I don’t really know how people are spending all that money. I don’t know why either. I’m reasonably sure most don’t have to. I know I don’t.

Mine cost me nothing. (It’s a blackberry bold 9000. It isn’t top of the line, newest and greatest, but it is the one I wanted, because it has BIG keys and i have BIG fingers. And it does do most everything I want, other than take good photos.) It was refurbished, and free with a new 2 year contract, directly from AT&T. My daughters deal was even better. It cost $10 (a blackberry bold 9700) with a new 2 year contract, and it was through an outside vendor so there was an added bonus. AT&T never updated their records and she’s STILL eligible for deep discounts with a new contract.

And the total monthly cost isn’t anywhere near $100. For 5 phones, i pay around $200 a month with all the minutes we need and all the data we need for 3 phones. (2 aren’t smartphones.)

I do kinda have the hots for the new blackberry torch. I could get it now for $100 with a new contract from AT&T. I haven’t looked at outside vendors yet, but if and when it’s available for free that way, I’ll probably do it.