AU: Telstra and i-mate

[Guest Laser_iCE]

Hey guys,

I was scouring around on the Telstra site yesterday, trying to find a replacement for my k-jam which they refuse to repair, and because of this, they're kind of ignoring me (maybe I'm just paranoid ;) ), but I'm looking at upgrading to something a little bit more brand new...

Now, does anyone know if Telstra or any other providers in Australia resell HTC/i-mate devices? I love the look of some of the new HTC phones, but unfortunately I can't afford to pay for one outright, and would definitely need to get one on a plan, but it's a bit difficult when they don't list them!

However, if no one offers any of the new devices on a plan, what do you think would be the best way to get around this (apart from saving up!)? Would it be worth emailling Telstra or Optus and trying to talk them into it? Not that it'd be a quick affair, but in the long run, I honestly think it would be worth it. Unfortunately here in Australia, Palm is big and so are Treo's and Blackberry's, but I can not stand the look of having a keyboard visible at all times -- I think it looks ugly and if you're not using it, then you shouldn't have to see it.

I've loved the look of some of the Ultimate devices, but they say they're coming Mid 2007 on the site, and as far as I know they haven't been released yet?

Any light that you lot can shed on this would be muchly appreciated.

Thanks!