Note 3 will be "released" in Malaysia on Sep 25th, but what does that really mean? Can I buy one then? It was a long time ago but I seem to remember I bought my Note 1 on the day after it was released. I don't buy from telcos as I already have a postpaid account.

Reason I ask is because I went into Samsung shops at Digital Mall on Saturday and KLCC on Sunday and asked when the Note 3 was available for sale and neither really knew - just a vague "next month". And neither shop would take pre-orders. If a Samsung shop doesn't know, seems I am not going to be able to buy one on the 25th.....my plan is a black Note 3 and a black Gear watch.

NFC Ring is the way to go:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mclear/nfc-ring
(unless the robber cuts your finger off!)