My unlocked N9pp plus a month-to-month plan on T-mobile usa was a little less than the total cost of a similarly priced phone with the discount and contract plan over two years. And I am beholden to nobody.

Of course my N900 only works on T-Mobile 3G. I used it for a week or so on AT&T when I got it, but with GSM only. So I am not stuck with T-Mobile, but I can't realistically use my phone elsewhere. In spite of that, I say let freedom ring. Own your phone.