I know there have been some firmware issues with the SE V800 phones available from various parallel importers being incompatible with Vodafone's NZ network. I really need a new phone and I am seriously considering a V800, but I am in the midst of weighing up all the pros and cons. Cost is the biggest negative for me right now, which is why the parallel imported phones are starting to look good. Vodafone Live's 3G features (like streaming video and music downloads) don't really appeal to me. While it would be nice to check them out while they are free, but I don't see myself making any use of it after that. What I am interested in, however, are the other 3G features: faster data speeds (for WAP), video calling and video PXT. Does anyone know if these features work on parallel imported V800s, or did Vodafone cripple these features too? I personally don't see the logic in paying an extra $200-$300 for features I won't even use.
I had originally looked at the V1050, but its lack of Bluetooth is a serious sticking point for me. I have seen the E1000 at some parallel importers, but I haven't heard anything about them in these forums. I believe the E1000 will be in the lineup of Christmas phones from Vodafone. Does anyone have any experience with them? Do the parallel imported versions work at all with Vodafone's 3G service?
I know there are people in this forum who dislike parallel imported phones. Like many others, I do have my reasons for considering this option. I would just rather know exactly what I may be getting myself into, that way I won't come whining back to the forum when things go wrong (not that I would). ;)
~squirrel