I opted for Nokia N81 (2GB) and paid $328 for the set. On the same day, I discovered that the phone given to me might not be a new set as:

1) the phone's life timer has already run for 19 minutes

2) the plastic wrapper used to contain the phone is different from that of a new set

3) there is no plastic protector on the back cover of the phone

On the same day, I returned to the same store and raised the above queries to the M1 shop manager. He did an exchange for me and informed me that he will raise this matter to the relevant department. On Feb 6, the manager called me and informed me that the set came directly from Nokia's warehouse. He was unable to explain the queries raised.

Till now, I am still wondering whether the first set given to me is a new set. If the answer is 'yes', is it normal for a new phone's life timer to clock up 19 minutes before it is passed on to a consumer? Is there a different packaging at Nokia's end?

If the answer is 'no', is the M1 counter staff trained to look out for any tell-tale sign that the handset is not in its original packaging before passing the set over to the subscriber?

Can the relevant authority provide a satisfactory answer to the above queries?

Sim Kwang Wah