ohh man so close to pulling the trigger on this one now... the only thing that I'm afraid of is the physical incompatibility with my prescription glasses! The last thing I want is to buy the thing and then find that it won't fit over my glasses and having to spend another fortune on new glasses or contact lens haha. The only comforting thing is that their own founder Mike Jin wears glasses.

Palmer, since you're one of the few people on this board that actually went to their booth, did you happen to notice anyone with glasses trying out their product or have difficulty with fitting? Do you happen to wear glasses yourself? =D

Has anyone actually pre-ordered yet? I am wondering if they charge the credit card immediately or wait til it ships. I'm assuming they do it immediately but I recall hearing somewhere that it was illegal to charge credit cards until the unit has actually shipped. Any idea?

I have. AU$745 after converting for USD and US$80 for international shipping. I used Paypal just in case so I can lodge a dispute if all goes pear shaped (I don't think it will, but SMD is a new company).

This will be my first 3D device and have been looking for the perfect resolution/display/weight/compatibility/price combo for about 2 years now. I think the ST1080 will be as close as it gets and can't wait for their 4K version

I ordered on the 3rd. They did charge the entire amount upfront.

I've been struggling with the decision all week, but finally ordered mine. Optimistic but hoping it doesn't become an expensive paper weight. They charged my card immediately for $731 ( no tax for some reason ) Now I just need to figure out my head tracker.

After owning glasses style HMD's in the past, I do prefer the head strap/helmet style. While the specs are soooo nice and coming together perfectly - my main concern is the fact that there is no light block piece from side/rear light entering the glasses (I recall my Vuzix glasses had a rubber add-on that blocked out rear/side light that was essential while I used it). Unfortunely this puts a hault to my interest...

Seems odd to consider light pollution as an important decision factor. That's the easiest thing to fix. Scarf or light-switch both work pretty well in that respect.

True - I guess I am trying to justify my HMZ over the ST lol!

In all honesty it is just a personal preference - some like the glasses style, some like the helmet style... just glad to be seeing more displays coming to market!

Yeah having two players in the market is great!...except that it makes decision-making that much harder. I badly wanted the Sony FOV and constrast and would also prefer a sensory blocking design, but I just couldn't come to terms with some of its short-comings.

They said it should work with glasses. I do have glasses, but I rarely wear them, and did not try them out myself with the ST1080.

Even if not, you should be able to take your prescription to a cheap glasses shop and get a pair made, then take the lenses and stick them to the ST1080. I don't know the cost for you, but there is a place near me that will do cheap pairs for $20 USD.

that's ingenious Palmer! Thanks for the great suggestion!

btw I'm not sure if anyone here checks SMD's blog but there's a poster that keeps demanding features and spamming their comment board. Sounds a lot like that guy you guys banned haha.

Mr Nigam? yeah, really annoying

Man, I really want to get one of these HMDs, but I don't like the idea of forking over $700 and then waiting for months for the item to ship. I'm thinking now of just getting the Sony and then selling it when the ST1080 comes out. Should retain most of its value considering the prices I see on eBay.

@ cybereality

That's exactly how I am justifying my recent purchase of the HMZ. Unless the HMD market explodes in the next few months, history has shown that they retain their value pretty well. I may change to the ST1080 once they've shipped and some of the users here have weighed in.

@Palmer Tech,

Thanks for all the details, very informative.

I was seriously considering the HMZ-T1, purely for 3D gaming following a bad experience purchasing a high-end TV that had incredible 2D performance but contrary to many reviews and an industry "award", terrible 3D cross-talk. However, after reading your short review and subsequent comments I am now considering the ST1080.

What are your initial thoughts on the ST1080's 3D performance in respect to crosstalk? (I am assuming Gran Turismo was in 3D?) Is the ST1080 really cross-talk free as the makers claim? Better or worse than the HMZ-T1 in this respect?

Also, what about sense of depth? I gather it loses out to the HMZ due to smaller FOV but would you compare it favourably to say a large screen TV noted for good 3D performance (say a 50"+ Panasonic GT or VT series)...?

Many thanks for your time.

Just my 2 cents as I have gone from a VT25 Panny to a Samsung (both had terrible ghosting) to a projector setup (barely gets used now due to the next baby) and now an LG passive... the LG is the best 3d picture I have had!

The HMZ is entirely ghost free, and while it is the most natural 3d image out of the bunch, the 3d effect is not the same as the LG passive... the popout is not as intense. Don't get me wrong, the HMZ is an incredible picture and experience, just a different experience. Had a great laugh at the wife last night. I got her playing Child of Eden with the PS Move... she is NO fan of the HMD experience as she very easily gets motion sickness. She did love the experience, until she removed the HMD. She instantly turned green and her next half was not a good one for her lol! She is fine with movies on the HMD, howver anything that involves some sort of tracking... game over!

Ditto for the LG passive TV. This was my first 3D TV, but I'm glad I was a late adopter because the LG passive technology is really good.

Last day for pre-order. Now the long wait begins. I was worried that I might have buyer's remorse, but I am still very excited and happy about this device. It's going to be a tough few months waiting... Anybody having second thoughts?

@brantlew: Last day for discounted pre-order. Pre-order will remain available, but not at the discounted price. Juts FYI for anyone worried about missing out.
I'm not having second thoughts since they have added functionality over the last month. I agree with you on the waiting, can't wait for it and there will probably be additional delays a I am ordering to ship internationally.

I was considering the pre-order but I can't stand to pay and then wait. Just going to get the Sony for now and will take a look at the SMD when it actually releases (in May or whatever).

I pre-ordered, hope they really do ship in May.

I preordered an hour before the promotional price was revoked. I'll do a side-by-side comparison with my HMZ-T1 when I receive the ST1080.

I have been saying it for a long long time, but this time I will finally buy an HMD, and it will be one of these two HMD's.
But it will be after someone like you, gives a hands on(BOTH) side by side comparison of them...Can't wait to hear what you think..Really looking forward to see if the 3D on the ST1080 is much different than the Sony HMZ's 3D .