TheBartender: Well...the word is, Vodafone have the Nokia N97 exclusively...so that suggests Telecom will not be offering it.
If you want it for XT, you will have to use a parallell importer...and $1200...is cheap...man up!
Only a couple weeks ago, it was as high as $1600, I brought mine for $1400.
Vodafone, are retailing it know on thier website for $1799....so ya can't complain about $1200.
If you want the XT version (850mhz HSPDA), then enquire at Expert Infotech, they can source either version (supposevly) and they are one of the cheapest in the market at the mo...also myself and a few others on this site brought from them, and have had no issues with their service (to date)
Final point.
Watch the slang, calling companies names is a no-no on this site...its Vodafone, nothing else.
Thanks Bartender I will remember that as you can see that was my first post and frustration at the intended company as you could tell. consider the ropes learnt. Your reply is helpfull and appreciated.