MPD have always stated that they have an exclusive release date in the UK from the word go. They ship from their Nokia stores, and so their claims are a lot more reliable than Amazon in my view.

Regarding being part of the first batch - I don't know. That's why I said to ask them.

There customer service seems to be pretty good. All the info on returns etc is here:

http://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk/...ces/index.aspx

I've not done research on what Amazon offer however. I was just suggesting things.