[Cirlonde]

Just chiming in to say I'd also order your phone via Verizon's online store. It is soooooo much easier. Go into the store and get your hands on the phone, talk to the reps, etc. But then once you've picked what you want, get the model number and order it from their site. As someone already said, the rebates are automatically applied (so no waiting for something to come in the mail). Also, the last time I upgraded my phone, the "rebate" was going to be basically in-store credit not real money. They may have changed this as it's been almost a year since I upgraded...but something to keep in mind.

Oh, and when I first ordered a phone online I was worried that activating it would be a hassle but it really isn't. You get instructions with the phone in the mail and you just call this 800 number and it does it for you automatically. Super simple.
-C