Avoiding Rebates and Data Plans

[shava9865]

I'm looking to purchase the Blackberry 8900 and with the full upgrade I would have to pay $199 after a $100 mail in rebate. It's been 3 yrs since my last upgrade and I think this is a lot of $. I can understand that the product is fresh on the market and that some have to pay more than $199, but is there anyway to negotiate this price. I don't even care about the rebate. Is there a way I could just pay a flat out amount for the phone?

Also, when I buy the phone I don't necessarily want to buy the data plan. Is Wifi adequate enough for web browsing or checking email, or do I absolutely need to have the data plan? Essentially, what are the advantages/disadvantages of having the data plan?

[aristile]

Duplicate post ... Mod please remove.