By Patrick Avenell
SYDNEY: A new deal between Ingram Micro and i-mate is set to open up the distribution and network market for the JAMA and Ultimate range of phones.
Ingram Micro, a leading technology distribution firm, has signed on with i-mate, making their range of JAMA and Ultimate mobile phones available through a wider network of retailers. Ingram Micro claim to have distribution links to over 250 retailers in Australia, with the i-mate phones set to shipped to Dick Smith, Office Works, Harris Technology and Organiser World.
This news represents an opening up of the i-mate market, with their previous Ultimate 8502 and 9502 models only being available through Telstra retailers and on the Telstra network. The new models are free from these restrictions, giving consumers the same range in choice of networks as they do in features.
The distribution deal refers to four mobile phone products from the i-mate family. The JAMA 101 and JAMA 201 will be marketed to the general consumer and will have a suggested retail price of $489. The Ultimate 6150 and Ultimate 8150 are business-oriented, high end models (RRP $979) that, according to i-mate, “can be transformed into powerful business tools for business of all sizes.”
Speaking on behalf of Ingram Micro, managing director Guy Freeland was keen to highlight to features offered to purchasers of i-mate phones. “Customer’s (sic) purchasing i-mate devices [will receive] extensive support…such as access to a 24/7 support line for the cost of a local call and a 12/24 month global warranty,” Freeland said.
The phones also come equipped with access to the i-mate i-Q services, which enable a user to communicate with their phone remotely from their PC. This service can be useful if you misplace your phone and need to protect any sensitive materials from would-be thieves. Other features include a touch screen, music player, Bluetooth v2.0 and a 2.0 megapixel camera.