Insync Mobile has replaced Leaf Wireless as the local distributor of i-mate devices, according to Insync director Bruce Cockburn.
Leaf says it was no longer interested in the distributorship rights, since the Taiwanese-based manufacturer, High Tech Computer (HTC), is no longer manufacturing i-mate products.
"Leaf originally took on [the distribution of] i-mate products because HTC manufactured them - now that has changed," explains Quinton Leigh, MD of Leaf Wireless.
I-mate is now using three other manufacturers, and Leigh says his company regards these manufacturers as "substandard".
Bruce Cockburn, director of Insync Mobile, says his company is "proud to have been awarded the distributorship of this global brand, which has more than 500 000 members in its user community".
"Leaf terminated their agreement with i-mate, and I was approached by i-mate to distribute the products," he explains.
I-mate has been available locally since 2003, and Cockburn attributes its loyal brand following to the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system, which provides connectivity between customers' mobile devices and PCs.
Dawn Robson, COO of i-mate, says in a statement: "We are very pleased to be working with Insync Mobile in what is a very successful market for i-mate - we look forward to continuing our commitment to our South African customer base."
Insync Mobile will continue to trade with all mobile networks and selected service providers who retail i-mate products, and will match all previous service agreements and warranties, assures Cockburn.
Through this new distributorship, i-mate will continue to offer the i-mate K-JAM in SA, and will introduce the i-mate JASJAM and i-mate SPJAS - the first 3G/HSDPA devices - before Christmas.
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