Expert: DebiN - 3/30/2010

Question
I currently have a basic Samsung flip phone through Us Cellular.  I have always had a basic, non-messaging phone.  I would like to move up in the world and get a messaging phone.  But, I am also interested in smartphones.  I would like to stick with a provider that has the best coverage. I am not sure that a smartphone is for me yet, though, because I am specifically interested in only certain few applications and I feel that I may not use the phone to its full potential.  I guess I would just like to know; what are the best smartphones with the best coverage?  Also, if I would only use the phone for a few certain apps would it even be worth it to get a smartphone?  Would it be more worth my while to just get something like an ipod touch for apps and a basic messaging cell phone?  Sorry for all of the questions!  I'm just so confused by all the reviews out there and I'm not sure what would be best for me.

Answer
If you are thinking of getting a iTouch, I would suggest instead that you switch to AT&T and get an iPhone. There are so many applications that you may not even realize you could use - everything from the GPS to find places and directions to an app for the bus schedule or how much to tip at a restaurant to the camera to accessing your email or the internet when you are out and about, etc. Coverage is based first on the carrier and then the phone. If you have to stick with US Cellular, then I might suggest getting a BlackBerry or perhaps the HTC TouchPro2. You will have a lot more choices and coverage if you go to Verizon, Sprint or AT&T. Pricewise, Sprint is the lower cost of the three, but based upon where you live, you would have to look into it. Remember that if you are sticking with US Cellular, you will have to get a SmartPhone from them and there are choices, but not a ton of different ones. Keep in mind also that you will have to pay for a data plan with a SmartPhone and that will cost you $24.95 more a month with US Cellular. I hope this helps and let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks. DebiN