Vodafone dude mentions N97 Mini -- confused or loose-lipped?

by Chris Ziegler posted Jun 18th 2009 at 4:54AM

A moderator over on Vodafone Ireland's official forums -- seemingly in an effort to be as helpful as possible -- responded to a question about Nokia N97 availability this week by saying "Vodafone Ireland will not be launching the N97 but will be launching the N97 Mini later this year." He goes on to say that the carrier feels that the N97 Mini's "competitive pricing" will make it appeal to a broader range of customers. Of course, there is no N97 Mini, which inevitably leads us to one of two conclusions: either he's very, very confused, or he just outed a new phone before his employer or Nokia would've liked. For what it's worth, "N97 Mini" would stray well outside the bounds of normal Nokia naming convention, though we could definitely see a smaller version of the phone working with a tighter keyboard and a more 5800-ish display -- and the moderator's post was pulled later in the day, lending credence to the story. On the other hand, the same dude said a few days back that "we don't have a release data as of yet, but watch this space" in reference to the original N97, so it's anybody's guess what's going on here. Tiny touchscreen Nokia, anyone?

[Via IntoMobile]

Filed under: Handsets, Nokia, Symbian

Tags: n97, n97 mini, N97Mini, nokia, rumor, vodafone, vodafone ireland, VodafoneIreland

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

apple nerd without a cause @ Jun 18th 2009 6:19AM

Holly Crap! Thus Begins all the rumors of i n97 mini just like an iphone nano never gona happen. It probly the n lower number then 97

Highly Ranked

Owen @ Jun 18th 2009 6:59AM

I'm the person - Eircell - who asked the question on the forum the Moderator Ev replied to. I think Ev leaked a bit too much information, as the post was pulled almost immediately, but screenshots are on the net of the leaked data.

Glad to see I've caused such a sensation. Engaget, any jobs going?

Neutral

Owen @ Jun 18th 2009 7:59AM

Adding to this is a very official statement from Vodafone on the matter :

"Some information posted here yesterday has been removed. We are not in a position to discuss the N97 at this point. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will update you in due course."

Interesting how they haven't said "Some incorrect information ..."

Neutral

Tomy @ Jun 18th 2009 8:25AM

It's nice to hear it as a rumor, but if it's true, I will not let my wife know it :>)

Neutral

Al @ Jun 18th 2009 12:35PM

There's a picture of an N97 without a d-pad. Might be the mini

Neutral

Douglas @ Jun 18th 2009 4:51PM

I highly doubt they'd make a small version of the N97, and then have the nerve to call it something as gay as the mini. He probably just said N97 mini because that'll will no doubt give people a very good visual about what's to come without saying all that much, if in fact he knows what's coming. I agree with Chris here. This is most likely a Samsung Impression type phone based off of the 5800 to some degree.