I bought this phone when it first appeared on amazon for slightly over six. The price has actually gone up and needless markup (neimanmarcus) sells it for nine; however, t-mobile sells for 550 but w/activation 2yr contract. I would stick with amazon because of their return policy.The phone uses the 850/1800/1900 frequencies so you can use it as a world phone. (The Nokia 8800 supports 900/1800/1900 so you can use anywhere or the USA with t-mobile fyi.) You'll need the 850 to use it in the states w/any GSM provider other than t-mobile and I *beleive* cingular). The 8801 has great Nokia reception as do all of their phones I've used...while people around you in an elevator drop calls normally yours hangs on.It's important to have a firmware of at least 3.78 checked by typing *#0000# or you may get a rebooting problem seen in comments. Some of those problem could also be from not using the battery lock that swivels to make sure the battery stays down. The one thing understated about the 8801 is that it comes with a 2yr warranty with overnight service and a special number to call that will not make you wait to talk to a person, which is awesome if you ever call it. I've sent mine back because of the slide breaking and it's a painless experience.The feature set is rich even having strange things like a programmable RFID tag! The browser is fairly useless so download mini.opera.com, plusmo and for instant directions, the free google mobile gmaps is a must when you're sick of 800555tellme not understanding you. Additionally you can run any J2ME apps for AIM, MSN messenger etc. You can make free skype (for 2006 usa-to-usa) calls using www.soonr.com from the 8801 or any phone, which is awesome. And, you can change the look by grabbing free themes (use 8800 ones) via phone.mobile9.com. Try the macintosh themes, very good.Syncing it up to my PC at work was a snap with Nokia's office suite installed and it beeps every time I have a meeting, which reminds me to get coffee. You can nit the right arrow ? and check your schedule on the go, too.It's an expensive phone no-doubt but I use it for a home phone & cell so I wanted something nice and sturdy. It works great with Bluetooth devices and even streams music to headphones. I have my mac set to download the latest podcast and bluetooth it to my phone for the commute ride listen.Battery life isn't THE best but it's not vomit. Plug it in at nite and if you have an extra charger, plug it in at work... problem solved.The `scratch less' screen is great, the speakerphone works well, the voice tags work well with the supplied ear fob. I really like this phone and recommend it, highly.