[Prudence]

So, it's time for me to get a "real" cell phone. And I have no idea what I want or need. Or how to figure that out.

I had considered getting a new number here so that when I move south I'll still be a local call for my folks, who will never move away from their landlines. Is this a good idea? A horrible idea? Will I run into problems or additional charges using my phone mostly in LA when it has a Redmond, WA, area code? Does it depend on the plan? And, if so, what should I be on alert for?

I think I for sure want the ability to email through the phone. My mom and I communicate primarily through email during the day, and I suspect that the Air Force will not be as keen as me checking my personal email on their computers as my current employer is. So, I was thinking I might have to rely on the phone for that. Which means I was considering Verizon's "middle" plan with unlimited text/email and maybe a phone like the LG enV2 (because it was on sale some place).

But, do I want internet? Would I use internet? Is internet on the phone super cool -- or really hard to use? I mean, should I hold out for the new iPhone coming out in a week? Or is AT&T's service in LA so abysmal that I should stick with a Verizon plan?

I'm so confused.