Downloading content?

I've had Verizon and I can't wait to jump ship now that my contract is complete.

I'm either going with Cingular (good plans in my area, and great phones) or US Cellular (great plans, not so great phones).

With Verizon, you can't copy content directly to your phone. You have to get everything through their "Get It Now" store.

My buddy has always had Sprint, and he just hooks his phone up to his computer, makes his own ringtones, copies over MP3's, etc.

Does anyone know if you can do this with ATT/Cingular phones?

I'm specifically considering the Red Blackberry Pearl (looks great for texting!)

Does anyone know if I can copy MP3's, ringtones, and maybe even games over to it?

You should be able to load content onto your phone from the pc, with the proper cable and software.
With the blackberry you need to have the blackberry desktop manager. Should come with the phone.