It's been a little while and the mailbag is overflowing!  Let's get right to it:

John asks:

Hey Noah, I am thinking of getting a new phone on the Verizon network. Currently I have a Samsung Alias. I want to get a phone that has stellar messaging capabilities, like good email support for mutliple accounts, twitter, IM (AIM), and facebook with good web browsing, also. I am thinking of getting a Blackberry Curve, what else do you suggest? Thanks for the great reviews and vids. -John PS: Some of the applications are 3rd party apps for Blackberry.

Noah answers:

Thanks for watching and reading - glad you like the reviews!

As you probably know, Verizon is getting ready to launch the BlackBerry Storm, which could offer you everything you're looking for.  Early reviews on the touchscreen response are mixed; I haven't yet had the chance to play with one.  As soon as I do, I'll report on it, you can be sure of that.

There are also reports that VZW is getting ready to launch the Samsung Omnia and HTC Touch Pro, both of which are Windows Mobile devices that should meet your technical requirements.  Samsung is also readying a new WinMo smartphone for Verizon, as well.  As always, you have to try these phones out for yourself as they each have very different "feels" once you get them in hand.

You could also check out the LG Voyager and Dare, though they might not offer the level of Email/Web support you're looking for.

I'd say wait another month or so if you can before making a purchase.  We should see several new models in time for the holiday shopping season.

Thanks for the email!

Cheers,
Noah

Sarah Asks:

Noah, do you personally like the LG dare or Voyager Titanium better? I am having trouble deciding. Thank you.

Noah Answers:

Hi Sarah

I personally like the Dare better.  Why?

1.  Built-in headphone jack.  I listen to a lot of music.

2.  Better camera.

3.  Smaller.

Hope that helps. Try before you buy, is my strongest piece of advice.

Thanks for the email!

Cheers,
Noah

Min Asks:

My Verizon contract is FINALLY coming to an end this November. I really want to move to a new company or atleast a new phone depending on what I see. I was really interested in Helio because of their 500minutes/unlimited everything for $65 but now I hear they got bought out and might not be around. I mainly txt and web browse but I had to get a loner (Razr V3m) after losing my W580i. So my ultimate question is what is the best txting/web browsing phone out there and who has the most affordable price? Thanks!

Noah Answers:
Hi Min,

It's really difficult to pick one "best txting/web browsing phone."  I would first do some research to see which carriers have the best service in your area.  For instance, two of the four major carriers don't work very well in my living room (seriously).  A great phone at a great price is useless if the service doesn't work where you live, right?

That being said, you should check out the following devices.  I personally think that T-Mobile offers great value with their plans, but it all depends on your needs.  Anyway, I'll limit it to devices with keyboards since you specifically said texting:

Sprint:  LG Lotus, Samsung Rant, HTC Touch Pro
Verizon: LG Voyager, HTC Touch Pro (Coming soon), BlackBerry Storm (Coming soon)
AT&T: UTStarcom Quickfire (Coming Soon), Apple iPhone 3G, HTC Touch Pro (Coming Soon)
T-Mobile: HTC G1, HTC Shadow, BlackBerry Curve/Pearl/Flip

Hope that helps.  We may see some other new phones released before the holidays, as well.

Thanks for the email!

Cheers,
Noah

Brandon Asks:

Hey Noah! I just got an iPhone on ebay for $300!! I just have to unlock it, can you tell me what you did to unlock it to T-mobile? Also I know how to mms if you would like me to tell you.

Noah Answers:

Brandon,

I used PwnageTool to unlock my iPhone for use on T-Mobile.  Just Google PwnageTool and you'll find it - it's a free download.  NOTE, though, that I've only used it on the first-gen iPhone.  I don't know if it works with iPhone 3G - I actually don't it does yet for full unlocking.

And thanks for the offer, but I've tried MMS'ing on iPhone and I gave up.  I can't believe Apple still won't support MMS.  So silly.

Thanks for the email!

Cheers,
Noah