Nokia N75 - The Crippling Affect

I'm starting to think that this is the worst awaited release of a device in history.  Well, that and the unseen Cingular branded N80. 

Endgaget Mobile reports that the N75 is rumored to be released sometime in April... crippled and all.  But here's a thought... I wonder if there will be an unbranded one.  I don't see why there wouldn't be.

After Cingular users complained so much about the E62 and all of its crippledness, it mysteriously and quietly showed up at the Nokia Store in NYC, which is a good thing.  Provider Freedom!!!!  Or close enough to it. 

Even poor Ricky who has been battling with his N75 since he's received it is awaiting the hopefully future arrival of the unlocked device.  So thats proof positive that there is a demand.  So come on Nokia... make it happen!

Comments

[Roger Smith]

Love your RSS feed. I get increasingly annoyed at carriers, specifically Cingular (my carrier) for the crippling of features. This is not how it is done overseas! The vast majority of my Nokia's have either been unbranded or I have been able to unlock them. However the unlocking only meant I could use them on other carriers it did not mysteriously add the missing functionality. The only phone that I had that I could not unlock is my 6682 (actually my wife's now). After the 6682, I had an N80 that was unbranded. Very nice phone. Currently I have an E61 and did not even consider the Cingular E62 because of the lack of Wi-Fi. Another mark against Cingular. Take a look at how many of their phones have Wi-Fi. Zero, one? Not as draconian as T-Mobile is getting but they want you to use their data package to get your data not a free Wi-Fi somewhere. Ok, done with my rant now, I feel better.

Roger

[Omagus]

There might be an unbranded version available...eventually. Just like Nokia had to initially release the E62 via a carrier, they'll have to do the same with the N75. After it's been out for a few months maybe we'll see a version that does what Nokia initially intended for the phone. I doubt we'll see one come out at the same time as the AT&T version because Nokia cannot afford to get on their bad side.

[honzik]

I'm probably going to buy mine unlocked and avoid all of the Cingular junkware.

BTW, I've noticed that Negri Electronics is saying they will have them in stock on March 22nd (2 days away!) and CTI-Miami will get them on April 6th. There appears to be a big price difference though ($588 vs $407), which will undoubtably be resolved once everyone gets their shipments (e.g., simoncells, etc)

[honzik]

Follow-up: Wouldn't you know it: N-E said it would have the N75 in stock on the 22nd, and late in the day on the 21st, they moved it back to April 15. Auuuggh!