Greetings,

I became a Blackberry user this week, so I have been researching plans and hardware. Although I bought a 7290 and obtained a 1-year data only contract on T-Mobile, there are some incredible deals on Amazon for the 8300 (Curve) and the 8800 when you also get a new 2-year contract (or apparently extend an existing contract for 2 years). The 8800 costs negative $25, and the 8300 costs negative $30, both after rebates. Read their terms carefully, and you get a great phone for no cost.

I didn't go for the deal for three reasons: first, t-Mobile has better plans for my needs at the moment (cheap data, plus only $20/month for international email); second, I believe there will be some better alternatives in the next few months (3G or higher speed Internet, easier access SD cards, etc.); and last, I didn't want to get a two year contract.

***Now there is a similar offer for the Pearl (8100) and 8700 offered by t-Mobile. Hope they add t-Mobile's version of the 8800!