The CDMA Hero is now available to everyone, after first dibs went to Best Buy's Reward Zone (and those willing to deal with Sprint's telesales). Arguably the best U.S Android phone, it's $180 (after rebate; with 2-year contract).
Sprint will also make you grab a data package: either the Everything plan with data (which now has free calls to any mobile number), or the Business Advantage message and data plan. Off contract, the HTC Hero $480.
*$13 for 48 AA, $12 for 48 AAA, $8 for 20 AAA, $8 for four 9V batteries
It may not be as polished as the iPhone or Pre, but the Hero's HTC Touch UI supports beautiful multiple desktops, social networking, and variety of Android enhancements. See our full review: Sprint Hero: Faster, Stronger, Uglier. [Sprint]
DISCUSSION
so since this is a CDMA phone, how does one go about getting one for use on the verizon network? Is there a way to unlock them? Or if you find an unlocked version, will that work? Or since it's labeled sprint, are you screwed? Firmware replacement? Straight from HTC?