What a pain in the butt.

This is like buying a new car. Really.

I’ve done my homework, and it came down to the iPhone 3G and the RIM BlackBerry Bold 9000, and BlackBerry has won out for the following reasons:

• The Bold has a video camera. iPhone doesn’t. Based on my research, the best video camera on a smartphone is the Nokia N96.
• The Bold’s battery life is significantly better than the iPhones over the long haul.
• Big keyboard on the Bold. Winner winner.
• Integrates with Facebook, Exchange, iTunes, you name it. Chicken dinner.

However, just go to attwireless.com and try to get a price. Can’t do it.

I’m a current customer, and I’m generally satisfied with the service I’ve gotten over the years at Cingular (now AT&T). Their cell coverage is the best in America, too.

However, because I’m not a new customer, it’s going to be tougher for me to get an upgraded deal. I’m NOT paying full price for a new Bold, although I’d compromise and take a refurbished one. Unfortunately, the dealer closest to me in Norman “doesn’t do refurbs,” and I’ll bet $100 that finding a discounted, quality refurb anywhere but online will be impossible.

So, because I’ve done my research and because I have cash, I’m going to have to treat this like a car sale. The No. 1 mistake consumers make is in not haggling, and by that I mean, “Ask the son of a gun what he’ll give you.”

I’m not paying $369 for the Bold. I’ll pay $125.

Throw in a case and a month free.

Get me in under $100 for two lines.

Something. This economy is too crappy for you, the business owner, to be prideful.

There are 5 or 6 authorized AT&T dealers in the Norman area, and one of you surely wants some business. The brand new dealer on 24th Street is O-U-T. Their salesman was a 19-year-old robot.

However, what’s not up for discussion right now is the device. I like the BlackBerry Bold. Most features I want with the best ratings I have found. Now, iTunes has a better rating on “feel” and “design,” but those are so subjective.

Bottom line: I’m the customer. You make ME deal. You’re here to serve ME. Because I am in no hurry.