Cingular SYNC Hands-On... But With A DRM Twist To The Tale?

Yep, that's a hand, and in it is a Cingular SYNC, so I guess this must be a hands-on, mustn't it.  The glad-rag wearing gadabouts over at Engadget Mobile have managed to persuade some poor Cingular rep to let them stroke, fondle and generally interfere with the Samsung-made handset, which currently leads the pack of the carrier's Mobile Music service.  Check out the further photo after the cut, as well as a possible problem.

In a worrying twist, however, a commenter on the original post revealed what looks to be an internal Cingular memo:

Product Advisory: Samsung a707 STOP SELL/STOP SHIP – DO NOT MERCHANDIZE

PRIORITY: RED – Heavy Impact to Existing Inventory. Samsung has discovered an issue with the production a707/Cingular SYNC devices.

(Fri, November 03, 2006)

Issue/Volume number:

The device presents error messages and does not allow the sync and load of Windows Media rights-protected music. Cingular believes this is related to an issue or failure in the manufacturing process.

Due to the seriousness of this issue devices should not be sold until a root cause and root solution is identified At this time, devices should not be returned to the Distribution Center. Additional information regarding the disposition of these units will be provided in an update to this advisory.

If this is true, then it looks like users will have to wait a bit longer before they can have some hands-on time of their own.

Hands-on with the Samsung SYNC [Engadget Mobile]