I don't buy direct, because often times when there is a problem, the company will rend you back a refurb. Search around a lot of warrantied OV's have issues, because they ran a few quick tests and determined that it was user error, even though there really is a problem with the phone. Every company does this. Read the warranty, they don't guarantee you a new item if you return it, even if you just bought it that day.
Buy from a store and the store gives you a new item instead and you get it right then, (if it's in stock) or you get your money back.
My plan is this...
My plan re-ups on the 27th, I plan to switch to the $35 plan that day. That way I can activate immediately without being double charged (and you will be!).
Second, I am going to be calling around tomorrow, and mon/tues/wed. for either a phone or inf. If we still know nothing more, and I can't find it, I will call Radio Shack mail order and see if they have a time estimate, and based on that, either wait and buy local or pre-order from Radio Shack using the SAVE20 code, and 2nd day, ship to store. This gets me the phone in about as short of time as possible, and comes in at $318 total. About what you will pay in the store, and should be just as fast, provided they don't sell out by then.