People visit outlet for newest gadget
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Two men closely examined cellular phones on display at the Nokia Customer Center (NCC) in Mampang, South Jakarta, recently. They discussed specifications and later checked the price with a shop attendant.
Meanwhile, a woman took her cellular phone with her after paying the bill. She finished the transaction.
They were among nearly 20 people visited the Nokia Customer Center that day. While some people made transactions, others showed their disappointment at not being able to buy the latest model Nokia 8800.
"We have no stocks here. I don't know when the phones will come," said a shop attendant Ade.
According to Ade, the Nokia outlet in Mampang had sold some Nokia 8800 phones before the June 17 launch. However, she declined to disclose the volume of the sale.
And it was not the only the outlet in Mampang not to have stock. An outlet at the Dharmawangsa Square shopping complex also did not have stock.
"We don't have that one (Nokia 8800). You may get that phone from the outlet in Mampang, South Jakarta," a shop attendant said.
Some customers who want to buy the phone readily leave their contact number.
The Jakarta Post, which also left a phone number, was a day later contacted by Nokia who stated that limited stocks of phones were available for customers.
"I will keep it for you if you want it, otherwise I will sell to someone else. Indeed, there is only limited stock," said a Nokia employee by phone.
The price of the phone varies from one outlet to another. The NCC in Mampang puts the price at Rp 9.2 million while an outlet at the Pondok Indah Mall sells the phone for Rp 9.25 million.
Every purchase includes the phone, headset, desk stand, suede carrying pouch and battery.
The fact that many Indonesians have bought the cellular phone clearly shows that people here are always trying to keep up with the latest model cellular phone with most advanced technology.
Price is no object.
Country manager for Nokia Indonesia Hasan Aula said despite its high price, the Nokia 8800 has the power to attract Indonesian consumers.
With an improving technology and number of features, today's cellular phone is not only a means of communication. It has grown beyond its main function.
Now, latest model cellular phones are generally equipped with a camera, musical ringing tones and stylish appearance. As for the Nokia 8800, the model offers customers a stylish look with the body made from durable stainless steel.
Nokia claims that every aspect of its masterpiece has been meticulously considered and precisely engineered, from the laser- cut curves of its steel-clad body to the state-of-the-art slide mechanism and the fine-pitched screen with reinforced glass.
Beside the scratch-resistant glass window and durable stainless steel cover, the phone also provides features like an integrated SVGA camera, active TFT display with 262,144 colors (208 X 208 pixels), and 3D image engine.
At 134 grams and measuring 107 X 45 X 15 mm, the Nokia 8800 is a small gadget with big functions.
"We believe this new gadget will be most appreciated from those who have high taste," Aula added.