Despite being tipped by Nokia as a 'low cost phone', there was confusion as the 5800 XpressMusic was put on sale in Spain for €429.

At the handset's release last month Nokia said it would be coming for €279 before tax and subsidies, making it an affordable option to the likes of the iPhone.

But after the advertisement for the higher-priced handset created a credit-crunch-shunning storm, it seems the reason for the change is the fact retailers are able to bundle the phone with whatever gubbins they please, and obviously charge for it.

Extra gubbins

This means that although the 5800 XpressMusic's (why couldn't it have been called the Tube? It's so much easier to write...) base price is the same, add in a €100 Music store voucher and a subscription to Nokia Maps' voice service, as well as a load of other stuff, and voila! You have the much higher price.

Unwired View also points out that this would have the added bonus of deterring the grey market entrepreneurs who could pop on over from other countries where the phone isn't on sale yet (i.e. the UK), and pick up a handset for resale.

But why do that when you've got to pay a huge mark-up for things that people can't use in another territory? Did you think of that, illegal importers? Did you?

But never fear, when the Christmas rush is over and the cash has been made the handsets will return to the 'proper' price of €279 (£230).