We're all too aware that Nokia are making efforts to break in to the US market, I think it's long overdue. Nokia have been one of the market leaders in the UK for many many years, with an army of loyal fans.

Blow 1: I was first surprised to learn that US customers ordering direct from Nokia are set to receive a free bluetooth headset, whereas no such offer for those in the UK.

Blow 2: It was then noticed that Nokia UK didn't list a stylus as being bundled with the N97, whereas the US website did. Nokia have confirmed the UK N97 will indeed not be packed with a stylus.

Blow 3: In the US, the N97 can be pre-ordered for $524.25 from Nokia direct, whereas it's going to cost those in the UK £499.00 which at current conversion is $795.461

Blow 4: Many rumors suggest the N97 will be launched in the US almost 4 weeks earlier than the UK.

Blow 5: At launch the N97 will apparently only be available in black with UK carriers.

Blow 6: This is a global blow, the Nokia N97 will not be shipping with Skype, contrary to earlier announcements.

Yet, all that aside, I'm still excited about the launch. I hope Nokia don't continue this trend of giving a lesser deal to it's UK customer base. I appreciate they want to win over the US, but great hardware and marketing will do that, not throwing in extras, that's just going to upset the rest of the world.