I mainly use my smart phone to check email (done through the Google mobile mail app, not a BB email server). Google maps (but now that I have a GPS for my car I use it less), Facebook, Twitter and hockey stuff. LoT is not easily viewable on the screen of the Pearl, and that's fine since I try to "unplug" when I am out.

I can't type on a regular phone keyboard anymore because I'm so used to the QWERTY.

Ask yourself if the increased cost of having the iPhone is worth it basically just to be trendy. If you want a smart phone, there are a lot of choices out there, not just the iPhone, Pre and BB.

Just got home with a Pre.

When you leave, will you have a post?

No.

Are Pre plans (Sprint, right?) any less expensive than iPhone (AT&T) plans? Locked in for less time (under 2 years?).

I don't like the Pre as much, but it's the huge increase in my monthly and being locked into that for a long time that have me hesitating.

No idea. I don't shop and have no interest in the iPhone. I do'nt even know the details of what I'm paying for the new stuff on Sprint. I walked in said "you're holding phones for me" and then paid the amount they said. Yes, I'm sure that means I paid too much, but since it meant I spent less than 30 minutes in the store (most waiting for someone to help me) it is worth it to me.

GD has some pricing stuff up above in this thread but I didn't read the details to know if it has what you're asking for.

The cheapest Pre plan is $10 per month < the cheapest iPhone plan (and includes unlimited text where the iPhone plan does not). It is still a 2 year contract.

Posting from new phone. Expect I'll like it - and learn to type sideways.

Type sideways? Browser in landscape mode? Is that an option or is it always in landscape?

Here are some good comparison links:

Total cost and feature chart from zdnet (including the below chart from billshrink.com).



A cnet review from March that includes some more info on the data plans.