[Touch Pro2, Tilt 2 Windows Mobile General] TheScPCrew:
I'm in a dilemma and in need of some advice. I'm in the market for a new Windows Mobile Phone. The last phone I had (The HP Ipaq 910c) went sour on me 3 times before I finally sold it off. I've been using a phone that's 8 years old for the past several months...trying to patiently wait for the Touch Pro 2 on AT&T.

Here's my problem...I'm on an unlimited data plan right now with AT&T that's relatively cheap. If I were to sign a new 2 year contract with them with the Tilt 2, my monthly bill would increase by about $30-$40 dollars with the new data plans they put in place. (I'm on a family plan). I'm due for an upgrade because my HP 910c was unlocked and I didn't have to sign a contract, but I still used it on the AT&T networks. I guess my question is...is there a way to do this with the Tilt 2 ...get it unlocked and still use the data plan I have without having to go through AT&T and have all the sluggish software they install put on the phone. Not to mention I was using CoPilot GPS on my HP 910c and I wanted to be still use that on my Tilt 2 (doesn't AT&T have the GPS locked or charge for the service?) ...I'm not the expert on phones and how carriers change things up so I apologize if I'm completely off in left field with these statements. I know you can also buy the phone...non commitment with AT&T for $550ish, but I'm worried they'd still charge me for some of these services I'm wanting. Soooooooo...

I've looked at these two sites who are selling an unlocked version of the AT&T Tilt 2:

($600) Negri Electronics: http://www.negrielectronics.com/product_info.php?currency=USD&products_id=2758

&

($550) Wireless Networks: http://www.ewirelessexperts.com/product_info.php?products_id=1361

Can anybody recommend one of these sellers and/or tell me if they are legit and point me in the right direction?

OR am I better off just signing a new contract with either AT&T or Verizon. I'm basically trying to find the least expensive way to get this phone and use it how I want to use it. I don't want to be paying extra for monthly services and data plans that I COULD already have available to myself. I really like Verizon's version (I've heard its the closest to the original HTC Touch Pro 2 as far as the software. And that there is virtually no carrier bloat pre-installed...not to mention there's a 3.5mm jack...but that's not a deal breaker for me) ...OR is there anyway I CAN get the Verizon version UNLOCKED and still use it on the AT&T networks somehow? I've heard the 3G bands are different. Could anyone confirm if this is even a possibility? (Also I'm wanting to run Windows Mobile 6.5 on this phone...so I need to take into account how much it would be to upgrade if I did take the Verizon route and when the update would be available)

I definitely want 3G...I know there are unlocked versions of this phone that don't have it and I want to STAY AWAY from that. I've also heard stories that AT&T can somehow detect now when you're using a new phone and switch your SIM card to a different model (and that they can change or start charging you differently if they catch you). BASICALLY ...is there a way to avoid all this and finally get myself an ever-so-lovely Unlocked Touch Pro 2? And...from WHERE?