I would suggest: Save up for the device, then buy it. This way you can avoid debt! But I agree, subsidy sucks. It implies far higher spending in the long run. Out of curiosity: is there prepaid data in the US? I know that many countries, including Canada, have this service, which I think is a wonderful compliment to a device like the Tab (use data only when you need it, WiFi when you don't). Having a plan specifically for this device would be too expensive (for me) to consider rationally.