So Google has finally opened the curtains to their new flagship Nexus One phone powered by the latest Android 2.1 OS. The unit sells for $529 with free shipping to anywhere in the US.
If you’re in the Philippines, then you’re out of luck since Google does not support our country. Our neighbors from Singapore and Hong Kong can get one straight into their doorsteps.
However, I did some simple work-around to order my own review unit.
First, you need to get a US proxy IP address. I bought a 1-month pass for a private US IP for only $8 to make my transaction secure (I used ProxZ.com). Use that proxy on your browser (here’s a tutorial on how to configure proxy in your browser).
Now go to www.google.com/phone and order your Nexus One. It’s $529 for the unlock version ($179 for T-Mobile while Verizon and Vodafone will be available by spring). Google will allow you to have a laser engraving at the back for free but will take 72 hours longer before it’s shipped.
Next, you need a US, UK, Hong Kong or Singapore address to send the package. If you’re like me who wants it straight to your address here in the Philippines, you can try the service that I use which is MyUSMailBox (more details here).
I reckon my additional charges for shipping and customs would be around Php3k based on previous shipments I’ve made thru this service. That should land me a total bill of Php28k for the whole thing.
The unit should in 2 weeks and I’ll be getting you a better look and full review asap.
@yuga
Nice investment! :D
@Xenio – they don’t have restrictions on the credit card, just the shipping address.
@PowerTxt – I don’t think there’s a new iPhone on the 26th. Rumors point to an Apple Tablet PC.
@Vance – any proxy will do, including the free ones. I just chose the private proxy so my CC details cannot be sniffed out during the transaction. My Philippine credit card worked.
@Larry – for those subscribing with T-Mobile.
@Jaypee – you mean T-Mobile?
@Calvin – it will pay for itself when the pageviews come in. It’s not a hobby, it’s a blog investment. *heh*
errr…order it for you.. sorry.
wala talagang magawa sa pera. :P
an easier way is to ask somebody from the US to order it from you hehehe. :P
I think the activate phone link is for those who purchased the phone with T-mobile subscription (@ a discounted price).
@ Erin – unluckily, the phone does not support tethering.
Thank you very much. I’ve read your MyUSMailbox way of buying stuff that aren’t shipped to the Philippines and its the first thing that came to my mind after learning that Google isn’t shipping to the Philippines (yet). But maybe I’ll wait some more and wait for your review (as well as reading other reviews) before deciding to buy or not.
I think the activate phone link is for those who purchase the phone with a T-Mobile subscription (discounted phone price).
@Erin – the phone does not support tethering.
wow! ill wait for the review and if this phone can tether and doesnt get bad reviews then this (or an iteration) can be my next phone.
let me see which body part i can sell to get me a new phone. j/k
ciao!
How about activating the phone? Do you need to be a “supported country” for you to be able to activate it. I tried clicking on the link, obviously it says no Phone found, but at least it doesn’t give me a “Your country is not supported at the moment” message.
I’m quite curious on what goes on when you activate you phone. Do you do it via usb cable then go to the website?
I would’ve gotten this if I wasn’t on AT&T and if my wife hadn’t gotten me an iPhone 3GS last Christmas. :P
Sorry, if you choose Philippines on the credit card choice, does it work?
Hotspot shield.. works.. tried it hehe. Sadly, I don’t have $530 to spend hehe//
There is an activate phone link in the website. Just wondering what this for? If Philippines is not a supported country, will you be able to use the phone here in Manila even if you use your US proxy to activate the phone?
i’m wondering? will hotspot shield work as a proxy? its for free..
I’ll wait for the iPhone that’s coming out on Jan 26.
Did Google check only the address of ship?
There is no check for the credit card?
Waiting for your review of the Nexus one :D
Galing mo Abe, never even thought about that..
My niece has already texted me to get her one.. and of course, being the favorite niece that she is, I have to oblige.. ahahah
I used proxz.com for this one. I then canceled my subscription after using and got a full refund.
Hey yuga, what proxy server service are you using?