LG’s Nexus 4 handset has proven difficult to acquire since it launched at the end of October, selling out within 22 minutes of its original Australian launch in November, and again yesterday when the device was put on sale for only the second time. Despite the 3 months that have passed since its reveal, there’s still a huge demand for the Google flagship device. The next option for those who missed out on ordering the Nexus 4 via the Play Store is to purchase at retail through Harvey Norman, who will be exclusively selling the device, starting today.
This marks the first time the phone has been available from an offline source in Australia. Ausdroid spoke with Colin Wright from Harvey Norman about the Nexus 4 to find out how they see the device, Android, and their relationship with LG & Google.
Colin advised that Harvey Norman is very excited to get the exclusive on the Nexus 4, and the level of demand they’ve seen for the device in the week since it was announced has taken them by surprise. Allocations of stock sent to stores numbered in the thousands, but seems unlikely to satisfy the huge public demand for the handset – both online and walk-in pre-orders have seen most of the initial stock accounted for. Harvey Norman wants to get the handset out to consumers, and it seems they’ll have no trouble doing so.
Harvey Norman is keen to fill out their lineup and bring in accessories for the device, but seems unable to get anything from their regular suppliers, or LG / Google – it seems the Nexus 4 bumper will remain a Play store exclusive for now, and there’s been little word on the “Orb” wireless charger. You will be able to purchase the Nokia Fatboy Lumia charging mat – certified to work with “rev 12” hardware – although the exact hardware revision on offer is currently unknown (we’ll update this article when we know more).
Second round ETA: March
Harvey Norman’s commitment to the device doesn’t end when their initial stock is sold out. The retailer has already placed another, larger order for additional stock with LG. Colin told Ausdroid exclusively that this second shipment of stock is expected to hit stores in the first week of March. It’s important to remember that this has all taken place before the device has even gone on sale.
While the retail price of $496 is a bit much to swallow for some customers – it’s $77 above the Play store, taking shipping into account – we’ve already heard from a number of readers that are ready to hand over their money. Bear in mind that the last time Google sold out of the Nexus 4, it was nearly 2 and a half months before they had any more inventory to sell. The safety and satisfaction of having a bricks-and-mortar retailer to rely on if issues arise is also an important factor.
If you’re on the hunt for a Nexus 4 today, it might be best to call your local store to see if they have any stock left before venturing in. If you’re unable to find stock, your local store can take an order for you, or you can order online from the Harvey Norman website.
Thanks Colin for taking the time to speak with us today.
Have you ordered a Nexus 4 from Harvey Norman? Will you place a pre-order for March, or wait for stock to become available in Google Play? Tell us in the comments!
