[3GScottishUser]

Looking around it would appear that you have to be prepared to take on an 18 month contract at at least £35/month (Talk & Text 700) to get the above handset from 3. (Six months 1/2 price as usual)

Things really do appear to be changing now as both Vodafone and Orange offer the same handset on less expensive contracts presently and the former has similar discounted line rental promotions as well as 'stop the clock', promotional free off peak video calling and 'passport'.

Interesting.

Quick comparison: (Offers checked 12/08/2005)

e2save 3 608i deal. Talk + Text 700 6 X £17.50 then 12 X £35 = £ 525.00

CPW Vodafone V600i deal. Hero 500 = £4.99 X 10 then 8 X £40 = £ 369.90

[Ben]

On the Three site I can select:
K608i free
3 months £15 line rental
9 months £30 line rental (Talk & Text 600)
Total: £315 without any redemption.

Cheap as chips for what you get.

[3GScottishUser]

You can get it from Vodafone on 12 month contract for £20 a month = £240

250 SMS free each month too. (Vodafone On-line)

The comparison above is like for like from two divisions of the same group (CPW dont have the 608i yet). It looks like 3 themselves are being more flexible with their on-line offerings and are actually beating the dealers. Whilst good for customers this will not make them popular with the High Street sales staff.