Where and when can you buy the new Google Nexus 7?

Google officially unveiled its new Nexus 7 tablet last month. Retaining the same name as its predecessor, the new 7in tablet features a slightly different design but has a host of upgraded specifications, headed by a full HD display. So, when can Aussies get their hands on it?

The new Google Nexus 7 has already gone on sale in the US, but there's no word yet when it will be available in Australia. A visit to the Australian Nexus 7 site lists the device as "coming soon", and only last year's model is currently available to purchase at the time of writing.

Both Google and manufacturer ASUS have remained silent about Australian pricing and release time frames, though rumours suggest the new Nexus 7 should be available by the end of August, or early September.

If you can't wait that long, there are plenty of ways to purchase the Nexus 7 online through a retailer. Many online stores will sell the new Nexus 7 through what is known as grey importing, also called parallel importing.

A grey import tech product is one that is imported from another country without the permission of the intellectual property owner, in this case Google/ASUS. This can be achieved by an Australian business that buys the product overseas and then sells it online, or simply an International business that will ship the product to Australia.

Is a grey import Nexus 7 different to the Australian model?

There is no difference between an Australian model and an imported model Nexus 7, if you order the Wi-Fi only model. The LTE Nexus 7 slightly differs between the North American model and the European/Australian model, but the important thing to note is that both devices support the 1800MHz LTE networks in Australia operated by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

The only difference between the North American LTE models and the European/Australian LTE models is the global LTE network bands they support. The former supports the 700Mhz band used largely in the US, while the European/Australian model supports the 2600MHz network instead. This aside, the devices are identical.

All in all, there are three different variants of the Google Nexus 7, a 16GB Wi-Fi version, a 32GB Wi-Fi version and a 32GB Wi-Fi + LTE version.

Where can I purchase the new Nexus 7?

You can purchase the new Nexus 7 online from a variety of Web sites, most of them International retailers, though most seem to only stock the Wi-Fi models at this stage.

One of the most reputable is New York based retailer B&H. It currently lists the 16GB and 32GB Wi-Fi only models of the new Nexus 7 for US$229 and US$269, respectively, and will ship to Australia for $US38.86.

The UPS Worldwide Expedited shipping option promises delivery within 4-6 business days, and at the time of writing lists both products in stock, ready for immediate delivery.

Another popular choice is MobiCity. It currently lists the 16GB and 32GB Wi-Fi only models of the new Nexus 7 for $359.95 and $409.95, respectively, and has both models in stock at the time of writing. Shipping is charged at $18.95 for a regular courier, or $39.95 for express, PO Box or parcel locker.

MobiCity is slightly pricier than other alternatives but does include a 12 month warranty. This is not an ASUS warranty, but is serviced by a company called Australian Warranty Services.

The basic warranty that comes with any MobiCity purchase includes replacement within the first 48 hours if the product is dead on arrival (DOA), an assessment guarantee within 48 hours of receipt and a repair guarantee within 30 days. MobiCity also says that a replacement device will be offered if it is unable to repair the Nexus 7 within the guaranteed time frame.

Kogan also sells the new Nexus 7. It lists the 16GB and 32GB Wi-Fi only models for $339 and $389, respectively, along with a standard delivery charge of $19 to most Australian destinations. However, Kogan doesn't have either device in stock at the time of writing, and is publishing a shipping time of 1-2 weeks.

Kogan offers a standard 12 month warranty which claims Australia-wide repairs along with phone and e-mail support.

dMavo is an Australian online store that also sells the new Nexus 7. It lists the 16GB and 32GB Wi-Fi only models for $330 and $398.20, respectively, and offers free shipping Australia-wide.

dMavo claims that all of its goods ship from Sydney, unlike Kogan and MobiCity, which ship most products from a Hong Kong based exporter. dMavo also says its Nexus 7 devices come with a full manufacturer's warranty and will supply an Australian tax invoice with every order.

Other online stores that currently sell the Google Nexus 7 include BecexTech, Millenius, Techrific and SG Best.