Zero VGS posted:

He really should take a look at the N4 just because it's a comparable phone at half the price, if he wants to wait a few weeks. But the T-999 is the correct model to get if he does, as it gets full T-Mobile speeds in all cases.

Yes, you can get the SGS3 phone from the TMobile Store off-contract for I think around $650.

But, there's a shitload of deals going around for a free S3 with a contract. You can sign up for the contract and immediately cancel and pay the setup fee, early termination fee, and first month. It is a lot of paperwork but after all the dust settles you wind up paying about $300-400 and have the phone to use off-contract.

Lastly, eBay and especially Amazon are not as shady as you'd think and paying through your credit card on either site affords you multiple layers of protection. They are both all-too-happy to refund your money back from sellers when they try to scam you, sellers know this and typically play it straight. Amazon sellers have to clearly list the return policies and Amazon enforces them. I've bought a dozen high-end phones and just one was network disabled. I firmly threatened to do a chargeback on the seller and he relented and took the thing back for a full refund. Everything else worked perfectly.

Whatever you do, do not buy from Craigslist, because you have no recourse.