At 11 Jan 2008 23:46:26 -0500 Carl wrote:

> In my case, I wanted to remain with Vz for now but am enamored of the
> iPhone's general capabilities, but not the EDGE data service, nor the
> iPhone's lack of 'business-related' functionality. I can't help but think
> that if I locked myself intoVz another two years and, hypothetically,
> sometime in March or April the next gen of iPhones, complete with PIM
> capability and level 3 data, was introduced, how I'd be kicking myself.
>
> So I bought a phone I liked (the next best device that fits my needs), an
> 8130, for about $400, instead of the $150 it would otherwise have cost me.

Just to clarify, you paid $250 extra to avoid potentially paying a $150 or
200 ETF?

> I
> still got the $50 rebate. So, $350 net. I figure if the pipe dream phone
> does show up, I believe I can get $250-300 back for my well-cared for but
> slightly used 8130. I take a small beating, but I would have gotten a few
> months use out of the phone for a small cost, and I'm free to go without
> hassle. Worth it to me for now. It's a gamble. We'll see if it pays out.
> ;-)

If the uberphone doesn't materialize, and two years from now you're still
with Verizon, you've simply sacrificed the discount you could've had.