iPhone / Cingular in the Uk (or Europe)?

Hmmm, it'll be interesting to see what they decide to do with regards to network operators.
If they don't agree an exclusive deal with someone, the US will probably be importing a load of unlocked phones!
As you say though, a few features require network support, so I can't see it being offered without a contract.

I also wonder if there might be a newer model available by the time the phone reaches the UK, with bigger storage.

I've checked the UK Apple store, and the Apple TV is listed. I think there are some TV shows and films available here through iTunes, but I'm not a user so can't confirm it 100%.

:rolleyes: Cingular in the UK?

Mate we get better operators over here. Expect this to be either with O2, Vodaphone and eventually t-mobile.

As others have pointed out, Cingular do not operate a service outside the USA. It is likely that Apple will select another operator that will have exclusive rights to the iPhone, or it may even select all five of the major telecommunications players (Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Three and Orange). One possible reason for striking a deal with Cingular in the US is the GSM infrastructure that company uses; GSM networking is by far the standard and 80% of the world uses it [Verizon and Sprint operate CDMA networks].

Of course this is all speculation at the moment and Apple has every right to be 'picky' about which operator they select. With an estimated release date in Europe of the 4th quarter they have every opportunity to 'get it right'.

It's an interesting discussion about Apple TV. I am of the opinion of some others on this board. With the limited iTunes catologue available in my country it is almost rendered useless compared to our better stocked American cousins. But we shall see how well it sells, or it may even be an intention to revise the licensing of TV and Film contracts in this country which would lead to more videos being put up for sale in the UK iTunes Store.

five quid Vodafone will have this first. Afterall, they have the most money to secure it.

five quid Vodafone will have this first. Afterall, they have the most money to secure it.

I think Vodafone recently posted a huge loss, something like 16Billion.

T-Mobile have the big German company behind em but have less customers than the oter three networks... O2 tend to get the HTC Pocket PC's first.... Orange already has an EDGE network...

You might be interested in these links:
http://www.amazon.de/o/ASIN/B0002W4OVW/ref=s9_asin_title_2/028-8912525-7107758
http://www.amazon.de/o/ASIN/B0002W4P0C/ref=s9_asin_image_1/028-8912525-7107758
The unlocked iPhone for 899 / 999 Euros!

Buy one , get one free?;)

Now they have removed these prices (just like amazon.co.uk). I think 1000 Euros would be way to high for a consumer product.

For high end smart fones like thes,e we tend to not buy sim free anyhow - my 625 HTC Universal had 500 off with a 30/mth 12 month contract.