New PDA models poised to double O2 Asia sales this year

DATA devices and services provider O2 Asia is looking at doubling its sales in 2004 with the launch of a new handphone and handheld computer, according to country manager (Malaysia) Ng Kien Lock. 

“We are confident that O2 Xda IIs and O2 Xphone II will receive tremendous response from the public,” he said after the launch of the products in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 

Ng said O2 Asia Pacific sold over 100,000 units of previous models Xda II and Xphone last year. 

“Malaysian sales contributed significantly to O2 sales in Asia-Pacific. It was among the top three countries in terms of units sold,” he said. 

Chia Eng Keat (right) and O2 Asia vice-president (brand and marketing) Pei Wen wong shsowing off Xphone II and Xda IIs respectively.

However, he declined to disclose the sales figures. O2 Asia vice-president (sales) Chia Eng Keat said O2 would unveil eight more models of handphone and handheld computers or personal digital assistants (PDA) next year.  

This is in line with its plan to expand its product range in Asia. 

“Several devices are designed to harness the speed of the 3G networks for mobile data applications,” he said. 

Chia said O2 owed its success to doing business with the core group of high income, high expectation business professionals.  

The company was looking at providing improved messaging, mobile office and multimedia capabilities to a wider audience as it expanded its product range, he said. 

Xda IIs includes enhancements to the integrated PDA and mobile handset while Xphone II is the slimmest smartphone in the market powered by the second edition of Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Smartphone operating system. 

The Xda IIs and Xphone II will be available by the end of this month. They will retail at RM3,588 and RM1,888 respectively.  

Chia said the new PDA was not a replacement for O2 top seller Xda II, which was launched in 2001. 

“Xda II will be around for some time,” he added.