What's the cheapest way to do it?

Currently have an account that's NOT under contract, what's the cheapest way to upgrade to the 8800? Cingular is offering 349.99 with a 50 rebate.

get it from amazon on a new contract
Amazon.com: BlackBerry 8800 Phone (Cingular): Cell Phones & Service
then cancel your old plan. I hope you aren't too attached to your current plan.

yeah, but I would not get to keep my current number..

You can't port cingular to cingular...I would think they would catch on to that scam...no?

You may be able to move the number if you hold two accounts, but you are right that you cannot port it.

Also I saw on another forum to check to see if they have a waiting period before they let you have a new account.

They also suggested trying to get a "vanity number" (your old one) after you cancel.

Or, you pay the price of being on the cutting edge and sacrifice the phone number.

Maybe somone on here with more experience can fill in the details.

Why not get the 8800 and a 2 yr contract?

that would be 349, and then a 50 dollar rebate..so 299.99, if that's the cheapest route, I will sign a new 2 year contract...But is there a less expensive route?

There's an upgrade option on Amazon if you look harder (IIRC you have to enter your Zip code and go from there). I'm not sure if you'll get the same deal as a new activation though...

There is a less expensive route. I called Cingular (currently had an 8700 and was a little over a year into my current contract) and asked for the 8800. The lady said sure as long as I recommit to a new two year contract. I agreed as long as they would discount the phone some more. She sold it to me for $200 and I got to use the $50 mail in discount.

Just ask for what you want...it's a novel concept.

I had no idea you could even haggle on price for these phones. But good one nevertheless!