It's actually $49.99 if you mail in the $100 rebate. Great deal but remember that there's a catch...
You have to sign up for a svc plan no cheaper than $39.99 individual or $59.99 family AND a $24.99+ data plan AND continue this plan for at least 181 days. It's not a good buy if you don't plan to sign up for the data plan or the $39.99 plan (I think there's a $29.99 plan that's available through TMo) which will probably cost you $200 ($150+taxes/fees) over the course of 6+ months of service. That negates any discount on this phone when purchased through Amazon.
I think for most users this is still a great deal from Amazon.
I'm doing this right now as I'm still in my 30 day period with an 8330 from Sprint. This is better than the 299 before rebates theyre charging at the tmob store. Hopefully I'll be able to get my number all switched over without any problems.
I just ordered mine from Amazon.com...waaay better price than T-Mobile w/ 2yr. new contract (275.99).
I am paying for next day shipping since I am getting such a deal. I was getting the Unlimited data/text plan($34.99) anyway so, it works for me! Saving $109.13! I cant wait!
I just noticed on thing on the Amazon deal (which is still good at $199 before rebate): they only off the $24.99 400SMS plan and not the $24.99 unlimited data plan. This concerns me because I want to get a 3 line family plan and add the $19.99 unlimited family SMS plan. It appears adding this option (per the T-Mobile site) would remove the 400SMS data plan and add the other $24.99 plan. According to the Amazon TOS if you remove a data plan you get hit with the $250 penalty. While I do not know if this plan change would incur the penalty, but I wouldn't want to be the one to get hit with 3x charges.
Just something to be wary about if you are going the family plan route.
