Nokia ships a million 5800 XpressMusic phones

The 5800 XpressMusic is Nokia's first touch-screen handset

Nokia has already shipped a million units of its highly anticipated 5800 mobile phone, which launched in the UK on Friday.

The 5800 XpressMusic is the company's first foray into the touch-screen arena, and many observers are pitching it against Apple's iPhone.

Nokia claimed that around 150 people queued outside its flagship store in London's Regent Street prior to the launch.

"The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic has been received very positively and this milestone is further proof that people all over the world want a device that is not only a great music experience, but makes the most of touch-screen technology," said Jo Harlow, a vice president at Nokia.

Originally known as The Tube, the 5800 boasts a 3.2in 640 x 360 touch-screen interface designed to be used with a fingertip, stylus or plectrum, and uses tactile feedback to help users confirm button and key clicks.

The handset is currently available from Nokia's Regent Street and Heathrow Terminal Five stores, or from its online store, but will be rolling out to mobile operators and additional markets over the next few months.

vnunet.com will be receiving a review unit later this week, so be sure to check back soon for our impressions of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic.