[Silent_Patriot]

Just spoke with Verizon's retentions and here's the deal:

$419 - $70 MIR - $50 New every 2 = $299.99
(figured I'd get a better deal than that working for General Dynamics, but doh well)

Confirmed 192MB RAM and "up" arrow key placed between "M" and "N" keys. The rep could not address why VZW chose to gimp their device other than to say it was the folks that test the devices that decided it was fine. Made sure to emphasize that those are reasons why I am planning on leaving.

$29.99 data plan which I have on my 6800 would remain the same. Also, no data plan would be required for my 6800 if I chose to hand it down to my son. The required data plan is only for "new" data devices.

Tried to sell me on the "superior" network vs. Sprint's, but couldn't address why I lose my data connection 3-5 times/week (didn't tell them I was tethering of course, but that shouldn't matter).

ETF would be $65/line (x2) if I decided to pull the trigger and leave today, with the option of rejoining the "family" within 90-days and reversing the ETF.

It would make my life easier if I didn't have to try and get Sprint to enter the 6800 ESN in their system, but I have friends in high places at all of the carriers from work, and am up for the challenge of testing the new open network policies.

Everything Plus Referral $59.99 500 mins/unlimited everything else on both phones minus my 15% corp discount and possibly 10% credit union member discount would still be cheaper w/more service than current $69.99 700 mins + $29.99 data plan minus 20% corp discount (which doesn't apply to the second line, they split it $60 primary / $9.99 2nd).

Lastly, VZW coverage in our building seems to be spotty at best, and Sprint installed repeaters but VZW wouldn't. So much for the "superior" network thing, eh?

Pretty much a done deal, although I'm making it painfully clear to our Sprint rep that I consider my last bout with them an absolute nightmare and want assurances that their customer service will be much better this time.

Keep the stories about the Sprint TP improvements to newer build dates coming and cyas on Dec. 27th!