Google Nexus One Arrives in the Philippines, Unboxing Photos

January 18, 2010 · Posted in Gadgets

Finally, after 10 days of waiting, my Google Nexus One arrived this afternoon via Johnny Air Cargo. In case you’re wondering how I was able to get it shipped via Johnny Air, the work-around was suggested by Yugatech. But instead of using MyUSMailbox, I used Johnny Air Cargo instead since I’ve already coursed several of my Amazon orders through them and I did not experience any hitches.

To cut the long story short, I got my Google Nexus One. And just like a child who just received a new toy, I was overwhelmed by the fact that I am now a proud owner of a Google Android Phone.

The Nexus One one works fine with my 3G postpaid sim. But I haven’t really tested the 3G functionality. I tried connecting to the Internet using 3G but kept on getting errors. Will have to take a closer look into this issue as this might be the same issue encountered by others who have the unlocked Google Nexus One.

But if you hooked it up to the Internet via 3G, the phone runs well. Android is definitely fast.

I’m loving the interface as well. The apps icon are smaller than the iPhone apps icons but both look sleek. Downloading apps from the Android Market was a breeze as well. I quickly downloaded and installed Twidroid app and it runs great.

So, far, I’m loving it. If the iPhone is like a high-end version of a Nokia fun mobile phone, the Google Nexus One is more like a Sony Ericsson. Geeks would definitely love it.

Will post a detailed review as soon as I get to play with the Google Nexus One in the next few days. In the meantime, here are some more photos.

Comments

49 Responses to “Google Nexus One Arrives in the Philippines, Unboxing Photos”

daddy joey on January 19th, 2010 1:31 am

let go of the iphone. lol!
Google Nexus One - Daddy Joey on January 19th, 2010 1:53 am

[...] Arnold’s Google Nexus One Unboxing Google Nexus One [...]
arnold on January 19th, 2010 9:46 am

I can’t let go of the iPhone. I’m using it to review apps to pay for my monthly Globe data charges. Lol!
Jed on January 19th, 2010 9:46 pm

How is the Globe’s 3G connection with N1? Do you have the settings to configure it correctly?

Please post more review on your N1 experience using Globe.

Thanks.
Eric Noel on January 20th, 2010 4:36 am

They say this should do it

Go into Settings
Select “Wireless & Networks”
Choose the “Mobile Networks” option near the bottom
Go into the “Network Operators” section. The Nexus One will do a search for GSM networks around you.
When the search is complete, tap the “Select Automatically” option. The phone should respond with “Registered on network.”
arnold on January 20th, 2010 5:10 am

That’s correct @Eric Noel. You might also want to manually input the APN for either Globe or Smart.
Globe – internet.com.ph
Smart – internet

Jed – 3G connection is ok.
topman_lp on January 20th, 2010 12:35 pm

@ARNOLD, how much all the cost getting the Nexus One, from the US to Manila? Did you also pay here at Johnnyair office when you claim the package? Thank you very much
arnold on January 20th, 2010 12:38 pm

@topman $575 (Unit plus tax)
Php 1200 (Johnny Air Shipping Charges)

Just convert $575 to pesos to get total costs…
topman_lp on January 20th, 2010 12:38 pm

@Arnold

do you still have the US IP address you used for the purchase? wuld you mind sharing it to me? I want to buy to order Nexus One now. Please send info to my email, manila_hotdude@hotmail.com
arnold on January 20th, 2010 4:00 pm

Hi sorry, I already cancelled right after I ordered my Nexus One so that I won’t be charged for IP subscription.
Jeff on January 23rd, 2010 1:17 pm

How’s the connection? Does it have the same 3g-edge flipping problem in one of the nexus forums ?

thanks
Carina on January 24th, 2010 9:07 pm

hi, can you expound on the 3G error? was thinking of buying one in the next few weeks, and shipped here too..
arnold on January 25th, 2010 8:28 am

@Carina – users in the U.S. are encountering problems initially when connecting to the Internet via 3G. Apparently the Nexus One is set to connect to 2G as default. So the quickest work around was to manually enter the APN to access 3G network which I did, and it works fine for me. Although, I do get intermittent 3G signal which I think is usual here in Manila. Hope that helps.
Mel on January 25th, 2010 10:16 am

I just arrived here last night and got a pre-paid sim. I’ve been trying to figure out how to setup my phone to access 3G. Can anyone help me out? Would I even be able to connect via 3G if I only have a pre-paid sim. I got a Globe Tattoo sim.

Thanks guys and gals!!! It’s great to be back here in the Philippines.

Mel
arnold on January 25th, 2010 10:19 am

@Mel – Try this:

Settings -> Wireless & Networks -> Mobile Networks -> Access Point Names -> enter “internet.globe.com.ph

Deselect “Use only 2G Networks” if its checked.

Then wait for the “3G” signal…
matthew faderon on January 25th, 2010 11:34 am

hi i’d like to get this too using johnny air… how do i go about this? did you course it through their l.a. contact? i have never had any experience with them…
Mel on January 25th, 2010 6:02 pm

Hey Arnold… thanks man! Still having problems after entering the “internet.globe.com.ph” Where do I enter that exactly? Do I need to enter any other settings? What about the proxy, port, server information? Do I need to fill those up too?

thanks again for the help!
Mel
arnold on January 25th, 2010 7:28 pm

@Mel – After tapping on Access Point Names, you will be given a blank screen. Tap on the Menu icon to bring out the option to add “NEW APN” then enter internet.globe.com.ph
R_porter on January 27th, 2010 12:54 pm

@Arnold, Thanks for the information. BTW, have you encountered the touchscreen problem? or any problem that would make the phone very hard to use?
arnold on January 27th, 2010 1:44 pm

@R_Porter – Yup, I’ve encountered the touchscreen problem when composing text messages. But I guess that’s because I got use to my iPhone’s virtual keyboard. The Nexus One’s keys are slightly smaller.
Mel on January 27th, 2010 8:40 pm

Arnold… I must be doing something wrong. Whenever I go to the APN screen and add a new APN, I get presented with the screen that prompts me for a “Name”, “APN”, “Proxy”, “Port”, “Username”, “Password”, etc… IS this correct? What do I enter in these fields?
Again, thanks dude!
arnold on January 27th, 2010 8:59 pm

Just enter the APN of your cellular provider…

for GLOBE – internet.globe.com.ph
for SMART – internet
R_porter on January 28th, 2010 12:18 pm

@arnold: Is it manageable? because I’m planning to buy it this April. My friend is going home from the US.
Jay on January 28th, 2010 11:45 pm

I can’t wait any longer for the Johnnyair to ship my Nexus One. I ordered January 20 at Google and Fedex delivered to JohnnyAir in New Jersey on Jan.22 and until now I still don’t get it here in Manila. I called JAC here in Manila and i was told it will be shipped on Friday which is our Saturday and hope to get it next week. Hopefully!!!
arnold on January 29th, 2010 11:47 am

@R_Porter – yes it is manageable.

@Jay – I’m also waiting for a package from JAC. I just called them up and the guy told me that shipment will arrive tomorrow…
Google Nexus One Owners in the Philippines : Arnold Digital on February 1st, 2010 6:01 am

[...] So I was searching for other Google Nexus One users in the Philippines and so far I can only name three bloggers who got their Nexus One. Abe Olandres of Yugatech.com got his a couple of days ago and so is Aileen Apollo of An Apple a Day. I wonder if she got it free from Google? And of course yours truly who got it two weeks ago. [...]
Jed on February 3rd, 2010 9:52 am

@Arnold: I just got my N1. what’s the complete N1 APN settings so i can connect successfully to 3G Globe.

I’m able to get the 3G icon in the status bar but it still can’t connect to the internet.
arnold on February 3rd, 2010 10:20 am

@JED – “internet.globe.com.ph”

Enjoy your N1!
Jed on February 3rd, 2010 11:06 am

I just realized I’m using a globe prepaid sim instead of my postpaid sim.

For prepaid use http.globe.com.ph.

@Arnold – thanks for the help!
Mojiocs on February 3rd, 2010 6:20 pm

i’m just wondering paano ung ginawa nyo sa Jhonny Cargo.. dun na ba kayo nagbayad?
Henry on February 4th, 2010 8:57 am

@Arnold: I was quoted a surcharge fee of $25 for this item by JAC. I think they have designated it as a high-value item the same way iphone/laptops are.

Would you know of ways to bypass this?
I am having it delivered to their NJ office to avoid shipping taxes as well.
arnold on February 4th, 2010 9:09 am

Hi Henry, I don’t know about their procedures in JAC NJ since my contact has always been Analyn Diego of JAC New York. I’ve read somewhere that the $25 surcharge was a new policy for high-value items such as laptops. Not sure why they are doing it for cellphones.

If ever you’re still getting it a lower cost that I did. The state tax Google charged me was $45.
bong on February 5th, 2010 4:18 pm

Hi Arnold,

How does sending thru JAC work?
If ill put JAC NJ for example on the shipping address, how will JAC know it is for me? Do i have to arrange with JAC first?
arnold on February 5th, 2010 4:20 pm

@Bong – send me an email at noli725@gmail.com
Mojiocs on February 6th, 2010 7:45 am

ako din…
pero nag order na ako sa kanila and mukhang alam na nila yun.. i just called makati branch..

@arnold..
pls mail me too..
Demetrio Cochon on February 7th, 2010 12:42 am

Hi Arnold,

I was also thinking about Bong’s question? how do we do the process using JAC?

Thanks
Aldrich on February 7th, 2010 1:54 pm

HI Arnold,

Did you already update your N1 from the latest firmware?

Thanks!
faith on February 9th, 2010 12:54 am

hi arnold.can u help me how to order this google nexus one? i would die to have one..im from cebu and i have no idea how to order this..anyway, how much did it cost u..the phone and the surchages…thank u soo much!
bong on February 9th, 2010 5:06 pm

my order has been delivered to JAC NJ yesterday.
can’t wait for my unit to arrive here. hoping to get it by friday.
loosewire on February 9th, 2010 6:15 pm

hey looks like you’ve been a great help to others; hoping you might help me. i’ve got a smart buddy prepaid sim and can’t 3G on my nexus. i’ve tried internet in the APN settings but no result. is there a different setting for prepaid? thanks!
Mojiocs on February 9th, 2010 7:10 pm

@bong..

help me naman paano umorder sa JAC..

i tried callng them pero ang hirap nila kausap..
arnold on February 10th, 2010 11:03 am

For those who want to order the Nexus One through JAC, send me an email -> noli725@gmail.com

@Aldrich – > Yup, I already did.
@Loosewire -> It should work with that APN. Did you uncheck the option -> Use only 2G networks undr Wireless and Network Settings?
Topman_lp on February 10th, 2010 12:46 pm

I got my Nexus One at JAC Makati last Monday, Feb, 8, ordered it at Google Jan. 20 so it took a little while and the waiting was not that good but finally, it’s in my hands now. A nice phone, love playing some of the applications and even downloaded apps from the Market, also downloaded Barcode Scanner, scan to download and Handcent for SMS and MMS. Cool!
bong on February 10th, 2010 3:57 pm

@Mojiocs, i just called JAC Makati and then they emailed me the instruction. I’ll forward it to you if you want.
didramakween on February 10th, 2010 3:59 pm

Got my Nexus One yesterday via Fedex! ang mahal ng freight charges plus may taxes and duties pa! I am a newbie in importing and too bad, just saw your blog now … Oh well, am very happy with my N1!

Problem is, I can’t connect with Smart 3G. I tried putting internet as APN as mentioned here but I still can’t get the 3G signal. Called their Customer service but they do not have the setting cuz they do not carry Nexus One.

Please help! Thanks!
Mojiocs on February 10th, 2010 6:38 pm

@bong..

tumawag na din ako last week pa..

i thought okay na..

sabi nyo ioorder daw.. pero nung tumwag ako last week indi pa pala..

i’m talking with Ms. Analyn right now pero pa putol putol ang conversation..
sabi ko yan gusto ko..

san pwede ako magbayad..

pero di nila ako madiretso kung anong gagawin sa susunod..
bong on February 10th, 2010 7:09 pm

@Mojiocs,

you should still be the one to order/purchase it from the google store.
you will just use JAC as the US address then send JAC the tracking details to inform them. JAC will then ship your purchase here and you pay them for shipping, handling and insurance (when applicable).

@Arnold,
from their email, 4-5 days daw upon delivery. How come yours and others orders took more days than usual? I hope i can get mine soon na. Waiting is soooo hard hehehe
Moonie on March 1st, 2010 12:45 pm

Have you figured out how to configure the complete details for the APNs of the local providers? I mean internet works fine, but the MMS has its own APN so I end up defining two APNs per provider and switching between them when I want to send or receive an MMS or browse the internet, which is very tedious and frustrating.
Frances on March 16th, 2010 11:20 am

@Bong – How’d you course your order through the NJ office? Could you forward the instructions to my email? Thanks so much. =)