What are some helpful tips and online resources for getting a new smartphone?

Wow it’s a headache trying to find any information. I can’t tell you what’s best/cheapest, but here’s what I found—

iPhone on AT&T, I found three data plans listed, and a plans for your area? And here’s Verizon’s page. Not much detail, but at least some place to start?

Also, as another option, because maybe you’ll find what you want—I have a Windows Phone, personally, dunno if it’s what you’re looking for, but I think it’s quite nice, and they’re available with more providers and styles.

Hope that helps a bit.

You really don’t need unlimited data, IMO. Unless you’ll be listening to tons of music from Pandora or Spotify and streaming lots of video off of your phone every day, I doubt you’ll even use 2GB a month. I use my phone pretty heavily every day for RSS feeds, Gmail, and some light web browsing and I’ve never gotten close to the 2GB my plan allots. 1.25 GB is the most I’ve used in one month, and that was traveling and not being able to get to my main computer.

Go to Amazon and read the reviews.

Ideally you should maybe look up a “list” of the best android phones, blackberries, and iPhones…. get an idea of which one would best suit your needs… then go read reviews on Amazon. They’re very helpful.

Note that there are wars about iOS vs. Android that you might not want to get involved in. If you’ve seen the iPhone and you want to buy it, go right ahead. I’m a big Android fan because it does more, but I know a few people who prefer iOS for its simplicity and polish.

Anyway, you might want to check out Craigslist or ebay for a used iPhone 4. That way, you can get in without a contract. Just make sure you buy from someone with good seller ratings. And make sure you are not buying one with a “bad ESN” or cracked/scratched screen.

Personally, I would avoid the iPhones. Androids, so long as you get a good model, are better. :D