Yes, I understand what happened with the iPhone, thanks. However, if the retail price for the Bold is as high as many are predicting, you've got a similar situation: a high-dollar subsidized device that AT&T will be looking to make more money on and a unique opportunity to do just that, ie, a device-specific data plan.

Like I said, I'm hoping that doesn't happen, but it's not out of the realm of possibility to think that AT&T might try something.

This "price creep" in AT&T's data plans is what has kept me from pulling the trigger on a move from T-Mobile to AT&T. I can't tell you how many times I've started the process of porting over and backed out at the last second. Until all this craziness shakes itself out, I'll keep typing along on my 7105t. For the first time in recent memory I don't feel the need to be on the bleeding edge of Blackberrydom. I'm just chillin', and waiting to see how this all plays out. Data prices, device built quality, technical issues, etc. And I'm one smilin' mofo.

at&t wont piss off RIM by doing that. They also dont want to lose all the potential sales. Remember BlackBerrys rarely get returned. Less than 3% worldwide. I think we will see good pricing on a 2 year.

With the new news released this week, anyone heard more concrete when the Bold will be released to U.S. AT&T?

Your first sentence I agree with. But, please tell me about the Pearl exception. How is it any less of a business device than other Blackberrys?

Mostly because of the form factor. its much smaller than the other blackberry's so more consumers would want it over a bigger 88** or 83**.

I honestly do not see it that way either. While I have a Curve and not a Pearl, I use mine strickly for personnel use and nothing else. The "size" is not a factor for me either way.