Some of you may have read in the Berry Abuse Thread in the general forum about my 8700 taking a dip face down into a just-flushed-toilet last week.

Well, it has come back 98 percent. It's dried out. It works. I just got a new battery for it -- couldn't stand looking at the pink water indicator sticker anymore -- and a new Seidio case for it, which rocks my socks. Even the streaks on the LCD that were there in the initial aftermath have disappeared.

So, the problem? My escape key and my side convenience keys are both so mushy, it's driving me nuts. Even after taking it apart, wiping it down, compressed air dusting it and putting it back together. I am so frustrated.

So, at this point, my thinking is either a) I get a new housing kit, b) give up on the thing entirely and wait for a 3G Berry to come out, c)get a new Berry or d)get a completely different device (like an E61 or a 7130c).

My husband is pretty adamant that I not purchase another unit at this point. Would anyone want to buy my Berry that is fully functional but has mushy keys? Could I defray the cost of a new unit that way?

I am eligible for an exception upgrade with Cingular, but the thought of signing a two-year contract is utterly repugnant to me. Especially considering what I get in return.

So, help me out folks. Any input, suggestions, help, would be greatly appreciated.

Luckily I have the new LG CU500 to distract me. My inner phone geek is enjoying it, but I miss my QWERTY.

Help!

TIA