Does the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc still exist?!

Ponchos

As the title suggest, I'm looking at the Xperia Arc for my new (and first smart) phone. Looking through Omio I found a good deal for 12 months with TalkMobile on e2save, then found a better deal myself with Carphone Warehouse (taking cashback into consideration with both). This was about five weeks ago, as both websites have been without stock since then. I've emailed CW twice and asked when they might have more stock in, with a very unhelpful reply each time. I've looked for the phone elsewhere, but the deals aren't as good, and phones4u don't even sell the phone when I search for it on their website.

Has there been something happen with this phone that, even after it's relatively short release, has caused it to no longer be available, or is it a phantom phone and I dreamt it up, even when I had demo on one in a shop? Is it worth holding out a bit longer, or should I sack it off and get something that is actually available? I was looking at this and the HTC Desire HD before, but went for Arc as a lot of people complained about the Desire's (even by smartphone standard) awful battery life. I am not getting an iPhone.

Thanks.

grumbler

Ponchos wrote: »

... is it a phantom phone and I dreamt it up, even when I had demo on one in a shop?

teamcullen wrote: »

I've just got a Sony Arc.

...........

Ponchos

Is sarcasm not allowed in the forums then?

grumbler

Direct your sarcasm towards CPW then.

gjchester

Ponchos wrote: »

As the title suggest, I'm looking at the Xperia Arc for my new (and first smart) phone.

As an ex SE Xperia X1 user I'd say avoid SE.

Upgrades are few and far between and unlike Apple, HTC and even Nokia once they phones are out of the door SE pretty much forget them.

chong168

Deliveries of the Arc have been delayed due to the incident in Japan. CPW should be receiving their next batch on 16th May. I know this because I have been waiting aswell and I know someone who works for CPW logistics.

Regarding the previous post about the new SE handsets, Sony have taken a new initiative regarding updates for their new Xperia range. They have even allowed the new handsets to be unrooted (if you're into developer and interested in that kinda stuff).

I did consider the Galaxy 2 but it just looks too similar to an iPhone whereas the Arc is so beautiful.

The_Matelot

chong168 wrote: »

I did consider the Galaxy 2 but it just looks too similar to an iPhone whereas the Arc is so beautiful....

And plasticy and cheap and will break the moment you try working it hard because all SE are glitchy and after a while will decide to do whatever they want to and reset themselves. HTC or apple all the way for quality (and before any one gets on at me 'ooo you apple !!!!!' i have owned 3 SE's two HTC's and two iphones and a motorola!)

All IMO of course! :rotfl:

gjchester

chong168 wrote: »

Regarding the previous post about the new SE handsets, Sony have taken a new initiative regarding updates for their new Xperia range. They have even allowed the new handsets to be unrooted (if you're into developer and interested in that kinda stuff).

At the expense of warranty..

The X1 came with Windows Mobile 6.1 with a promised upgrade to 6.5, Never happened they jsut dropped the phone entirely.
The X10 was promised upgrades from 1.6 to 2.1, Took ages and they have said they'll bring out gingerbread soon, on past experience they'll do it very slowly or decide that they can't do it and drop support.

Oh and the hardware failed after 16 months due to a known issue of parts in the slider rubbing and destroying itself.

Once bitten twice shy.

Ponchos

chong168 wrote: »

Deliveries of the Arc have been delayed due to the incident in Japan. CPW should be receiving their next batch on 16th May. I know this because I have been waiting aswell and I know someone who works for CPW logistics.

Thanks for this, very helpful and informative, certainly explains the delay, and has certainly calmed my annoyance levels!

Thanks to everyone else who posted too. I may have another look into what phone to get, due to some replies! As I said, the only reason I was looking at the Arc over the HTC Desire HD was the reported terrible battery life od the Desire HD, but if this can be avoided then happy days. Off I go to read more reviews and find some feedback from customers...!