Ask 10 people about phones and providers and you'll likely get 10 answers...
But in general you've got 6 carriers to choose from the in the U.S. and each has their pro's and con's...
Sprint -- Lots of cool phones, but the coverage and customer service is very week.
Nextel -- If you need push to talk, this is the way to go. Otherwise it's overpriced and has a very weak selection of phones and data features.
AT&T -- Playing catchup, finally put themselves up for sale. I wouldn't touch 'em til the whole Cingular buy out is soup.
Cingular -- Also a bit behind on GSM and data features, they like to nickel and dime on features, but are a good stable middle of the road choice.
Verizon -- Overall market leader by a long shot prior to AT&T and Cingular being combined. If you need the absolute best coverage, you cant go wrong here. Also pricey though.
T-mobile -- Typically neck and neck with Verizon for J.D. Power ratings and such on customer service. Cool phones, a true GSM network, and a bargain. Downside is the coverage in rural areas can be weak if you get a long ways from big city. T-mobile is owned by Deusche Telecom, so their "world phones" have pretty good coverage worldwide.
As for phones, depends on what you wanna do. If you want an all in one unit you can surf, do email with, etc, look at the Sidekick like GonZo totes or the Treo 600.
If you dont want something bulky enough to have a full keyboard and big screen, but still want data, camera phone, MMS, etc....look at the Samsung E715, Nokia 3365, Motorola 722, V300, V400. or maybe Sony T610.
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