I wish I knew how Sony decides what country gets what… 

The specs for the TR3 in Australia/NZ pretty much matches the base TR3A EXCEPT for the following differences:

1. 768 MB RAM (512 + 256)
2. 802.11b (instead of g)
3. and a very small selection of Sony based software (DVgate, SonicStage, PictureGear, and Network Smart Capture) pre-installed—no MS Works, and the other stuff.  I think Sony’s market here is at video/photo editing segment of the population?
4. Recovery CDs (3 CDs only).
5. 40 GB drive partitioned in 15 GB and 25 GB with just XP on the smaller partition.

Living so close to Japan doesn’t create any benefits (such as built-in Bluetooth) but the Sony semi-hard case is available here   domestically for $99 AUD—it’s the Japanese box with an English sticker on top of the Japanese description.

All in all a very slick unit (no dead pixels—knock on wood) and I’ve been waiting for an all-in-one this small since the 12” Apple Powerbook.  I’ve reconverted “back” from the Powerbook since I’m finding most of my IT troubleshooting job requires the use of an XP computer anyway and this is perfect for travelling around.

Thanks to this amazing forum for all the reviews and tips helping me with this expensive purchase decision (it’s $4299 AUD!!!), my wife doesn’t thank you, though.  LOL.  I’m no Sony whore but I am a gadget/computer whore with too many computers/notebooks/game systems than hands to use!!!

Cheers.

P.S.  OT, the Motion Eye VJ screensaver is actually part of the pre-installed software—pretty funky BTW.

Congratulations on your SONY TR purchase!
Hope you’ll like it as much we all do here!!!

So it’s the same in Australia? Sony Singapore just launched TR3 in Singapore and the first thing that I noticed is the 802.11b ... what a letdown! I think Sony is really disappointing ...

I am actually thinking of buying TR3A from the States, but I am concerned about the warranty. Do anyone knows where can I get 3 years warranty? I have sent CDW 3 emails to check on their warranty packages, but they have not answered my questions yet.  :(

“Welcome to the family”... (soft italian mafia voice emphasized)

Australia sux big time.

the same singapore one retails for 2713 USD equivilent
australian one is3 3224 USD equivilent

damn

I am getting my friend to purchase one for me from states 2999USD with DVD burner and 1 GB ram…

[quote author=“RoyHui”]Australia sux big time.

the same singapore one retails for 2713 USD equivilent
australian one is3 3224 USD equivilent

damn

I am getting my friend to purchase one for me from states 2999USD with DVD burner and 1 GB ram…

With taxes etc, you might land up paying more than USD 3224. I dont think there is any store that would not charge sales tax. I think the only way of saving on paying ST would be to purchase from some online store which does not have local presence in the state to which it is being shipped. From 1 of your earlier posts I remember u wanted to buy it from some Fry’s store in CA…

However, please do not go by my word since I have been in USA for not too long so it would be good if someone else could also let us know if I am right or wrong.

I figured purchasing it locally (in Australia) with an additional 2 years store warranty on top would cover me given all the nightmarish stories with Sony support and service.

Mind you, I did look at http://www.japaneseimports.com.au to see about ordering the original Japanese version of the TR…

Anyway, I’m looking at the Sony Bluetooth USB dongle for my bluetooth fix and was quoted about $120 AUD.  Anyone know of it being cheaper in Australia?

Cheers,
James