Nokia E51, long time coming (maybe never?)

[marcuslee]

Hi Guys,

Sorry first post, so if I make a few foo pars, my apologies.

Have been hunting around for information, but does anyone know what the story is with the Nokia E51 being (ever) available on Vodafone?

The phone has been released (was slated for November, then pushed back to December, availability still seems to be dribs and drabs for some reason), having called Vodafone CS late December, she'd never heard of it, and after hunting around a bit, they said they didn't even have it on the planned list of releases...

Would anyone have any idea if this might ever get released (on Vodafone UK)?

It's widely available in South East Asia, but not here it would seem!

Any inside goss or insights appreciated,

Marcus

[unclemonty]

Seems it's only being released on business tariffs, but even this doesn't have a date other than "coming soon" (which I am told means some time in Jan).

HTH

[marcuslee]

Thanks unclemonty, interesting news.

I have to say, at this rate, if Vodafone don't get it out the door, from the leaked ppts of the handsets they're planning to deliver 2008, this E handset could die before it's even got off the starting blocks!

[edwardpeter]

Hi marcuslee,

I'm pleased to hear you're looking to get hold of a Nokia E51 on Vodafone. We will be stocking the handset and it will be available to consumer customers as well as business. The phone is currently slated for release 8th February, although this is only an approximate date and is subject to change.

I hope this helps,

edwardpeter
Vodafone UK

[marcuslee]

Cheers edwardpeter - good news then. And thanks for taking an interest/the time to reply.

(Shame we can't change the topic of this thread now to Nokia E51, long time coming, *but nearly here*! :-))

[unclemonty]

I just called Voda, and this phone has been put back AGAIN - now until the 29th Feb. I'm beginning to think this is never going to appear on Voda at all, however it would be nice if Voda actually were honest with their timescales. It was originally due at the start of December so it will be 3 months delayed (and that's if it doesn't change yet again).

Sigh. :(

[marcuslee]

I just called Voda, and this phone has been put back AGAIN - now until the 29th Feb. I'm beginning to think this is never going to appear on Voda at all, however it would be nice if Voda actually were honest with their timescales. It was originally due at the start of December so it will be 3 months delayed (and that's if it doesn't change yet again).

Sigh. :(

Thanks for the update there.

From Vodafone's standard Customer Services, they don't even have any info on it (filled out their web form had a call back from the CS rep on Saturday).

CS rep searched for a bit and couldn't find anything at all, and now she's said she'll put it in her calendar for a week callback to see if anything comes of it.

Unfortunately although Voda aren't being too forthcoming with an actual release, having said that, walking down the High St and having a quick drop into the usual assortment of stores, and I've not seen it hide nor hair in them either.

:-(

[techgirl]

Hi marcuslee,

I can understand your frustration waiting for a device you really want.

It's always hard for us to give exact release dates for products as there are so many factors that could cause delays.

Vodafone will be given an expected release date by the manufacturer which we can pass onto customers, but as I said this can always change do to unforeseen circumstances.

I hope you get your phone soon.

Techgirl
Vodafone UK

[marcuslee]

I was told by Vodafone CS it's now March 14th. I also note you can actually see it posted in the Coming Soon section on the Vodafone Business pages....

[Rexton270]

I was told by Vodafone CS it's now March 14th. I also note you can actually see it posted in the Coming Soon section on the Vodafone Business pages....

Hello there,
I just give up hunting this handset through operators and just dropped in to O2 shop and got SIM free with generic (not branded+ not locked) soft on it. Can tell you that this is the best phone ever. I have also N82,N95 8GB but E51 ROCKS!!!

[marcuslee]

Hello there,
I just give up hunting this handset through operators and just dropped in to O2 shop and got SIM free with generic (not branded+ not locked) soft on it. Can tell you that this is the best phone ever. I have also N82,N95 8GB but E51 ROCKS!!!

Actually I noticed that too (the O2 route), also loads of T-Mobile ones floating about now too.

On Ebay they're becoming abundant also, both unwanted upgrade handsets and sim-free ones as well. All for very reasonable amounts of money.

Thanks for the info on how good it is - for those waiting, something to look forward to I guess ;)

Incidently I did try out an E90, partly in leiu :( but that's going back tomorrow.

I'm aware that Voda put the delay down to when they get supplies of it from their source (presumably Nokia), but it does suprise me that if T-Mobile and now O2 can secure their channels (in the former, months in advance), surely Vodafone could have... if they wanted too... also?

[Hopefullyuseful]

Hi,

I just wanted to pop in and let you all know that we have now launched the E51. I know some of you have been keen to find out when it will be available.

I'm glad we got there in the end. If you get it, I hope you enjoy it and the fantastic services you can enjoy through us with it.

Hopefullyuseful
Vodafone UK

[colmanc]

Is this for real, it's not available on your website yet.

[colmanc]

Well whaddya know....it's here :D Now all I need to do is get a PAC code from Orange !

[topnotch]

Just got mine today. Excellent phone so far. Sleek and discreet!

[colmanc]

They haven't done anything silly, like disable the VoIP functionality, have they ?