small update: I had really seriously considered the S3 over the last two weeks, due to unforseen financial issues that came up in my houshold. I was deadset on getting it, but then amazon goes and drops the Note 2 down to $149.00 on upgrade. My wife, in her infinite wisdom grew weary of my constant research, put her foot down and TOLD me we're getting the Note 2, because she wouldn't be able to deal with me for the next two years if we got the S3. I've tried to convince HER to go with the S3, (she couldn't really care less about specs), but she's adamant on getting "matching" phones.
my question at this point is: is there any reason the Note 2 would drop even lower between now and the end of July? my common sense says no, but I could be completely off base. (and I thought my search was over!!!!)