Just went to a store, once an ESN is put on my account, its 22 months before I get an upgrade price.
So looks like I'll be sticking this one out til launch.
Also, guy told me August as what he thinks regarding launch. He said they normally get a demo a month before and they would be getting it soon if it was launching in June.
Which to me, is bullshit, because I got a Pre at launch and they didn't have a demo or a dummy before launch what so ever.
I'm still looking at June, and more anxious than ever.
No, this is not true. Don't know what the sales rep was telling you, but where I work, you can start up an account and put on your own equipment (borrow a phone or buy one online) and maintain your upgrade eligibility. Go back to the store and tell them this:
"I would like to ACTIVATE a new account and line of service today with this device here (hand them device). I will come back in two months and UPGRADE to the EVO."
As you suspected in the very first post, Sprint will let you get a discount on a phone every two years, no matter what. If you don't take it the day you activate, then it's there when you want it. Likewise, if you don't upgrade as soon as your two years are up, let's say you wait four years - you don't get twice the discount.
I don't see how it could be any different at your local store, be it a third party or a corporate store. Just go through the activation process with your phone and then ask the sales rep to go back in to your account and confirm that you are eligible to upgrade TODAY. If not, ask them to contact Sales Support to reset your upgrade eligibility because you did not purchase a discount phone. If they give you a problem, PM me your account info and I'll get it done.
One thing to add...
If you do this, the only difference between doing it this way and waiting, is that you will be UPGRADING when the EVO comes out as opposed to ACTIVATING. Sprint's prices on phones are always the same regardless of the transaction type. However, if you were thinking about purchasing the EVO from a retailer like Best Buy or Radio Shack, they often have phones selling for cheaper if it's an activation or new line of service. Usually their sticker price is for an activation and the upgrade price is a bit higher.
Honestly, if you're purchasing this phone as soon as it releases, I'll bet it's going to be the same price across the board, regardless of retailer or transaction type.