So will the Nokia Lumia 800 come here?

[Munky]

I remember reading that Nokia is going to be drastically changing their business model in the USA. It used to be that they only sold their high-end phones unlocked. Now they will be selling their phones subsidized through the carriers.

I hope that's not true, otherwise I'm ditching Nokia. I'm not getting on a phone contract.

 

[smartpatrol]

I hope that's not true, otherwise I'm ditching Nokia. I'm not getting on a phone contract.

You can't deny it's a smart business move. The unfortunate truth is that the vast majority in the USA buy their phones subsidized with a contract. You aren't going to sell many phones if you sell them unlocked only. Google and Nokia already tried this, and they both failed.

Still, I'm hoping Nokia sells some unlocked phones online in addition to selling them carrier-subsidized.

 

[TheStu]

I hope that's not true, otherwise I'm ditching Nokia. I'm not getting on a phone contract.

Subsidizing the phones just makes it easier for those of us that can't afford to drop $600 on a phone to buy one at a more reasonable price, just less often. If you can drop $600 on a device, then go right ahead, you won't have to have a contract to do it.

 

[Munky]

Subsidizing the phones just makes it easier for those of us that can't afford to drop $600 on a phone to buy one at a more reasonable price, just less often. If you can drop $600 on a device, then go right ahead, you won't have to have a contract to do it.

With an unlocked phone, I'm not required to pay $100/month for a smartphone plan for the next 24 months, instead using a cheaper plan of my choice, and can switch phones or carriers any time I want. Overall, I'm saving a substantial sum of money by not going on contract.

 

[TheStu]

With an unlocked phone, I'm not required to pay $100/month for a smartphone plan for the next 24 months, instead using a cheaper plan of my choice, and can switch phones or carriers any time I want. Overall, I'm saving a substantial sum of money by not going on contract.

I know the math just as well, but that doesn't give me an extra $600 to drop on a phone.

And unlocked is different from unsubsidized.