Touchscreen + Keyboard Smartphone Suggestions?

Hi! It's my first post on these forums!

I used to have a Pantech Duo (older version of the Pantech Matrix), but it's broken. I really love keyboards (whether it's the strange kind on the Blackberry Pearl or the normal full keyboard), so I'm not too excited to get an iPhone. I don't really need those froo-froo applications, but emailing and text messaging are really important to me. I also think a touchscreen is nice for navigation. Do any of you have suggestions of which of the AT&T phones I should get?

I was considering the LG Xenon, but I heard that it wasn't very good.

Another side question, are the service plans for an iPhone and a Blackberry (or any other smartphone) the same price? I'm trying to be economical because I'm going to be a college student very soon.

Thanks!

Note: My boyfriend has a Sony Ericsson P1i and I looooove it! Are there more phones like this? By the way, I am also browsing tiger.com for unlocked phones, so be creative with your suggestions~

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Phone Scoop

Most in-depth and unbiased reviews you will get.

Every phone out there has its strengths and weaknesses.
PDA/Smartphone wise, I've heard good things about the Nokia E71x smartphone.
I personally use a Samsung Blackjack, and the Blackjack II is a decent phone, but Windows Mobile takes some getting used to.

If you want a touch screen & keyboard, I might recommend the HTC FUZE. A non smartphone with QWERTY keyboard but has a touch screen is the AT&T Quickfire.

If you go full touch screen, like the iPhone, LG INCITE, Samsung Eternity, or something similar, that takes practice to get used to typing without feeling. If you have bigger fingers, or are a fast typer on the QWERTY interface and hit keys very fast, then the touch may not be the way to go.

Narrow down, then review on the sites above.
If I had to choose a QWERTY phone w/ a touch screen, I'd personally take the Fuze.
Smartphone no touch screen - toss up between the Blackjack II and Nokia E71x
Full Touch, Samsung Eternity.

What for that Blackberry "Magnum" or whatever it is supposed to be called to come out. That is if you are not in a rush. From the speculations I've been hearing, it's supposed to have both, just like you (and I) want!

I wouldn't be so fast to write out the iPhone. The keyboard does take a month or two to get used to it, but once you get a hold of it, you can easily type as fast on it as you could a Blackberry. Also, more and more applications can be used in horizontal, "landscape mode," which means you'll have a keyboard that's twice as roomy to use than those on a BB.

Just a thought!

the only problems i've had with the iPhone is getting used to the keyboard. it is on the smaller side, but once you do get used to it, it is quite easy to use.

I have had a pantech matrix and didn't like it. Maybe mine wasn't working correctly when I bought it. I got the LG Xenon and really love it. It is very convenient to have some touchscreen features and a choice of touch keyboard and slide out qwerty keyboard. I have had many phones and this is a favorite.

My family all started with Sony Ericssons and continue to use them except me. They are a great phone and we all liked them very much. My husband and son will never switch. When they upgrade its always a Sony Ericcson

htc phones are great, if you like keyboards, the fuze has been great to me, plus you can install cooked ROMS and all other kinds of tweaks to remove the bloatware

Ee slr tyt

I had the tilt previously, and it was ok, but not great. I just got the tilt 2, and it's a nice improvement. It's a huge screen for browsing.

im having the same problem searching for a phone that has both a touchscreen and a physical keyboard and having a lot of trouble looking for one that maybe be good for me
i have tried the lg xenon and it was okay... but not great
the touch screen sometimes isnt too responsive and the navigation is pretty difficult

let me know if you find a phone that will fit our needs