Why You Can Trust CNET Get (almost) any Verizon phone for a penny
Amazon's limited-time sale includes the Droid Bionic, Droid Incredible 2, and Pantech Breakout 4G--but, alas, not the iPhone.
This one goes out to my favorite sister, who's ready to trade her aging (and recently service-deprived) BlackBerry for a smartphone.
From now through Monday, October 17, Amazon is offering any Verizon phone for just one cent. Shipping is free (and it's two-day shipping at that), but an activation fee may apply. (I wasn't able to find any details on that, and I see no evidence that Amazon is waiving it.)
The sale includes a whopping 31 models, including feature phones, BlackBerrys, and Android-powered smartphones. The highlight, without a doubt, is the Motorola Droid Bionic, which CNET recently awarded an Editors' Choice.
The Bionic normally sells for $299.99 with a two-year contract. Another popular 4G model, the HTC Thunderbolt, lists for $249.99. Needless to say, a one-penny purchase price is mighty tempting.
Other notable choices include the Pantech Breakout, the HTC Trophy (the one Windows Phone in the group), and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play 4G. Alas, the one glaring omission is the iPhone, which would be noteworthy indeed at $.01.
Whatever model you choose, you'll be on the hook for the standard two-year contract, with monthly service plans starting at around $70 for voice and data. The deal is good for new and existing Verizon customers alike. Correction: Existing customers must add a new line of service.
So, what do you think? Too good to pass up? Or are you already standing in line for some sweet, sweet iPhone 4S goodness?
Bonus deal: Every so often you can snag an 802.11n router for 20 bucks. Like today: Buy.com has the TrendNET TEW-651BR Wireless-N Router for $19.99 shipped. Hard to beat!