Nokia N8 on Vodafone from 22 October, BlackBerry Torch out now

Vodafone will deliver the Nokia N8 to those who've pre-ordered on 22 October, while the BlackBerry Torch is available now.

Vodafone has had the N8 available to pre-order for some time, but has now given a firm date to when you should expect it. The N8 shipped from Nokia factories this week, but it will take a little while to reach you.

The first smart phone to run on the Symbian 3 platform, we've reviewed the N8 and given it a middling three stars. It looks sharp and has a great camera, but the software isn't up to scratch and fatally, there aren't enough apps available. You can get the N8 for free on two-year, £40 per month price plans.

The BlackBerry Torch is available now. Like the N8 it meh'd its way to a three-star review, and although it has lashings of features it's not that easy or fun to use. You can buy this free on two-year, £30 per month price plans.

The N8 and the BlackBerry Torch were among their manufacturers' most important mobiles of 2010, but they don't compare with some of the handsets they compete with in the high-end smart phone market.

So what's next for Nokia? If we're right it could take until next year for the E7 to arrive, but now we've seen Symbian 3 in action we don't hold much hope for it. As far as BlackBerry devices are concerned, there's already a new Curve out and probably a Bold refresh out soon. Double meh.

Are you thinking of getting the N8 or BlackBerry Torch? Are these the devices to set Nokia and RIM back on track? Comments welcome.