C550 Now Available on Orange UK

[Mike Temporale]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://shop.orange.co.uk/shop/show/handset/spv_c550/detail' target='_blank'>http://shop.orange.co.uk/shop/show/handset/spv_c550/detail</a><br /><br /></div>Orange has launched the SPV C550 Smartphone on their UK network. It's currently available from their website for free (with contract). In case you're not familiar with the C550, it combines the best features of the SDA and C500 line of phones. No more waiting, get out and grab one while there's still stock. :mrgreen:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20050713-OrangeC550.gif" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/>

[cortez]

so, where would those of us in the US purchase this phone?

[Gator5000e]

Looks nice but waiting (and hoping) for SMT 5600 update/replacement that includes EDGE or other high speed access. Has anyone heard if anything like this is planned?

[possmann]

waiting to hear how I can get this in the US - either on Cingular or on T-Mo - I know that I'm going to have to buy the phone outright... I just want the phone now :evil:

[Jerry Raia]

As an early adopter of the MPx220 let me urge you to wait a bit to see how it works out. Granted its a relative of the 5600. I have learned to wait and have patience.


Anybody buy that? :lol:

[Jason Dunn]

so, where would those of us in the US purchase this phone?

Right now? Nowhere. Soon enough you'll be able to buy an unlocked version, and eventually I think we'll see it adopted by the local carriers.

[Jason Dunn]

Orange has launched the SPV C550 Smartphone on their UK network.

I find it so strange, and frustrating, that carriers launch new phones with old operating systems. And given that Orange has yet to offer an OS upgrade for their phones, anyone who buys this today will not get Windows Mobile 5 on it...so what's the point? :?

[possmann]

Good Point Jason - reagrding purchasing this phone I would argue that it is not new - and the risk is low, but upgrades - hmmm... Forgot about that and Orange - ew.

[revolution.cx]

Windows Mobile 5.0 isn't out (or done) yet so they can't ship it with that.

The hardware was done before the OS came out - oh well - no point in sitting on it.

Dollars to donuts there's a 5.0 upgrade for this but with all the attendent branding and carrier issues.

[Jason Dunn]

Windows Mobile 5.0 isn't out (or done) yet so they can't ship it with that.

Sure it is - it went code complete months ago and was shipped to the OEMs for integration. The real issue is the carrier testing that happens - that always takes months - but the side effect is that you have a new OS and carriers announcing new phones with the old OS. Which is lame.

[revolution.cx]

Wow, I need to pay closer attention. My focus is driven by the customer base and I'll just be happy when 2002 goes away.

So I'll switch sides and say.....so what's the hold up!?!?!?! I need a 5.0 handset now and I won't buy until they ship!



Windows Mobile 5.0 isn't out (or done) yet so they can't ship it with that.

Sure it is - it went code complete months ago and was shipped to the OEMs for integration. The real issue is the carrier testing that happens - that always takes months - but the side effect is that you have a new OS and carriers announcing new phones with the old OS. Which is lame.

[possmann]

Anyone know - or hear rumblings of the first 5.0 phone release? I know - sure bet - that it won't be from any US Carriers ( :roll: )

[Mike Temporale]

My guess would be the Samsung i300 since it was the featured device at the keynote announcing WM5, and from what I've heard it's not coming to the US. At least not initially. :(