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Asus Garmin A50 Phone Is Back at DSE - Still $199

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I just notice this phone is back at DSE online.

Note, this is not a duplicate of last year deal http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/33835.

This is for people looking for a decent Android phone but missed out that last year deal.

Decent budget Android phone + good quality GPS (got one from last year). Can upgrade to Android 2.1 from Garmin site.

Prepaid Optus phone but factory unlocked.

Get it quick before the Ozbargain (and possibly from Whirlpool too) effect.

I think you can order then pickup from local store http://dicksmith.com.au/help/click-and-collect-content.

[Edit]
This new batch has been reported locked to Optus network (not work with Vodafone or Telstra sim). It's works with other Optus based resellers like Virgin, Amaysim etc.

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  • What's the build quality like on these? Aesthetics leave a lot to be desired.

    • +2

      Its the best bang for buck android phone you are going to get at this price and unlocked as well. Its basically the cheapest good android phone you can buy presently.

      Build quality beats any other non nokia phone at this price range.

      • Best bang for buck? There's plenty of Android phones at the $199 price range (and the Huawei Ideos U8150 at $129).

        Not many in this price range are community supported. So be aware you may be stuck on 2.1 forever!
        Android 2.2 lets you use your phone as a portable wifi hotspot (There are apps to do this for 2.1, but may require root) and certain tasks are 3x faster. Android 2.3/3.0 appear to have some interesting foundations of cloud/local music access.

        • +1

          and the Huawei Ideos U8150 at $129

          But it has a QVGA screen, and also a slower processor.
          Not a fair comparison at any rate, but the A50 is a much better phone overall.

          There are also rumours floating on WP that an update to 2.2 Froyo is imminent.

        • +2

          Yeah, the Hardware on the A50 is the best compromise between cheap and sufficient power and good quality.
          I bought one for my old man.
          The Huwei Ideos is the cheapest Android phone, but loses out with its low res screen, which dramatically affects the software that is compatible with the handset.

        • Some people don't care about their 8 year old phone and you think that everyone cares about the update from 2.1 to 2.2. I just want a good quality touch screen phone with GPS and the Huawei doesn't cut it.

      • Some Android phones here:
        http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/39413

        • None of the beat them A50 for price/perfomance.

        • yeah pity the x8 doesn't have multitouch :(

    • Agreed it's not very stylish but have you see the budget range of Ideos Huawei phones?

  • yayy! thanks for the heads up!

  • I bought it a time ago with this offer.

    This phone is great as GPS, but as phone is not the best, although with the update to 2.1 works much better.

  • +2

    I purchased one on the original deal - updated to 2.1 and accept this is probably the last update from Garmin (I hope scrimshaw is right about v2.2). Note that v2.1 gives a far nicer home screen structure and I am pleased to report that it has run all the apps I have thrown at it. Only limit is that it does not not have enough grunt to reliably software decode .mkv and .flv files but absolutely no problems with the inbuilt native decoding of .mp4, .wmv and .3gp files. Still it has enough grunt for things like "Angry Birds" (which is the only CPU intensive game I have tried).

    BUT - it does comes with a car dock mount and is a full bore GPS with excellent maps. IMHO it is actually better than many of the similarly priced GPS's with street naming in the directions and very smooth operation - only thing I miss is a wider band of choices for navigation calculation.

    Excellent inbuilt set of POI's and great organisation and connection of contacts to the GPS - just put an address in the phone contacts and you have the option to navigate there. This is in addition to the normal "Saved Locations" in the GPS software. My older GPS is now just sitting in a box quietly going flat :). The maps are excellent as is the address entry and I have not yet been able to fail it with private roads in country areas etc.

    Finally, the build quality is excellent and the ugly home page can be ignored in v2.1 so I feel that meets the question in the first comment above.

    For good info take a look at WHirlpool -> http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1572580

    Ozzie

    • +2

      I got one last year and a fairly decent phone after destroying an iphone

      have had 2 garmin GPS units previous to this one , this one differs a fair bit

      although the gps works fairly well it does lack in some respects

      you cannot search by suburb and find a street for example if someone gives you the incorrect spelling of the street you are shit out of luck

      you cannot punch in a street and then see all the suburbs that the streets are in example for the snobs that want to live in the better class ajoining suburb this was useful on my old garmins

      i use this daily for 15 visits across 12 suburbs and there are a lot of streets that are on the map but will not come up in the search

      it is a little buggy at times and requires battery removal and reboot

      it loses satellites at times

      it is a shame that they have discontinued the product as there will be no further support updates

  • I bought this phone earlier. Its great for the price. I also bought the Huawei recently for my parents. Its definately worth pay extra money to get this phone.

    Didn't know they had an update to 2.1. I am currently updating!!
    Couldn't seem to find any phone in Sydney which still have the product in stock. :(

    • Online only. Quantity limited to 2 each!

  • Forgot to mention that this phone is piss easy to root. Got rid of all crapwares from Optus.

    • got a link?

      • Install Z4root. Root the phone - wait 6 minutes or so while it does it's work. The phone will reboot.

        Then grab the Root Explorer app (costs you $4), use this application to delete apps.

        Backups highly recommended before you start deleting anything.

        Most of the Optus crap and bloatware are in a folder called /system/carrier/persist-app.

        You can delete:
        Directory Assist
        MyAccount
        CIAO
        Fbook
        MySpace
        Talk (do not remove talkprovider)
        Twitter

        To remove the Optus Boot logo, you will need to delete this file in this directory:
        system/carrier/images/startup/bootanimation.zip

        • +1

          Yes, I rooted with Z4root as well then used Super Manager which has root access. It's free.

        • Install Z4root. Root the phone - wait 6 minutes or so while it does it’s work. The phone will reboot

          This app is unfortunately no longer available on the Android market.

        • +1

          If Z4root has disappeared off the market, Google has probably removed it

          I did however find the APK file floating on file sharing sites:

          http://www.4shared.com/get/HvJ7Anrq/z4root130.html

        • You can remove bloatware for free with Titanium Backup. (once your phone is rooted)

        • How to fully backup your system so that you can restore anytime to the unrooted condition?

        • Easiest way is to install ROM manager and do a full backup of the phone after rooting.
          When you want to unroot, you follow the unroot procedure depending on what root software you use.

  • +1

    thankyou for sharing observations/thoughts: (incl but not limited too and in no particular order: scubacoles, scrimshaw, Ozem61, Lukian et al). I am tossing up whether to upgrade to a smart phone and appreciate your useful insights. (I am also a fan of whirlpool but i easily suffer from information overload - i end up spending hours there!)

    thanks again guys/girls i appreciate your time.

    • i would say really depends on your use and technical ?difficulty?

      for smart phones, like the HTC, iPhone(argumentative), Blackberry
      the HTC is for 'tech-geeks' as so they say
      iPhone is for the stylish
      Blackberry is for business

      IMO, this gives a great perspective
      http://www.limfy.com/wp-content/Uploads/2010/11/iphone-andro…

      sorta like this discussion
      http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/39320

      • Thanks Issh, 1 amusing link, 1 informative…excellent

    • Just to add to your consideration this phone (and probably all Androids) can specifically block the expensive mobile data use. I have done this as if I want to get on the web in the country I can just go to a Maccas and use their free wifi or even just do a quick cruise around a town scanning any live wifi's and leech on one that is not protected (astonishingly common) - no guilt if I just want to check Google or any similar minor usage.

      At home the my own WiFi (Passworded solidly) is excellent and very useful if I am out watching TV and want to check web or emails.

  • are the maps worldwide or aus only?

    • Lifetime update for Aus only

  • how much is the unlocking fee?

    • read the post "Prepaid Optus phone but factory unlocked."

      • Where or link?

    • According the whirlpool forum, this phone can be used on any networks except telstra

      • Can be used on Telstra as well, but it's not NextG compatible, so you'll only see 3G in the city (until Telstra stop using the 2100MHz towers they share with 3, which is happening soonish).

  • I tried to order this using the 5% off code here http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/38831
    But apparently, it's not working!!

    • I tired that too also didn't work, so i placed my order and sent a email to customer support.

      • May I know what is in your email? Dis you receive the original promo email from DSE?

  • Does it need to download any data to use as a GPS? and does it have speed/safety camera Alerts?

    • no…can be used as a gps without sim card, brought my wife one last time it was on ozB, she loves it…

      • thx. Sound good

  • I wonder how this compares with Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 $224 from optus with a bonus $50 gift card.
    http://personal.optus.com.au/web/ocaportal.portal?_nfpb=true…

    • +1

      This is a physically smaller screen - check the pixel size as some of the smaller ones than used in the Garmin (320x480) cause problems with some apps.

      If you want a good GPS navigator then Garmin wins with its car mount, Garmin quality navigation app and especially the built in maps - if you use Google map navigation be prepared for some hefty wireless data bills - also check the cost of suitable navigation apps if you want to approach the Garmin quality - I notice the TomTom app for iPhone costs around 90+ dollars with an included window mount - I assume a good app would come with maps to load on the SD card in the phone (Check if the Sony can take plug in memory too).

      With any system that relies on data connection - Google for instance - no navigation if you are out in the boonies when you need it most as you can easily get out of mobile data range in OZ.

      Chas

      • +1

        Just want to point out.. with Google navigation, it does cache map data for the trip you are taking. Therefore, assuming you don't deviate from the planned route, you don't need 3G connection for the entire journey. However, no GPS is perfect in terms of picking the best route every time, so it is not unusual to not follow the instructions 100%.

        Also, the data usage isn't huge when you use Google navigation. I did a test, from city back to my place (roughly 20KM, 40 minutes), it only consumed about 1M worth of 3G data.

        Google navigation is well integrated with Google Map (and the Google browser). Basically, you can search for a place you want to go using the Browser (search in google.com), it will show a few links (including a link and a small map to Google Map), click on the map will bring you to Google Map and you can then choose to Navigate To the destination.

        Obviously, having Garmin on the phone is a huge plus. However, Google Navigation is quite cool. It is something that I really wish iPhone can have.

        • +1

          Thanks for that information and correction :)

          Ozzie

    • The Sony Ericsson X8 from Optus is basically $175 after redeeming the visa gift card. Not a bad price at all!

      Disadvantage is that’s it’s locked to the Optus network, but you can still use it on the Virgin, LiveConnected, TPG and amaysim network. If you get it unlocked it will work on the Telstra Next G network—unlike the Asus Garmin A50.

      Both phones have the same screen resolution (320x480 pixels). The X8 has a 3” screen vs 3.5” for the A50.

      The X8 is a fair bit smaller and lighter than the A50, that may be an advantage to some users.

      EDIT: Headphone connector on the A50 is miniUSB—not very practical?

      • +2

        A50 comes with a usb lead with a mike, volume control and 3.5mm earplug socket on the other end. Works well with any standard earphone set.

        Ozzie

        • Thanks for pointing that out. Not as practical as straight 3.5mm though.

    • Thanks guys, the A50 wins over X8 are factory unlocked, 4 GB internal memory, and Garmin GPS Nav. But, I feel pity for it not having a 3.5mm headphone jack.

      • Yeah, if GPS navigation is important to you go for the A50. Memory is neither here nor there as both phones support microSD memory expansion.

        Also, my mistake, I said the X8 supports the Telstra Next G network when unlocked. Though this is the case for some X8's sold overseas, it's not the case for the Optus one.

      • yeah the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack is pretty fail.. oh and no FM radio on the A50

        does the x8 have multi-touch input??

        • No, and SE won't be releasing any updates in the future to enable muti-touch on the X8, though they will be releasing an update to enable multi-touch on the X10 probably in Q1, 2011.

          They also don't have any plans to enable update to Android v2.2, and are unlikely to ever do so on both the X8 and X10.

          You can always try to update Android yourself but this will void the warranty:
          http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=914513

        • damn that sux! what's the point of having a capacitive screen without multitouch? =\

          pity the x10 mini has a shitty resolution =\

        • I don't think garmin-asus will provide the 2.2 or 2.3 update as well.
          camelgrass, do you think there is a big chance that we can update the A50 ourself? (without losing the garmin nav functionality)

        • I think you are right, I doubt that Garmin will ever officially support an update to v2.2, let alone v2.3. I can't say how difficult it would be to do it yourself, it depends on the extent of community support for the phone.

          TBH, I think it would be easier to update Android on phones such as the SE Xperia X8, as there is a much larger development community behind these phones. As you can imagine the number of X8's sold worldwide far outnumber A50's.

      • See my comment just above on the 3.5 mm headphone jack lead supplied with the phone.

        Ozzie

  • mod please delete

  • I must say the Garmin GPS is good. However, for some reason its search address is a big fail. It failed to find me even the street name 6 out of 10 times eventhough I can see it in their map. Google maps provides a good backup.

    • You can use the Google Navigation app to search, but have the GPS routed by Garmin by default. I've found it works very well

  • Bought two units the last time around and they are truly worth the go.
    Have since used the GPS plus maps in rental cars in NZ, Germany and US. Love it.
    The WiFi browsing is good and quick when needed abroad.
    Android 2.1 games and audio players are ok as well.
    That phone finally replaced my 8 year old Nokia 8210.

  • I have an A50 and love it. Three friends also bought it on my recommendation and also love it. Easy to use for most things, not lightening fast, but more than functional for most uses. Easy to root. Still best value for money in this price bracket -especially with the factory unlock status. Hard to beat the offline maps with lifetime updates (4/year), and car mount. The dedicated GPS works better than the iPhone 4, and is very well integrated with other functions in the phone -you can look up where a place is (say a pizza shop) on the gps and then given the option of calling or driving to that location etc.

  • It's strange, we have some people saying the GPS/maps on the A50 are great, others saying they are lacking in some respects—not sure what to believe.

    • I have found it to be most functional for any specific address I have plugged in, but using the 'browse places' is a little hit and miss -not every business is indexed or old defunct businesses not removed and sometimes the best hit it will give me is in another state (760km away!), because the local franchise store is not indexed. Not all speed zones are mapped -major roads only.

  • Just ordered one on the strength of the feedback here and WP. Gotta be better than the dodgy old Nokia Classic I currently have.
    I see people mentioning the lifetime map updates but is that deal not finished?

  • It comes with australia map only?

    • Yes.

    • Stutter

  • When you consider that lifetime map updates is $185, makes it a good deal (still).

    • but didn't the map update offer end on 31st January 2011?

      • Seems you just have to register the phone with Garmin….

    • -4

      lifetime map update is laughable , how long are people going to have this phone for ??

      • +2

        Duhhhhhhhhhhh If you get free map updates it can always be used just as a GPS years after you get a new phone.

        • -3

          lmao thats if it is still working

  • Bought this phone in November 2010, recently upgraded to android 2.1. Great phone and GPS.

  • I've had this phone for a while - and I'll agree with others, the GPS on it is brilliant.
    However, the phone itself runs a little slow at times compared to other phones.

    If you're after a good GPS - get this, if apps is your thing, you might want to look for something a little faster.

  • +1

    Unfortunately, it is locked this time. BTW, anyone has idea why the home page is different from the picture on DSE site?

    The picture there shows a simple user screen but I cannot figure out how to see it on my Garmin A50? All I can see is a homepage with 8 application icons on the bottom, which is not so great and straightforward.

    • You can change the home screen style in the settings menu. There are 2 to choose from, Classic and Breeze.

      Breeze is intended for quicker access to the Gps functions.
      Classic is the default screen on most Android phones.

      If you don't like any of those, you can try installing Launcher pro or Adw Launcher, both of which are much better than the stock ones.

    • darkjazz, how do you know it is locked? Did you order the current one and already receive it?

      • +3

        Just bought one last Friday and received the phone this morning. I tried my vodafone sim card and cannot get in and only an emergency call keypad for you to dial. Then I used my virginmobile sim card (Optus sub carrier) and successfully got into the system. Well correct me if I am wrong. Still good deal coz you can unlock it after 6 months for free.

        • Hmmm… interesting…
          Would it unlock if you rooted and flashed a new ROM?

        • Could it be the sim card wasn't properly inserted? Happened to me at first as well. Put the sim in and got no access (emergency only). Took it out and re-inserted it and voila, connected right away. It works with Vodafone and Amaysim (Optus network)

  • Was going to place an order but according to darkjazz this phone is locked to Optus and I have only a Vodafone sim…

    • see timhn's reply above.
      We'll know more soon when people's orders arrive and they test this batch out.

      • +1

        Thanks Sven I really hope it's not locked (and not sold out when I make the decision hehe).

  • I tried it again per timhn's comments however my vodafone sim card still not working and there is a word at left top corner shown as 'network locked'. Well someone might have luck. Never mind, I ordered two units and already sold one at $280 by auction, which reduced my cost :)

    • +1

      Have you put the sim in the right way? Look closely as it does let you put it in the wrong way (I know this from experience though I should not admit it).

    • Darkjazz, can you please try again your Vodafone as per below comments from Robotdad? Thanks.

  • -1

    I asked an expert about buying this phone and got warned not to with:
    "2.1 is not an upgrade. I have 2.3. Anything less than 2.2 and your battery won't even last one day. You won't be able to tether to your laptop with less than 2.2 either."

    • +5

      Anything less than 2.2 and your battery won’t even last one day.

      Bollocks, assuming that you don't play with your phone all day or talk for more than 4 hours in one go, the Garmin A50 will last at least 2 days with a full charge.

      On average, you will find yourself charging it every night, but you can make it last much longer if you turn Data reception off (which helps preserve battery life) and keep Wifi, GPS and Bluetooth radios off when not needed. It also helps if you use the Auto-brightness setting for the screen as well.

      You will find that most Android smartphones, including the very high end S. Galaxy will need charging almost every night. In fact the Galaxy S has a very huge power drain considering it has a 1ghz CPU.

      You won’t be able to tether to your laptop with less than 2.2 either.”

      Also bollocks.

      http://www.appbrain.com/app/wireless-tether-for-root-users/a…

      Once rooted you can use this app on the Garmin A50 with no issues.
      It allows you to tether either via Wifi or Bluetooth.

    • It seems that tethering is already supported.
      http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9272969&postc…
      Can someone that has this phone at hand confirm this?

  • I can confirm these are locked, just tried mine with a tesltra sim and it asked for a 10 digit code, my optus one works fine.

    • +1

      also this is my first android phone, it says its firmware is 2.1-update 1. does this mean it is infact running android 2.1? sorry complete noob with these, I'm an iphone man, bought this to play with.

      • Yes.

  • Mine is locked too. Anyone knows how to root and unlock this phone?

    • damn..i ordered a few

      • Yes. Mine locked as well!
        So after 6 months, we can just call Optus to unlock it?
        (they would just know that you bought it for 6 months, as I do not intend to use their simcard at all)

        • AFAIK, you have to be "connected" to Optus for at least 6 months. So you would have to at least activate the SIM card.

  • Damn, sorry to hear that they locked the phone with this new batch - was about to recommend to a friend who work as a carrier happen to get a new gps.

    leiiv, check the z4tool link mentioned above. Not sure how to unlock after rooted.

  • Slight chance it's unlocked once upgraded to Android 2.1?

    "Android 2.1 unlocks the Garmin-Asus A50 for all those worried about it being locked." - quote ausdroid.net

    Unfortunately that's all I can see when I search for "unlock garmin asus a50".

    If those who already bought one could test it out, that would be greatly appreciated. (Especially vodafone sims owners :P)

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