Since my contract with Verizon will be up this month and I have started looking at other devices. I like the TyTN, and am leaning towards Cingular ("the new AT&T") network. I currently use a Samsung i730.

My question is about buying an unlocked phone, then selecting the network. Aside from the obvious benefit of being able to select my carrier, what is the benefit of buying an unlocked phone? I have read about Cingular loading stuff onto the phone, and, in that writer's opinion, kind of ruining it. However, are there benefits to getting it directly from Cingular - other than the initial cost of the phone itself?

Wow- I've had the exact same question 100%...

If I do go to the 8525- chances are that I'll do the upgarde to wm6 anyway- which will get rid of Cinglular packaging... so what would it matter if I get one online or not. Only problem is that in 10+ years with Verizon (and its affiliates) I know nothing about the GSM network, so I'm just apprehensive to switch.

The advertisements would indicate that in a city such as Boston (nice coincidence that you're also from here) HSPA would be far faster than Ev-DO - can anyone confirm this?

I just switched from the 730 to the 8525 last week. I seem to be getting better coverage in my area (dallas) and I never got data reception when I traveled to Oklahoma with verizon, but Cingular works fine.

I got my plan and phone(s) through Amazon at a price that the local corporate cingular store said they could not come close to matching. I got my 8525 for $175 and my wife's D807 for $.01 with a $100 rebate. That comes out to $75 for both brand new phones. Also got my numbers transfered over with no problem which automatically canceled my verizon service without me even having to call them.

As for the unlocked phone, there are plenty of places where you can get the phone unlocked and then wipe the memory and even load a new rom if you are so inclined, such as http://xda-developers.com For me, the price from amazon was what pushed me over the edge. I bought it there and will unlock the phone if and when I deem it necessary.

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Michael Hampton