A few more people touched the unicorn...
I have seen the unicorn, er, Nexus, a couple of hours ago at Radio Shack in Seneca, SC.
On the way to pick up some food, I stopped at the VZW company store, and spoke to one of the reps at the desk by the door. I asked if they had a demo unit, the guy said they didn't have anything but should soon, etc. I told him I was definitely interested in the Nexus and would be looking to get it ASAP after launch, and I'd like to keep my business local rather than at the store near where I work 50 miles away. He took my name and number, and I said I'd check back early next week.
Between the Verizon store and Chick Fil-A is a small Radio Shack. What the hell, I figured. I walked in, a guy asked if he could help with anything, and I again said I was looking into the Nexus and wondered if he had anything I could see, even a display dummy. When he said the only place he knew of that might have them other than VZW would be Best Buy, I mentioned sightings in other Radio Shacks. He excused himself to check with his manager, and I continued chatting with the other guy at the counter. When I described the experience of one member who bought it and got called back, he sheepishly admitted that they had had similar situations in the past.
After a minute or two talking with Rep #2, going over my reasons for not wanting the Razr and his confusion at the low-profile Rezound launch, Rep #1 came back around the corner. He said (paraphrasing here) "We don't have any demo units or anything I can sell yet. All I can show you is the actual phone. It might be available for sale Monday, but more likely Tuesday. You wanna take a look?"
Of course I took a look. I pulled it out of the box, turned it over in my hands, laid the battery on top to feel the total weight, all that good stuff. I took the guy's card, and I'll be calling Monday to check up. I don't expect it to really be available until Thursday, but if it comes sooner so much the better. I've already got the TPU case ready...