No Sim-free Nokia Lumia 800s until 2012
Launch stock going to operators, major retailers
Punters eagerly anticipating Nokia's new Lumia 800 Windows Phone 7.5 handset but hoping to nab a Sim-free unit are set to be disappointed.
While the smartphone is expected to launch on 16 November, as promised, it will only be available on contract, it has been claimed.
Anyone after a Lumia that isn't tied to a network will have to wait until January 2012, retailer Clove said today.
Nokia told Reg Hardware that it won't be selling Sim-free Lumias at launch, focusing entirely on flinging its output at the UK's main network operators, plus retailers Carphone Warehouse, and Phones4U.
A Nokia spokesman said CW will offer Sim-free handsets, though when we checked the retailer is listing the £470 product as "out of stock - [on] back order", suggesting its allocation is sold, leaving no remaining units for the likes of Clove. ®
COMMENTS
When will people learn that "free" with a contract isn't free. You're just buying it on credit over the 12,18, 24 months etc.
Overall cost all depends how much you normally would use a phone. If you make calls minimally, only receive and use mostly data on WLAN, then a 24 month contract can cost you over £600 to buy a £400 phone! SIM free is the option. Or PAYG. They're doing this on 02 for £399 PAYG. Keep or bin the SIM.
And have you actually tried WP7?
People BUYING Windows Phone 7?
That would surprise me. As it's crap, and I can's see anyone spending money to get one.
I can perhaps someone putting up with one if they got it free with their contract, but buying one? No chance...
