I am now the proud owner of a new(ish) HTC Hero which I bought off eBay for a fair few quid. Was a bit concerned at first but all arrived OK and works like a charm.
The original plan was to end my contract and get the new shiny with a new contract, but that wouldn’t be until at least august next year, but as I’ve only had 3 phones in the last 10 years I thought it was about time. And besides I’m not tied in to an expensive contract for the next 18 months. Job’s a good’en.