Americans don't normally go in for unsubsidised smartphones, mainly because data plans are so expensive in the USA that even handset costs get lost in the noise. However, some may wish to make an exception for the innovative Nokia 808 PureView. According to Nokia's U.S. president, Chris Weber, the 808 "will be sold unlocked here".

From the PCmag.com piece:

In the meantime, U.S. phone buffs will soon be able to get hold of the 808 PureView, Nokia's 41-megapixel camera phone. While the phone won't be picked up by a U.S. carrier, it'll be AT&T-compatible and sold unlocked here, according to Weber.

"We'll figure out a way to make that available in the U.S. in the next couple of months," he said.

Good news - I suspect that the USA isn't alone here. Fans of the 808 and those wanting what will be just about the ultimate Symbian device may have to buy unlocked in quite a few countries around the world and even, in extreme cases, buy from an importer.

Still, the N82 and N8, the 808's two predecessor camera champions, have both enjoyed a very long life in terms of popularity, along with extensive software updates. I don't see why the 808 PureView should be any different, i.e. buy now and use happily and productively for two, three or more years, in which case the up front 'unlocked' cost can be happily amortised in a user's mind. Along with a cheap data plan (outside the US, at least), the total cost over a couple of years will probably be a lot cheaper than if you'd gone with a contract anyway....