It's not offered through a carrier YET.

Just a few years ago, people in the US would say that same thing you did about a $200 phone. Then the RAZR came along.

Then fruitDevice came along.

Things change.

And if it's just a matter of paying now or later, so be it. However, you often have situations where a carrier requires not only the purchase of a data plan for a subsidized device, but a voice plan of a certain rate (or higher priced, device-specific data plans). If a carrier requires you to get a $59 plan to get the "reduced" price for a phone instead of a $39 plan on a two year contract, that's $480 more than what you needed (if the $39 was enough). $480 is often enough to cover the cost of an unlocked smartphone.

If you have no problem paying almost $500 extra dollars over the course of the contract, go for it. If you were going to get the higher plan anyway, go for it.

Personally, I believe the US has been conditioned to payments to it detriment.

(thus, why the US will be making payments to China for some time now)

you're right. it feels better when I'm in the mood to rub something with my thumb.

unless there's c*****s handy.

for fine selections, handwriting recognition, other things: resistive it better.

admit that.

or just cut it out and admit the two technologies each have their place.

"when 80% of people have an iPod and iTunes account"

er.

all I can go by is what you typed.

careful with those %s.

(shrug)

I might challenge Nilay on writing (although he's generally not the one I have that problem with),

but I'll defer to someone else who has a JD when it comes to issues of law.

On another note, just so I remain consistent:

***** Don't want to be ranked? Stay out of the kitchen. ******

or something like that.

(sigh)

@ James

I'll make this simpler: there is no law requiring Apple to have an agreement with VZW before producing a CDMA phone.

I'd think the last thing one would need while experiencing pain is Mambo #5.

I'd think you'd be more Vein Melter.

: a grant or gift of money: as a : a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation b : money granted by one state to another c : a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public

diametrically opposed to ever down-ranking Lectron due Headhunters avvy.

80% of what people have an iPod and iTunes account?

assuming there is price competitiveness (maybe even some content exclusivity) VZW problem is it's naughty habit of not letting you move media between the device and a computer.

i.e.: why would I buy an MP3 I can ONLY listen to on my phone?

(though there would be some takers...)