Lumia 900 still a raw deal despite heavy discount

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop shows off the Lumia 900 at CES 2012.

(Credit: Lori Grunin/CNET)

commentary Don't let the new price fool you, even at half off, the Lumia 900 isn't a worthy purchase.

The Lumia 900, which now costs $49.99 from its original $99.99 price tag, is the victim of bad timing. That's because it, alongside all other Windows Phone devices, are unable to upgrade to Windows Phone 8 when it comes out later this year. Unfortunately, if you're a Windows fan or want to try something new, Windows Phone 8 the mobile operating system to wait for.

That's because it will finally bring a truly integrated experience between the phone, tablet, and PC, through a tighter tie-up with Windows 8. Conversations with carriers and retailers have suggested they plan to put bigger resources behind Windows Phone 8.

As I previously wrote, the lack of an upgrade option is going to burn a lot of goodwill Nokia spent millions of dollars building up over the last few months. Nokia's "smartphone beta test" campaign, presumably now includes its own current line... [Read more]