In simple terms the 950/950XL may finally fill the bill for the needs of the premium phone fans.
The low end "candy bar" devices aren't what many upper echelon Microsoft fans want in light of device upgrades.
Perhaps if the 950 series are a success the low end will go by the wayside...
That sounds a little like elitism. Premium phone fans are likely to be with other OS's as the market there is aimed at high end devices over functionality of the OS. I would hazard a guess that Microsoft 'candy bar' devices are probably the biggest sellers in markets where 'flagship' devices are unobtainable, be that economics or lack of services providers. What about the Asia market? Lots of guys and gals on here from India etc , mostly using 'low end' devices. That market must be huge for your standard phone. I can't see budget devices, especially in that market, being dropped. I wonder, if like me, they resent the comment of 'upper echelon'. I have 9 devices, including a 930. I hate it! I am more than happy to run a 'lowly' 1320. I'm More than happy to use my 640 xl, so does that bar me from being an 'upper echelon' club member??
Here in the UK, a friend of mine works for Car Phone Warehouse. The biggest selling Win Phone is the 640, outselling many budget android phones. After the 640 comes the 435, then 535. So, as for candy bar phones, not every one has the means or the inclination to blow ?500 on a device. I can see the 550 selling quite well as, with the previously mentioned devices above, people can't, or won't, pay for a two year deal and tie themselves in knots. The 550 at ?80 and a sim only deal could save a fortune, especially just before the festive season.
Finally, I don't see this device as a 'retail' unit. The design seems to be aimed at the enterprise market. Although if continuum, and display dock function as promised, it could be a way of me not having to buy another laptop!! Let's see how many start whinging about it after the honeymoon period
That's the only reason I would take one on as then it would save me on other devices.
Yours, a lowly device user