Will iPod Touch overule the iPhone in Malaysia?

After a 100% success turnover with the article; Why Malaysia is Not Talking about the iPhone?, I have finally found a suitable and qualified follow up regarding the Apple iPhone in Malaysia.

It’s uncommon for me to blog about gadgets or hardware technology related articles but the Apple iPhone was a given. The #1 reason is besides Jason or Kenny getting their hands on it, I’m anticipating and want to own an Apple iPhone for myself here in Malaysia. It won’t be too long now especially after the hacking of the iPhone.

And to make it even more believable, after watching the recent keynote by Steve Jobs on the new iPod line, you better believe the Apple iPhone will be affordable in Malaysia.

The release of the all-new iPod nano is something. But for me, the iPod Touch is going to be what comes closest to the iPhone when it reaches Malaysia. The iPod Touch resembles the Apple iPhone almost in every possible angle. However, the main function lacking is you can’t make any phone call with it. The iPod Touch will be your real entertainment mobile device. It will play music, podcasts, videos, surf the web (yes, it has WiFi!) which means there is also the Safari Web Browser and even a dedicated YouTube button.

The 2 other special features the new iPod Touch will have is a dedicated iTunes Music Wifi Store shortcut and a Buy Starbucks Coffee music shortcut. You might’ve already guessed what the first button does, the Starbucks feature is to enable Starbucks lovers to preview, buy, download and play the very music the outlet is playing on your iPod Touch device!

If you’re wondering why I said the Apple iPhone will definetely be affordable in Malaysia, Steve Jobs unveiled the recent holiday prices of the new iPod lineup including the price the Apple iPhone 8GB will be retailing this holiday season.

The iPod Touch is the 2nd device from the right, right beside the Apple iPhone. Based on the price Steve is setting for this holiday season, the iPhone 8GB model will be around RM1399 (USD399 converted to date).

Given the fact additional fees of whatever taxes (if any) and the cut taken from Apple resellers in Malaysia, the Apple iPhone should well be positioned around RM2000-2500. Ultimately, for that price the Apple iPhone will be ‘oh-so’ affordable in Malaysia compared to even HTC (previously Dopod) and the other PDA-phone manufacturers.

The setback though I now ponder is the Apple iPhone’s support for Windows based applications like Microsoft Outlook and the rest. As we sadly know, monopoly of the Microsoft operating system in Malaysia is proven. But will that dampen the burning desire of future Apple iPhone purchasers in Malaysia…not me.

Question of the day:
Will you buy the iPod Touch if it arrives before the Apple iPhone in Malaysia?

[tags]Apple iPhone, Malaysia iPhone price, iPod Touch[/tags]

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