For those who (like me) want to save $$$ by ordering their 8700c from Amazon: you may remember that a week or so ago, Amazon changed its status on this phone from "usually ships within four to five weeks" to "shipping soon order now to get in line". Well, today the status is now "usually ships within four to six weeks."

Looks like Amazon really has no clue when or if these phones will be in stock. It is amazing that a month after launch, Cingular still cannot supply a major outlet like Amazon.

I ordered on November 23 and still have no phone from Amazon.

I tried ordering but for the past week, I kept getting stuck after the plan selection page. I call them but they couldn't help. I'm just going to keep my 8700 from cingular. Sure it was more expensive, but it's money well-spent. I really like the damn thing. :-D

If you're not married to Cingular, you may consider Verizon as most surveys show their wireless coverage to be superior. Consumer Reports just researched the major carriers in 18 cities and Verizon was rated #1 in 17 of them (2nd in the other city for the curious ones).

Buy.com has the 8700c for free after rebate, and it is in stock. So I placed an order there and cancelled the order with Amazon.

What does that have to do with ordering the 8700? Verizon does not carry the 8700...yet.

Great non sequitur. Insofar as they do not carry the 8700, you just felt like plugging them?

buy.com is notorious for saying they have an item in stock but not. And their wireless rebates are handled by inphonic and you probably have a better chance of dunking a ball over Tim Duncan than getting a rebate from them quickly and without hassles.

Si

We'll see. I have purchased two phones from Buy.com and received the rebates. I am completely fed up with Amazon, so I am glad to have cancelled the order.

Another benefit of Buy.com: I can transfer my existing number and still receive the rebate. This is not possible through Amazon, at least according to their published info.

Just an update for anyone who might be put off by torifile's warning: I received the phone today from Buy.com. Total out of pocket BEFORE rebate: $149 plus shipping.

I am very happy I cancelled the order with Amazon. They should not have listed the 8700c until they had it in stock. Buy.com did it right. The 8700c was not listed until they actually could deliver. . . and at a lower price then Amazon to boot!

Did you receive your rebate? It's like pulling teeth just to get the rebate form. I doubt I'm going to get it.