deploy a 2.3 firmware is low. But, again, maybe they will surprise me.
Ouch. Just saw this pop up on my newsfeed. As ViewSonic, what do you do now with all your early adopters? Do you offer to take back the units which were sold now that you are prematurely removing support and updates? Do you just write all those people off who bought your unit in November and are beyond their return window? Offer a trade-in allowance towards its successor?
Talk2Rider said:
Ouch. Just saw this pop up on my newsfeed. As ViewSonic, what do you do now with all your early adopters? Do you offer to take back the units which were sold now that you are prematurely removing support and updates? Do you just write all those people off who bought your unit in November and are beyond their return window? Offer a trade-in allowance towards its successor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S.O.L.
**** outa luck
I don't know if you all remember, but the (Ipad) some problems when it came out also.
The difference seems to be the way that Apple vs. VS are reacting (dead silence for the latter), and how much leverage they have w/the resellers.
Just strange...
Jim
http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/12/18/viewsonic.gtablet.pulled.from.staples/
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2010/12/18/staples-pulls-viewsonic-g-tablet/
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/12/1...et-recalled-staples-pulls-veiwsonic-gtablets/
Had to leave a comment on that crunchgear article. I believe the author is an apple fanboy with his statement "the first of the garbage tablets"...
Personally, this is part of the reason I paid for one of those accidental warranty extensions. Sears said that within two years I just need to call in and they'll send me the purchase price of the tablet (minus the warranty). So in a couple years regardless of what VS does, I still can get my money back. Basically a $50 lease for two years...
bousquet said:
Personally, this is part of the reason I paid for one of those accidental warranty extensions. Sears said that within two years I just need to call in and they'll send me the purchase price of the tablet (minus the warranty). So in a couple years regardless of what VS does, I still can get my money back. Basically a $50 lease for two years...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off topic:
LOL... Jeremy Clarkson is my hero. That poor excuse for Top Gear USA sucks hard!
Viewsonic would have already killed/delayed the device if one hand knew what the other was doing. We are a very small percent of the Gtablets that are either sitting in a warehouse or in Christmas wrapping right now. The REAL fun kicks in on the 26th
I already posted and communicated to Viewsonic how they can manage damage control and PERHAPS turn this around. If they do not, Viewsonic's NA sales and operations planning meeting in the next few months will be "bloody". Tap UI dev will be dead to the business world and so probably will the marketing product management "team" for this device- IF they do not take proactive steps.
That said, if they dump most of the liability to the OEM and their proxy, VS may minimize their loss and simply shut shop on the product. Catch here will be their credibility in the tablet market will be destroyed.
bousquet said:
Personally, this is part of the reason I paid for one of those accidental warranty extensions. Sears said that within two years I just need to call in and they'll send me the purchase price of the tablet (minus the warranty). So in a couple years regardless of what VS does, I still can get my money back. Basically a $50 lease for two years...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I did the same. I have a way out if I need it. I think zPAD and VEGA will go on and that will be more than good enough for the life expectancy of this gadget anyway... Long live Roebeet...!
I don't know about this seller specifically, but found this looking for Gtab stuff at Aliexpress. I also don't fully understand their "escrow" process, but it looks like they don't release the funds to him until you confirm delivery. His lack of feedback bothers me some.
URL REMOVED TO PROTECT EVERYONE
Less than $300 for a lot of two is an amzingly great deal, I just wish I had an extra $300 laying around. Hell, if I had a few grand I would probably buy him out and undersell everybody on ebay with them!
nunjabusiness said:
I don't know about this seller specifically, but found this looking for Gtab stuff at Aliexpress. I also don't fully understand their "escrow" process, but it looks like they don't release the funds to him until you confirm delivery. His lack of feedback bothers me some.
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/409421093-Viewsonic-G-Tablet-with-10-Multi-Touch-LCD-Screen-Android-OS-2-2-wholesalers.html
Less than $300 for a lot of two is an amzingly great deal, I just wish I had an extra $300 laying around. Hell, if I had a few grand I would probably buy him out and undersell everybody on ebay with them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea but if you look BEFORE he 'cut n paste' the Viewsonic Page he has this...
Screen Size:
10"
Products Status:
Stock
Graphics Card Type:
Integrated Card
Processor Type:
Intel Atom
Processor Brand:
Intel
Type:
Netbook,Tablet PC,UMPC
Hard Drive Capacity:
120GB
Memory Capacity:
512MB
Seems awfully fishy??? Not to mention this seller has NO feedback from what I could find...
It looks like you need to buy two or more to get this pricing.
Viewsonic G-Tablet with 10" Multi-Touch LCD Screen, Android OS 2.2
Unit Price:US $242.11 - 263.16 / lot
2 pieces / lot, $121.06 - 131.58 / piece
Min. Order: 1lot .
it2steve said:
Yea but if you look BEFORE he 'cut n paste' the Viewsonic Page he has this...
Screen Size:
10"
Products Status:
Stock
Graphics Card Type:
Integrated Card
Processor Type:
Intel Atom
Processor Brand:
Intel
Type:
Netbook,Tablet PC,UMPC
Hard Drive Capacity:
120GB
Memory Capacity:
512MB
Seems awfully fishy??? Not to mention this seller has NO feedback from what I could find...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, exactly why I hesitate. It does show some purchases though, so I will be monitoring it for feedback from them.
I try to stay away from aliexpress. Heard too many horror stories of people never getting their items, or what they received was not what the ordered, or it just broken.
On top of that the specs advertised are wrong. A good indication to stay away from a seller. Usually it means the seller has no idea what the product they are selling is. You could wind up with a Viewpad.
Customs
Are these things going to get stuck at customs? IT2STEVE, you have some importing experience (docks/cases/adapters)... how easy/painful is the process? And what should we expect to pay in taxes/duty/fees?
There is no feedback, but there is a large order history, so maybe something will pop up there soon. The order screen does say that this store is 7.8% above average for orders completed (tho it doesn't say what the average is!)
As for the specs... the right specs are in the article below the summary. That sort of thing happens on EBay all the time. He probably posted the other tablet first (the Intel Atom/Win7 one in his store) then started from that ad to make the GTab one.
this is very good, that would be true
I do not believe
buy, then we Tell
1. "No feedback received for this supplier over the past 6 months"
2. "AliExpress Supplier Since: 05 Jan 2011"
Imho if it sounds too good to be true.... it is.
I can afford to risk buying these, but is it too much of a risk? I wouldn't mind getting atom based tablets, because it would be easier to then install a real OS, like Ubuntu. I've been waiting for one to turn up at a local Sears Oulet store. My g-tablet runs great with the stock + updates, so I would use a used one to experiment with.
aver2one said:
Imho if it sounds too good to be true.... it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking the same thing. He doesn't have any feedback yet, maybe because he just joined AliExpress on January 5th. I found these comments about the seller. Not too good:
http://ask.alibaba.com/Q/802132883-...PRESS-as-SIMON-HAN-without-me-responding.html
I want to pull the trigger on this, but I'm not a dumb-ass. I need to drink some beer first, then I will become a dumb-ass, and may purchase them!
wasserkapf said:
I can afford to risk buying these, but is it too much of a risk? I wouldn't mind getting atom based tablets, because it would be easier to then install a real OS, like Ubuntu. I've been waiting for one to turn up at a local Sears Oulet store. My g-tablet runs great with the stock + updates, so I would use a used one to experiment with.
I was thinking the same thing. He doesn't have any feedback yet, maybe because he just joined AliExpress on January 5th. I found these comments about the seller. Not too good:
http://ask.alibaba.com/Q/802132883-...PRESS-as-SIMON-HAN-without-me-responding.html
I want to pull the trigger on this, but I'm not a dumb-ass. I need to drink some beer first, then I will become a dumb-ass, and may purchase them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, Scotch for me - but I would do it right now if I had the extra simoleons. I've wasted larger amounts of cash on riskier things!
Those reviews were not good! I'll stay away from this one... or at least I won't be first
nunjabusiness said:
LOL, Scotch for me - but I would do it right now if I had the extra simoleons. I've wasted larger amounts of cash on riskier things!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I do have a bottle of this:
http://www.greatlakesdistillery.com/pumpkin.htm
Don't be fooled by the name. It is a whiskey!
There's no way this is legit. The same seller is also selling a 9.7" atom tablet with a 16Gb SSD and 3G with Windows 7/ Windows XP / Linux (ALL THREE INSTALLED!) on it for $115 for each tablet when you buy two.
Yeah right!!!!! LOL.
http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/...5-Win7-WIFI-3G-MID-Tablet-PC.html#tabbed-pane
Please don't get yourself scammed. Nobody is going to be able to offer a new G Tab for less than $300.
The parts cost for a G Tablet is probably about $170 (Galaxy Tab was about $205 in estimated parts cost according to the breakdowns I've seen, you can back into costs for a G Tablet pretty easily), assembled and packaged, figure $180-$190 for a G Tablet. And companies have shipping, overhead, fixed costs, and returns to cover.
I'm guessing that in 1000 unit lots, Sears et. al. paid something like $250 per unit, and they dumped the returns at slightly over cost (maybe even at their cost?) from Sears outlet when they were selling returned units for $279.
rcgabriel said:
Please don't get yourself scammed. Nobody is going to be able to offer a new G Tab for less than $300.
The parts cost for a G Tablet is probably about $170 (Galaxy Tab was about $205 in estimated parts cost according to the breakdowns I've seen, you can back into costs for a G Tablet pretty easily), assembled and packaged, figure $180-$190 for a G Tablet. And companies have shipping, overhead, fixed costs, and returns to cover.
I'm guessing that in 1000 unit lots, Sears et. al. paid something like $250 per unit, and they dumped the returns at slightly over cost (maybe even at their cost?) from Sears outlet when they were selling returned units for $279.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are forgetting that the manufacturing is in China. Different processes and different laws governing this. I used to be a purchasing agent for IBM and bought many millions of dollars worth of parts for manufacturing so I am pretty confident that the Gtab could be had for well under $200US.
However, after a little more research - I now agree with ALL of the naysayers.
This guy is definitely a scammer and is not to be trusted.
doctorisin said:
Are these things going to get stuck at customs? IT2STEVE, you have some importing experience (docks/cases/adapters)... how easy/painful is the process? And what should we expect to pay in taxes/duty/fees?
.
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the VERY FIRST dock and first lot I ordered took a while. I have it going with a vendor now that it 'seems' I'm getting things about three days after he ships. For the most part when I'm getting a tracking number it's being delivered on time. I've even seen the 'notice' where customs has opened and inspected it.
I had my ZT-180 tablet seized by the local U.S.Customs office. It was seized because it did not have a sticker saying the wireless was FCC approved, and/or the proper documents regarding this. I had to come up with the forms and documents, AND pay a $100 fee.
The only reason I even considered this offer was because the g-tablet is marked as being FCC approved.
I just placed an order for 1 lot with aliexpress. Only way to tell if it is O.K. is to try, have fingers crossed.
Wish you the best of luck Roy. Personally, I was about to order this G-TAB from aliexpress a week ago, but Thanks to God I stumbled upon this website . Have to be cautious from now on.
Secondly, I have seen Simon Hans other products (except the G-tab and Intel atom 10'' Tablet pc .. which are going awfully cheap), to be sold at their normal prices and with a good transaction history. I have also dropped an email to him but no reply yet. That said, Aliexpress is by far the most reliable chinese trade marketplace, better than Dhgate and globalsources.
Perhaps he's selling it off cheap when shackles pulled the G-TAB off their shelves due to early software issue or rejection issues and somehow VS sold their g-tabs to China due to rejection and to cover its break-up cost.
Anyways, I am more concerned that you and hope you get your G-TAB
Since they hold payment in escrow untill I"m in receipt of tablets not to concerned. Just disappointed that it did not work. But thats life, just wait for another good deal around the corner. If this turns out alright and I did not try I would be more disappointed in myself for missing it.
Roy
So I just noticed that the G Tablet is no longer listed at Sears, Staples, and Kmart online hope this doesnt mean anything bad for the future of the gtab.
still there
I'm still seeing it on amazon.com and Kmart's site.
I noticed that myself. If you follow the "purchase online" link from Viewsonic, all links show not available. I did talk to a rep @ my local Office Depot who said he just received 6 more on his last order that stated "final shipment". They are now directed to order the VIEWPAD 10 which is the dual boot W7/ android version.
Makes me wonder if Viewsonic is halting production on the GTab.
isthisagoose said:
I'm still seeing it on amazon.com and Kmart's site.
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Def not listed on kmarts website. unless you are mistaking it for another device, and as said in previous post on viewsonics website they arent showing it listed anywhere either. as for that dual boot tablet that seems cool but last i heard it was running 1.6 which is just not acceptable.
GTAB still available at the Office Depot
This is where I bought mine, and the price dropped by $20.
DRATS!! *lol*
http://www.officedepot.com/a/browse/tablet-pcs/N=5+509621/
tekrhino said:
This is where I bought mine, and the price dropped by $20
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Good to see that it is still on some shelves but it is a little scary that it looks like they are dropping it since noone is carrying it anymore, even though we have the best devs out there with the gtab in hands doing ground breaking work every day on xda
*UPDATED* Viewsonic's website no longer has a link for "online merchants" or "stores near you".
Doesn't look good.
machine73 said:
*UPDATED* Viewsonic's website no longer has a link for "online merchants" or "stores near you".
Doesn't look good.
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Not at all, surprised this thread isnt getting more attention esp for the love we all have for our tablets. It was pointless though to have those 2 links if they pointed to nothing lol.
*UPDATE 2*
Just got off the phone w/ Viewsonic. Production has NOT been halted on the GTab's. Rep was only able to find it available at Sears. Nowhere else. What "might" be causing the problem is guys like us buying up all the stock from local retailers.
I was told that K-Mart especially will pull links to products that are out of stock to prevent surplus back orders.
We'll just have to keep an eye open for future developments.
Heading to Office Max right now to buy the last 1 in stock.
Brings my stable to 4. I'm happy.
machine73 said:
*UPDATED* Viewsonic's website no longer has a link for "online merchants" or "stores near you".
Doesn't look good.
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HUH??
Viewsonic "Find a ReSeller"
http://www.viewsonic.com/shop/find-a-reseller.htm
Online Store:
http://store.viewsonic.com/html/ibeCZzpHome.jsp?site=VS_STORE&respid=22372
Wow I ordered mine two days ago. Just under the wire. Hopefully it will be back better then ever at some point.
Tt
Those links still do not produce a Gtab for purchase.
Compare:
Gtab http://www.viewsonic.com/gtablet/
Vpad10 http://www.viewsonic.com/products/vpad10.htm
The Rep @ VS had no explanation as to why those links were pulled from the Gtab site.
The Gtablet has always been a stepping stone, so if it has vanished, the issue now is will the VP at Viewsonic that told us of the continued support and software updates still hold true?
BTW, the Viewpad is inferior for a few reasons for Android:
1. A lot less battery life due to Atom cpu and required fan.
2. Windows overhead
3. Android boot mode is 1.6 only
4. Atom CPU may never get support higher than 1.6, since Microsoft is pushing for the newer chipset to be used in tablets. Do not let OEM try to BS you that 2.1, yet alone 2.2 or higher is coming- Too late in the chipset curve to bother.
For an Android device and the combination of power and battery life- the Gtablet is FAR better than the Viewpad.
BTW, the current Atom based Viewpad is a stepping stone as well.
While the area Staples stores do not have the gTablets any longer, my local store's tech person told me this afternoon he "expects to have them back in stock soon." No details but then there never are about tech stuff availability when not in the store or computer. We shall see.
Sears has plenty in stock......store today had 3 or 4....
Sent from my VEGAn-TAB-v1.0.0B5.1 using Tapatalk
It's still on the Sears site: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00382001000P?prdNo=16&blockNo=66&blockType=G66
In fact, they still have yet to update their site to remove the Viewpad specs...
BigJohn
it is the reality I guess, whether stores/sites still selling gtab or not, in the next few months, people won't buy it anyways. There are more better tablets (at least on the paper) coming in next few months with a similar price points such as ASUS, Elocity A10, etc. Unless Viewsonic decides to upgrade the model with a better screen, better software, etc.. I don't see how gtab can compete with others if the price is still around $350 - $400..
On the positive side, the hardware is still good enough to run the next android OS (honeycomb). I will be very satisfied if I can get honeycomb on my gtab and it can last a year..
Just my 2 cents.
That is not the g-tablet.. its the viewpad.. its different. Sears did sell both.
BigJohn89 said:
It's still on the Sears site: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00382001000P?prdNo=16&blockNo=66&blockType=G66
In fact, they still have yet to update their site to remove the Viewpad specs...
BigJohn
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stanglx said:
That is not the g-tablet.. its the viewpad.. its different. Sears did sell both.
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The specs are definately wrong but the model # says G Tablet.
Office Depot still has them too
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/134043/ViewSonic-G-Tablet-101-Android-22/
I agree
tyy10002 said:
it is the reality I guess, whether stores/sites still selling gtab or not, in the next few months, people won't buy it anyways. There are more better tablets (at least on the paper) coming in next few months with a similar price points such as ASUS, Elocity A10, etc. Unless Viewsonic decides to upgrade the model with a better screen, better software, etc.. I don't see how gtab can compete with others if the price is still around $350 - $400..
On the positive side, the hardware is still good enough to run the next android OS (honeycomb). I will be very satisfied if I can get honeycomb on my gtab and it can last a year..
Just my 2 cents.
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i agree with you one hundred percent
Ok so the navy exchange is being retarded. Still thinks i have the transfprmer on order but i just got a email saying its discontinued any one else here of see that. Ill post the link when i get to work im driving to it now.
Dear Exchange Patron,
This email is in regards to your order for (X672H - TRNSFRMR TABLT DK BRN EEEPAD)
that you recently placed with us. Our supplier has informed us that the item has been discontinued. A full refund will be processed for this item. Please allow 3-5 business days for credit posting. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact customer service by phone at 1-800-527-2345 or via chat at www.shopmyexchange.com . Email replies must include your order number and contact information in order to receive a prompt response.
Respectfully,
Sheila Easter
Sr. Customer Service Tech
Marketing-Exchange Catalog /Online Store
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Phone: 1-800-527-2345 Fax 1-214-465-2197
[email protected]
Visit our online store! www.shopmyexchange.com
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Maybe because the TF101G is coming out. (3g model) (it's on their support site now)
or... tf102? Transformer 2 but most likely just a buggy system message.. But I doubt transformer 2 lol, icecream hasn't even been released on the "Nexus Prime".
hmmm i edited my OP to show what i got. i orded the 32GB 2 weeks before it came out.
the way etailers are undercutting the price, I would imagine the TF101 is past the curve in its lifecycle.
I doubt it's discontinued, the transformer sells very well. So I don't see why asus stops selling it. My guess is Exchange can't provide you with the device for some reasons, but said it's discontinued.
Newegg has it (or did two days ago) bundled with the dock for $50 off the full price. unless you're getting a better price through the exchange, just order it from the Egg.
Better not be
I just got me and my girl transformers for our birthdays and she got us the docks, and unless the 3g version is free its not for me I have enough wireless dollars going out.
Might just mean that they have discontinued carrying it especially in light of all the maneuvering (Multiple orders/ cancellations) that went on after initial release
It wouldnt make sense to discontinue such a popular product
This just worries me more about buying this, now :/. I was very interested in purchasing the Transformer but if something better is going to come out really soon then I won't bother.
It's so frustrating that I've come in at the time the current TF101 is becoming out of date. That's my own fault for not being current enough, I guess. Should the people who've wondered about buying (such as myself) hold off for a little while longer, perhaps?
There's always something better coming soon. And a Transformer is a good buy.
This doesn't mean anything, because their supplier is not necessarily Asus. Most probably some other 3rd party wholesaler and they must have discontinued selling it. That doesn't man the product is discontinued.
Just keep in mind that even if a product sells extremely well, if it's a low margin product like a tablet where a seller is only making a little profit to begin with, it doesn't take a lot of returns/swaps before it becomes an item a seller doesn't want to sell. How many posts have you seen here where people had returned a transformer 2, 3 or even 4 times to get a perfect unit? Although low margins/price don't mean that a consumer shouldn't expect a good unit, as someone who works for a consumer electronics retailer I can assure you that if any product bcomes a liability in terms of cost we stop selling it. Obviously although we pride ourselves on customer service we are ultimately in the business to make a profit, so regardless of how popular a unit is it has to pay its own way. This is especially true for a company selling on the internet, since the Walmart idea of having loss leaders doesn't work - people go to your site and buy what they need, they don't often add other higher margin items.
lathanub said:
This just worries me more about buying this, now :/. I was very interested in purchasing the Transformer but if something better is going to come out really soon then I won't bother.
It's so frustrating that I've come in at the time the current TF101 is becoming out of date. That's my own fault for not being current enough, I guess. Should the people who've wondered about buying (such as myself) hold off for a little while longer, perhaps?
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There will always be something better. The Quad Core tablets are suppose to be arriving this fall I thought, so if you hold out until then that could be good. I got my Tablet back in June and am very happy with it.
Hell I am never satisfied though. I got a new Laptop (Sager) in May, Tablet (Transformer) in June, and now I want to build a new Desktop (custom build). If I do the desktop my wife is going to kill me!