Need a new phone...recommendations?

[BookstoreEscapee]

I had an EnV3 (not touch screen). I liked it but it is dying and my dad just changed his service (my phone is on his plan), so I got a new phone. I've had it approximately 24 hours and I. hate. it. I still have a couple weeks to return it and I am going to get my own plan, probably with Verizon (possibly AT&T, I get a discount through my work with both of them). So I was looking at the LG Extravert, which looks kinda similar to what I had, but with a touchscreen and slide-out keyboard, but the phone at the kiosk is of course not live so I can't actually see what the display is like or if some of the features are what I want. The girl also showed me the Samsung Intensity; the full keyboard is a little better, I think (the keys on the Extravert are sorta tilted) but I don't know if I like it. Also has worse overall rating by customer reviews (don't know how much I should trust them but it had 2.5 stars vs. Extravert's 3.5...).

Anyway, anyone have any suggestions? I would get the EnV again if it was an option. I'm not looking for a fancy smart phone, but I need something good for texting, easy to navigate/change settings/etc, and good sound on calls. I'm not a techie person and don't want an expensive data plan for lots of extras I won't use.

**The new phone I got is a Nokia C3; it looks sorta like a Blackberry. The keys are way too small and close together; I don't have big fingers but typing a text is a royal pain in the ass. It also only has one alarm clock (on my old phone I can set several and always had at least 3 or 4 set - one for weekdays, one for weekends, the others I would change as needed). There is also no external volume control for the ringer; I can put it on silent but can't change the volume without 14 button presses to get to the settings, and I still haven't figured out how to set it just to vibrate.

[Slayer]

I don't know much about those (is having an affair with her iPhone), but check YouTube. There's usually review videos and some should show the features of the phone and things like that.

I always do that with apps (normally paid ones) for the iPhone when I want to see if it's worth it or if there's something I haven't figured out yet.

I'm on my phone now or else I'd watch some vids to let you know if there are any good ones. Sorry!

[RecoveringKinkoid]

A bunch of us have Droids and love them.
Also several people I know are very unhappy with AT&T's service.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Probably going with Verizon. I think my discount is better with them. Going to go to the actual store tonight (went to the kiosk in the mall last night). I don't know if the store will have a more "live" phone that I can actually see the screens and stuff or not, but maybe they can give me some more info and options. My old phone was Verizon, and aside from bad call reception at my parents' house (though no problems with texting) I had no issues.

[Andara Bledin]

I have an HTC (with keyboard) and until it fritzed out, so did the boyfriend. He now has an HTC (without keyboard) and we've both been very happy with them. The screens are bright and responsive. We originally paid tax on $200 (which was returned quickly via rebate) with a 2-year contract with T-Mobile, who we've had for about 6 years, now. We chose them due to a) they didn't require a massive downpayment and b) their in-city coverage was more complete than the others at the time.

Nobody I personally know is happy with AT&T's service, no matter what that service is.

Once we got used to swype, we never went near the keyboards again, and they do add a lot of weight and bulk to the phones.

^-.-^

[Food Lady]

I have a Samsung Intensity. I've had it for 1 1/2 years. It works for texting, but internet is all mobile sites. I really want a tablet that makes phonecalls.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Got a Samsung Brightside. I played with it in the store and I think it'll work fine for what I need. It was just delivered today and I just picked it up from my parents' house (my mom hung out here to get it since I was at work, then took it home and my dad activated it for me). I just have to take it and my old phone to the store and get my contacts transferred over, and get them to check and see if my employee discount was actually applied or not. I might just wait until Friday since I'm off work.