Sony hates Hong Kong
Posted by SpikeDec 19
I think Sony hates Hong Kong. Exhibit 1 would be their godawful web site – at least if you don’t read Chinese. Select “English” and all the flash animation is still Chinese only. Do a search and your results come back in Chinese. It’s lazy and cheap, especially from a company this size.
Exhibit 2 would be the range of products that Sony offers worldwide that they don’t bother to sell in Hong Kong. This little sucker has been out for many months in the rest of the world:
As you can see, it’s an alarm/clock radio, what Sony calls a “Dream Machine,” that offers a screen capable of displaying digital photos. With the dock for the iPod/iPhone, it can play back not just the music on your iThing, it can also show the videos. I’ve seen it in US shops for US$149 (but a different electrical system, didn’t pick it up because I made the mistake of thinking one could find it here), online UK retailers have it for 125 pounds, CNet Australia says it lists for 300 Aussie bucks – that would be the short end of the stick but we in Hong Kong get the even shorter end because you can’t buy it here (unless someone knows of some gray market shop that’s got it?).
Or should I be happy that this is one less thing that I can be blowing money on at the moment?
5 comments
Comment by kayne on December 19, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Its a shame that they choose to release things in some places and not the other. living in Australia, I’ve grown used to this over the years, although the selection here is a lot better than some other countries.
I had a play with this one at my local JB HiFi, an electronics store in Australia. I think it even was on sale for as cheap as AU$199. It seemed like a very good unit for befside the bed etc, but the speakers weren’t too loud. Something that you couldn’t do was access the videos on the unit unless you chose the video’s option on the iphone. other than that, it seemed good.
i was just after a speaker for my unit so I bought cheap, house brand Soniq’s unit which I’m very happy with
Comment by Spike on December 19, 2009 at 10:42 pm
I have some speaker units already spread throughout the house. My current alarm clock is dying, don’t need massive volume & thought the screen would be a nice addition. Don’t think I’m gonna order it online internationally though, at least not yet.
Comment by Ed Burke on December 20, 2009 at 8:29 am
Spike,
In answer to your question, you should be happy that this is one less thing that you can be blowing your money on at the moment.
Until your ship comes in, the more you spend the greater the stress.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify.
Comment by Don Quixote on December 20, 2009 at 6:27 pm
If you want something really simple but effective, try this:
http://www.redferret.net/?p=17706
Comment by Spike on December 20, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Nope but thanx