[auTONYmous]

Whelp, I'll chime in (haven't read the entire thread...sorry, this may be old news)

Had corporate-issued Samsung "dumbphone" with PTT that we never used. Went on Craigslist in June '09, bought a nearly-new TP1 for $150, incl. all accessories. Ported corporate acct number to it, flashed it, modded it, used it til it developed the bad keyboard prob in Oct '09. Advanced Exchanged it at a ASC third-party store for a refurb. Complained to store rep, was told I could get a TP2 if the refurb was flaky.

Waited two weeks, went back complaining (even though the refurb was/still is fine). Asked for Advanced Exchange to TP2. Order was placed, got a call two days later about the dreaded "backorder".

Called/went in a few more times since then. Store actually placed a 2nd AE order for me, still backordered.

1/4/2010, called Sprint directly, complained about the backorder and promises of AE upgrade, hassled a few days, Sprint rep contacted my Corporate Rep, found out I'm "eligible for free upgrade" (dunno how???), and Corp Rep ordered my TP2. It'll be here tomorrow, 1/8/2010.

So, $175 for TP1, some patience, practicing with kitchens, and about 6 months later, $0 extra dollars, I'm ready to start doing custom ROMs with brand new TP2 (and still have TP1 to test with)!