The Nokia 5800 'Tube' launches today

From a distinctly soggy Regent Street we were delighted to jump the queue of the hundred or so keen customers at Nokia’s flagship retail store in central London this morning to attend the launch of the 5800 – Nokia’s first S60 Touch handset which, unusually, Nokia is still refering to by its internal code name, the ‘Tube’.  Perhaps they’re getting a sense of humour about all the leaks…?

Anyway, there was a load of dancing and loud music there which we ignored, but you can read more about (remixes, dance floors, music tours, some ‘fella called ‘Bimbo Jones’) at www.nokiatubedance.com.  But we did manage to chat to a few early customers, interview Mark Loughran (UK and Ireland Nokia, Managing Director) and do a live unboxing with friend of the show Rafe Blandford from the excellent AllAboutSymbian.

Watch out for our video footage and write-up coming tonight… In the meantime you can get a SIM-free 5800 for an impressively low £249 from Nokia’s online shop (yes, we know it still says ‘February’ there right now, but their press release says it’s today… honest!) or its stores in Regent Street or Heathrow Terminal 5.  All the major UK networks except Three will have it from Friday 30th.  Personally, I’d recommend waiting (if you can) for the ‘Comes With Music’ version which, although not announced yet, is as pretty much a certainty and will add a year’s free downloads from the Nokia Music Store for a small premium.