Windows Phone 8 availability: Who's selling the first phones?

So you want to buy a Windows Phone 8 smart phone, eh? Bold manoeuvre. But first you'll need to know which networks are flogging which mobiles.

Here's what we know so far, we'll be updating this story if we learn anything more.

Nokia Lumia 920

Likely to steal headlines, this is Nokia's flagship mobile and it comes with a 4.5-inch, 768x1,280 pixel display, a dual-core processor and a camera stuffed with Nokia's PureView tech.

The Lumia 920 is going to be exclusive to EE, at least at first, which means it'll also be available on Orange and T-Mobile. While Nokia says it's already started shipping units to those who pre-ordered, EE won't be selling contract-bound devices until 9 November. You can also find the 920 in Phones 4U.

Nokia Lumia 820

Thankfully the 920's little brother won't be tied to any one operator. The 4.3-inch Lumia 820 can be yours on EE, Orange, T-Mobile, O2 and Vodafone, as well as from Phones 4u and Carphone Warehouse.

HTC 8X

We've already reviewed HTC's high-end Windows Phone 8 blower, awarding it three and a half stars. But where to buy it? EE will be selling it, as will Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, O2, Phones 4u and Carphone Warehouse.

Numerical network Three will also be selling the 8X -- it goes on sale on 2 November.

HTC 8S

HTC's mid-range Windows Phone 8 device has a 1GHz processor and a 4-inch display, as well as a 5-megapixel camera. It's available to nab on EE, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Three, Vodafone, as well as through Phones 4u and Carphone Warehouse. Good stuff.

Samsung Ativ S

Samsung rules the roost when it comes to Android smart phones, but its first Windows Phone 8 mobile hasn't been picked up by many carriers. It's the biggest of the lot though, with a 4.8-inch display, while a 1.5GHz dual-core processor rumbles under the bonnet.

If you want to acquire the Ativ S, your only bet is O2. Phones 4u and Carphone Warehouse will also be selling it, but probably not on any other networks, at least for now.

Which Windows Phone 8 smart phone takes your fancy? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall. Also be sure to check out our guide to Windows Phone 8's most exciting new features.