So what's the worst? That Nokia won't sell it directly? Maybe that you'll get limited support? N900 was a grey market import for everyone living in Canada, but it didn't stop people enjoying it. Worry less and look forward to the N9, despite Nokia's apparent inability to make the most of the [non-WP] opportunities in front of it. Agreed. N8 availability picture took a while to become clear, if memory serves (not that I was waiting to buy one, but still). Why do you have to buy your phone from your carrier? Aren't there SIM-only contracts in SA?