I’ve come to one of those biggest purchase decisions of my next two years kind-of-thing; I need a new phone.

My computing history: Apple User since 1985. Typing to you on my blackbook and occasionally update from my 16GB iPod Touch. Don’t go near Winblows, even though I have XP pro on this Macbook for the occasional missing wares (like iphonebrowser, ironically)

My cell phone history: Verizon customer for over a decade with only a 1-year drop when the Razor came out. I switched to Cingular for the GSM only version of the V3 Razor. More irony,  on a trip outside of the country (where they have GSM), instead of turning on international calling Cingular turned off my account altogether. Not only could I not use the phone for a month but since it was off, there were no voicemails when I returned home. I have always used a phone, not a smartphone. I have never paid for a data plan in addition to text messages.

Right now, I am still using the LG VX-8700 which is as fashionably good looking as the day I bought it, years ago.

I have looked at lots of phones. Don’t care to look at any phones, just want a new one because it’s time. This LG is getting old.

I’m a carpenter, not an office guy. My phone has been through piles of sawdust, light rain and been dropped on stone more times than countable. It’s a kick-ass telephone. Go LG. I love their products.

I would love to use an Android device but I am not trailblazing, I need a phone to make calls with all day long. I found straighttalk.com offering the ideal plan for $30/mo but I’d have to go back six years to a Razor (1 of their 3 phones). Still StraightTalk as I read, uses the Verizon CDMA Network – so try and beat that plan.. plus there are no F-ing monthly fees when you buy a prepaid card for $30 plus state tax. (Just visit Montana and buy 12) That’s TWO years for $750.

24 months Regular Phone with Texting and Fees:
StraightTalk – $768 [$30 + tax]
My Verizon plan – $1320 [$40 + $10 + tax]

24 months Data Phone with Texting and Fees:
Tour Price –  $2160 [$40 + $10 + $30]
iPhone – $2760 [$60 + $15 + $30]

It is possible to get the iPhone for only $5 more per month than the same plan on Verizon, but I switched back to Verizon because so many friends and family were IN-calling.

Should I, Stick with Verizon and get great coverage everywhere! or Move to Cingular, up my plan to more minutes to cover my IN-calling bonus?

I am a Mac User. I have few problems with my Apple products. It comes down to AT&T which I don’t have a drop of faith in their coverage and disagree with paying more for the same.

I’m interested in the Blackberry Tour or the iPhone. I’ve ruled out most of the other options like; Pre, G1, Nokia 71 and other touchscreen phones.

I like the physical keyboard. I like Verizon Network and the pricing is less per month for me due to IN-calling.

I filled out the form on Apple.com but haven’t clicked commit yet! what to do… what to do. I’ll update this soon.

_kim