Dell selling unlocked high-end Nokia phones online

In a welcome, yet odd, development, Dell has started selling several high-end Nokia phones in an unlocked state via its online store. So far searches reveal that Dell is selling the Nokia N80, E61i, and E61 for around $400, and the N95 for $732. Those prices don't sound too great when compared to in-contract prices, but compared to similar unlocked offerings from high street stores they're pretty damn competitive. Besides, it doesn't look as if Dell is partnering with any mobile operators, and is instead highlighting the unlocked prices. Unlocked cellphone price war, anyone? If Dell's in the game, then you can bet that others will join.

[INTERNETSAVIOUR @ Jun 17th 2007 11:06PM]

why in the world would anyone pay $700+ for a freaking phone! you can get a good modern PC for that price. or a big flatscreen TV. or an old used car. but a phone??? christ who are these idiots

[kvocal @ Jun 17th 2007 11:40PM]

Or you could get an iPhone.


Looking at this the iPhone is not so expensive, now is it.

[Long. @ Jun 17th 2007 11:45PM]

I agree on not paying $700 for a phone. In fact, we could agree on not paying $100 for a phone, except that these high end devices aren't exactly phones, they are so much more.

It's like the iPhone (despite its name). When people are going to buy that, they're going think about all the featureS (music, photos, internet, etc) and not just the "phone" feature.

I have the N95 (there, you just identified an idiot) and the phone is only part of it. I use every other features to their full extent and I've even added more features via third-party applications.

[Al @ Jun 18th 2007 2:34AM]

You can get the N95 cheaper from buy.com or tigerdirect.com

[kvocal @ Jun 18th 2007 12:18AM]

I have a Sony M600i that I had to buy unlocked from Amazon. It was and is still not available in the US. The phone does every thing the iPhone does and more. The only problem with the device is how unintuitive it is. It uses the Symbian OS which has the worlds widest distribution of any smart phone. Would I recommend it to a friend, no unfortunately. Why? There isn't one feature that it does well, even as a phone it is too hard to use. On the surface the iPhone should do well because of how well it's limited feature-set works (at least in the demos).

I would love to hear what others think.

http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=gb&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pip1&pid=10385&zone=pp

www.symbian.com

http://www.apple.com/iphone/

[jaysins @ Jun 18th 2007 1:03AM]

The price is over $50 less on tigerdirect so it is a bit overpriced on the dell website. And comparing it to the iphone like that isn't really fair. Your buying this phone unlocked as the iphone has a two year contract. Usually that drops the price of the handset by $200 or more which would make the 4 Gb iphone $700 w/o tax where the N95 on TD is $680. That's how I look at it but for people who always get a 2 year plan it is a moot point.

You can get the N95 free with certain providers overseas as well when you sign up for a contract. Also, I think the phones are different enough to where they will for the most part attract different users. I do think it's really cool that Dell is offering the phone here in the states. Once people start learning about what cool phones there are else where in the world this will hopefully give at&t and tmobile more of reason to bring them over here.

[Constable Odo @ Jun 18th 2007 1:58AM]

That's a simple question with a simple answer. Why else would a person buy a $700+ cellphone? To show they're higher up in the food chain than you are. They use a cellphone with a thousand functions because they have thousand function lifestyles. More contacts, more text messages, more email, more music, more photos, more everything than you have. It's to show the world they've arrived and you haven't. A medium priced Casio watch keeps time as well as a Rolex President. But movers and shakers don't wear Casio's because they don't want to be labeled as ordinary shmucks. Time is time, but Rolex means better, glitzier times. If you don't understand the power of owning more expensive goods than the next guy, then you'd better leave America and go live in the Amazon rainforest, where the word money has no meaning at all. Of course they do have status in the rainforest, but it's measured in the amount of pigs or boars or severed enemy heads.

That's why I'm waiting for the iPhone Silver Executive version. It does everything with every feature imaginable and costs $1500 since only 200 will be made. It says I've arrived in style and you haven't.

[n3rrd @ Jun 18th 2007 2:34AM]

@Constable

three letters: lol.
that is all.

[fitinferno @ Jun 18th 2007 2:51AM]

Kvocal,

It won't let me reply directly to your post, so this is in the mix. I have an M600i myself. Good on you for managing to get one in the US...I took a holiday there and all the sales ppl who accost you at malls trying to get you to sign up for a contract were like, "Wow, where'd that come from?" so it must be a head turner for you :P

I agree that it is a bit unintuative. Use the select button for some things, but then have to switch to the on-screen for others all when completing one streamlined task, no good.

However, I use it for email on the go primarily and it is awesome for that, imo. Big screen and handwriting recognition or the rocker qwerty keys are really great.

What is not great is that I own a Mac and UIQ3 is a big problem as apparently there's a Sony-side fix needed to make it work w/iSync which hasn't happened. And now w/the iPhone, if it ever happens, that'd be amazing.

Oh, and it is actually nice to see a non-camera phone. If I want a camera, I'll use my 7.1mp Canon. (True, for on the go pics, it would be nice, but there are a lot MORE benefits to not having one on there)

Oh, what colour did you get?

[kvocal @ Jun 18th 2007 4:16AM]

fitinferno,

When ever I pull out the phone it is a show stopper. When I first got it (the Black one) I was very happy to show people all the cool features. Over time I became frustrated with it's speed and poor UI. I tell people isn't it so cool... glad you like it, when I get my iPhone you can have it. I too am a Mac user and a systems analyst so I know a thing or too about what makes an application usable.

My favorite phone of all time is the Ericsson T28 World Phone. The T28 was just a phone that did what a phone is supposed to do, make phone calls. The problem I have with all the so called smart phones is that in their myriad features that seemingly have been thrown into a box and shaken up, they are not straightforward an simple to use. Then comes along the iPhone, Wow it just seams to make sense.

Currently I carry the M600i and a BlackBerry 8700, the leash provided by my employer. The BlackBerry while not having as many features as the Sony Ericsson M600i, is a more usable and effective device for me. Keep in mind that I currently carry both phones, sorry communication devices.

Camera phones? Like you I have a decent camera, a Canon 20D with fast glass. All my lenses have a minimum aperture of at least 2.8 so camera phones do not appeal to me all that much.

[JohnTitor @ Jun 17th 2007 11:15PM]

cheap UMPC + RAZR ftw

[darkstar @ Jun 17th 2007 11:23PM]

question: when i buy an unlocked phone, i just put my sim into it n it'll work instantly? which carriers support sim?
im only aware of nextel n their sim.

[Jeremy W @ Jun 17th 2007 11:37PM]

Even though Nextel uses SIM cards, you still have to use a Nextel phone. They don't use GSM like other SIM card phones do. In the US, the only national providers you could use the phone with are AT&T and T-Mobile.

[Paris K @ Jun 17th 2007 11:34PM]

I always buy my phones from ebay. Lots of people get phones with contracts and then sell them new on ebay because they don't want to use them. Prices on ebay can get very low.

[Anthony @ Jun 18th 2007 1:22PM]

Paris K: Nokia N95 isn't going to be an "off contract" phone. Plus, if you're paying $700 for a phone you'd like to have a warranty. EBay won't offer that, "retail" will.

[Bart Lee @ Jun 17th 2007 11:48PM]

Someone call Steve Ballmer and let him know there's a phone that costs over $500.

[Matt @ Jun 18th 2007 12:38AM]

INTERNETSAVIOUR, You must look VERY spiffy when you walk on the street with your pc stucked to your face. I am one of the idiots who has N95 as well. Some of us can afford such high end phones. Just because you are ignorant to the power of device such as N95 and can not afford it or maybe just do not want to buy it for one reason or another (enjoy your crappy free moto phone) does not give you the right to call the ones who buy it idiots.

[Josh @ Jun 18th 2007 12:44AM]

A couple things to remember when people are already comparing prices vs Iphone.

#1 - You can use any carrier that uses GSM.

#2 - You DON'T have a contract for 2 years.

#3 - You have the highest speed available for GSM carriers on this phone (Iphone doesn't - Opting for the slower network speeds).

#4 - It has expandable memory via micro SD (Iphone doesn't)

#5 - a 5mp Camera vs 2mp on the Iphone

#6 - This phone has a user replaceable battery - Iphone does not (they've already said so - do a google search if you don't believe me).

#7- The only 'feature' the Iphone has this one doesn't is the touch interface and the subsequent 'touch' features (qwerty keyboard). It opts for real keys instead -- use that as a feature or drawback - your choice. This is a 'phone' and not a 'smart phone' however -- so its not necessary if you are looking for a phone anyway.

Probably one of the best ideas out there -- unlocked cell phones so you don't have to pay contracts with Cell companies. Huge companies like Dell doing this will only help further make the cell phone companies more honest and maybe even drive prices down now that customers can get phones without a contract!!!

I say way to go Dell!! :-D

[GermanQR @ Jun 18th 2007 1:05AM]

Idea??? Boy someone had that idea here in Europe, where I live, some 15 years ago, when GSM became a standard. Every single vendor carries unlocked phones.

That said, $732 is a very good price for the N95!

[kvocal @ Jun 18th 2007 5:32AM]

Josh,

Q: #1 - You can use any carrier that uses GSM.
A: How many GSM carriers are there in the US, to my knowledge two, T-Mobile or AT&T, or some one using their network, or will soon be bought by them. US monopoly baby!

Q: #2 - You DON'T have a contract for 2 years.
A: The combo of Cingular and AT&T equals the best coverage. T-Mobile sucks when it comes to coverage. Locked in to what, are who, T-Mobile or AT&T, or some one using their network, or will soon be bought by them.

Q: #3 - You have the highest speed available for GSM carriers on this phone (Iphone doesn't - Opting for the slower network speeds).
A: What cities have 3G ( are what you call "highest speed available for GSM ") . 3G unlike EVDO will not be a true reality in the US for at least 2 years at which time the chip set may change. 3G is limited in the US why add, something that most people can not use.

Q: #4 - It has expandable memory via micro SD (Iphone doesn't)
A: The iPhone has a 8 Gigs, seems like a lot to me

Q: #5 - a 5mp Camera vs 2mp on the Iphone
A: I have a real camera with a real flash, a Canon 20D with fast glass. All my lenses have a minimum aperture of at least 2.8 so camera phones do not appeal to me all that much.

Q: #6 - This phone has a user replaceable battery - Iphone does not (they've already said so - do a google search if you don't believe me).
A: My first iPod has been working for many years now with no battery issues. If you need extra batteries I am sure there will be a 3rd party solution for you if you are in the habit of forgetting to charge your iPhone, and you will get one. You can do your Google search on it to find a battery solution. While you are at it please find a grocer that does not sale sour grapes.

[Justin @ Jun 18th 2007 12:45AM]

You could already buy unlocked phones on Amazon, at the Nokia store in Manhattan, or other similar places. Whee.

Hey everyone who's talking about how expensive these phones are: Clearly none have you have lived outside of the country because this is how much phones cost: $500 or more. Everyone talks about how much 'better' phones are in Asia and Europe, it's because they're sold unlocked and barely subsidized (i.e. you still sign a contract but only get $50 off). And people still buy new phones every year - so why wouldn't they get the newest and greatest phones?

[Matt O @ Jun 18th 2007 12:49AM]

i feel like dell has been making a lot of good moves lately, i am proud... lol but really i am.

[Matt @ Jun 18th 2007 1:09AM]

kvocal, Sure...and enjoy being held captive by Cingy...err AT&T for the next two years..or pay $100 more and get an unlocked phone that you can take to another GSM carrier without any problems. I assume if you're going to shell out $600 for iPhone, $100 more won't make much of a difference.

[kvocal @ Jun 18th 2007 4:53AM]

Matt,

You are more correct than you know. For a chance to get a phone that does what I have wished for for years. YEP!

Matt,
Think about your current phone, does what you like about it outweigh what you dislike and/or wish it could do. If the likes outweigh the latter you have the perfect phone for Matt. But I Demand More.

[Jesse S @ Jun 18th 2007 1:16AM]

I wish CDMA carriers would start using those GSM-escke "SIM" cards that are in use by Korean CDMA carriers.

CDMA is better than GSM, more reliable, stronger signal, etc. And in the USA, it has the most coverage.

:(

[BigD @ Jun 18th 2007 1:55AM]

You must be talking about the USIM. I have a 3.5G WCDMA Sammy with it. It's pretty nifty, and I can roam in Japan, or switch it out with a GSM SIM in other parts of the world.

[kvocal @ Jun 18th 2007 4:41AM]

Jorge,

You make a good point. What is the average price of a phone in Asia. In the US it is nearly free. In the US we are concerned with perceived value. If all I want my phone to do is make phone calls, and text messaging why would I be concerned with replacing it so often. If I were to replace my phone that often I would make the phone manufactures rich and not the local phone companies rich. What I am trying to say is you pay one way or the other, pick your poison

Roaming does not present that much of a problem for us either the USA is very large. I am able to take my phone anywhere in the US a not pay any roaming charges. European an Asian countries tend to be very small so you are forced to roam. I am also not sure you could take all Asian phones to Europe because not all the systems in Asia are GSM, the worlds standard. I have taken my phone to Europe and received calls on my US phone number in France, Germany, Ireland and Prague. All at the price of Roaming.

[kvocal @ Jun 18th 2007 5:45AM]

Jesse S

What you are calling stronger signal equals more radiation at the cost of more power and larger batteries

:(

[Jorge @ Jun 18th 2007 1:39AM]

Yup, people in US is brain washed by at&t and other mobile phone carrier. Phone are so "cheap" is US is that they lock the phone so you can only use feature that they let you use, so you wont run to another carrier.

The prices are all subsidize by the company. They subsidize so price is low but the down side is that you get a lock phone that will only work with the sim and network you get the phone from. Also by locking your phone when you travel to another country you will have to pay super expensive roaming charges.

If you have a unlocked phone when you travel to another country all you have do is get a sim card from a local mobile phone network and you can enjoy cheaper local rates.

Lock phone are a tool to lock you in from getting the best deal. And you get stuck with a old phone when if you have a unlock phone you can get the best new phone whenever you want.

Phone in Asia is so good because people change phones when they get bored. so phone company have to release good phone to stay competitive.

[kvocal @ Jun 18th 2007 4:54AM]

Jorge,

You make a good point. What is the average price of a phone in Asia. In the US it is nearly free. In the US we are concerned with perceived value. If all I want my phone to do is make phone calls, and text messaging why would I be concerned with replacing it so often. If I were to replace my phone that often I would make the phone manufactures rich and not the local phone companies rich. What I am trying to say is you pay one way or the other, pick your poison

Roaming does not present that much of a problem for us either the USA is very large. I am able to take my phone anywhere in the US a not pay any roaming charges. European an Asian countries tend to be very small so you are forced to roam. I am also not sure you could take all Asian phones to Europe because not all the systems in Asia are GSM, the worlds standard. I have taken my phone to Europe and received calls on my US phone number in France, Germany, Ireland and Prague. All at the price of Roaming.

[Anthony @ Jun 18th 2007 1:43AM]

Walmart's selling the N95 too. I think the price is the same. Dell's not the only one doing this. I imagine, however, that neither company have stock on hand. They're using 3rd party fulfillment & just using their storefront to pull in customers. It happens all the time. Anyone who thinks that Amazon has a building full of books, cds, toasters, lawn chairs, phones & everything else is totally mistaken.

[Version4 @ Jun 18th 2007 4:07AM]

Any of you complaining at the price of a N-Series needs to step out of your bubble and see what the rest of the world is doing... uncultured....

[jermu @ Jun 18th 2007 5:20AM]

As no carrier in Europe wants to take the iPhone, I guess it will cost as much as the N95. Btw in Finland, carriers weren't allowed to sell locked phones until 2006 and even now the customers have the right to get their phones unlocked when their contract with the carrier expires. And in addition, the locked phones aren't really much cheaper, you just don't have to pay it all at once. I pay for about 20€ a month for my N73ME. As my contract is for 2 years, I end up paying for about 500e for the phone. But it's not locked.

[Bazza @ Jun 18th 2007 6:07AM]

I'd rather have $700 N95 feee of any network and nay software limitations by said network, than pay the same price and be locked in a 2 year deal.

In the UK when you go 18months you get a greatly subsidized price on the handset, regardless of its popularity. You feel like you actually saved some money.

[BiG� @ Jun 18th 2007 12:23PM]

This makes me very excited. I know people don't understand why someone might spend $700 on an unlocked phone when you can get one from a carrier for free with a 2-year contract, and in Europe or Asia, that argument makes more sense, but the phones offered in-contract on US carriers are neither cutting-edge, nor feature-rich...almost every carrier limits features of the phone to make money - see any implementation of BlueTooth on Verizon, the Nokia E62 on AT&T - and I'm sure both T-Mobile and Sprint have their share of crippling...

[r.metric @ Jun 18th 2007 12:44PM]

I happen to be on AT&T's network, and I wouldn't mind being locked in to their network for the forseeable future. I have great coverage, most of my calls are to other AT&T numbers and are therefore unlimited in talk time.
What I mind about buying a phone from them is the features that are removed or crippled. Recently a friend bought a camera phone from AT&T. The data cable had been removed from the box and was a separate purchase. Bluetooth had been crippled to only allow headsets, no file transfers or use as a modem. To get the picture onto a pc for viewing, he had to send a mms to my cell, which cost like $.35. Best part: The phone compressed the picture for sending as mms. Later, said friend discovered the data cable was $20.
This guy thought he got such a deal when the phone was $20 compared to about $200 unlocked, online. I did the math, and since he had to pay tax on the pre-rebate price of his unlocked phone, plus buy the data cable, and he bought a memory card from AT&T (never do that!) at a high premium, only because the data cable was sold out and he wanted to be able to save more than 5 pictures at a time..... He saved maybe $50.

[kvocal @ Jun 18th 2007 1:37PM]

Are you sure that was not Version.

[Long @ Jun 18th 2007 1:23PM]

One reason to get an unlocked phone vs getting it with a two year contract, is the price. I called up several stores in SF. The price for the N95 is $189 with a two year contract at $70 per month (family share, 2 lines). The service plan is $1680 for two years. I figure taxes on the service would be about $10 per month so that would be about $240 more. Add it up, $1680 + $240 + $189 = $2109 for a two year contract.

If I bought the phone at Dell, it would be about $800 with tax. I pay $40 a month so over two years it would cost me $960. Taxes for the service is $5 dollars so about $120. Add it up $800 + $960 + $120 = $1880 over two years. A savings of $229.

If you want to sweeten up the deal further by buying an unlock phone, you might be able to do this... A dealer in SF will give me $200 if I sign up a one year contract with him again but I need to use my own phone. If I do it two times over two years. I get $400 back. $1880 - $400 and its $1480 compared to $2109. A savings of $629 dollars.

The service plan I talked about at the very top seems to be a standard deal that other stores are doing. I am not sure if that is the best deal. I don't know what they are charging for a one year plan vs a two year plan or even a single phone line plan vs a family share plan.

[raulr @ Jun 18th 2007 2:33PM]

The iPhone can't even really come unlocked can it? At least not in its current form since the sim card is embedded. Just like you can't remove the battery, you don't have access to the sim card. So it's now and forever locked to the carriers that sell them.

[Tom @ Jun 18th 2007 3:19PM]

I'm from Thailand and yes some good pda phones sometimes will cost even more than that. But it didn't come with 2 years contract and locked phone. Last weekend there was a IT fair in Bangkok and they just launched HTC touch. They sold more than 500 within two days @ 19990Baht or about $571. There are many other brands that are priced for over $714...

[Bogsnogger @ Jun 18th 2007 11:30PM]

I don't what's so great about buying an unlocked phone - especially paying more for one. I only have to press * and menu to unlock mine.