Any Cell Phone Opinions Out There?

Hubby and I have had a cell phone since the triplets were born and in the hospital for months. It was a "necessity" since we were on the road all of the time. It was one of those HUGE bag phones that stayed in the car all of the time.

Throughout the past 17 years, we've had many different cell phones....each becoming smaller, and each having more and more features than the last one.

Some phones have been really good, but some have been REALLY bad! I had one cell phone that I couldn't hear anything on. I swear, I thought I was going deaf. Then one day, dear hubby had to use the phone and he couldn't hear either, so we immediately went to get a new phone.

We've dropped them, driven over them, and I've even had one stolen right out of my car (that was the best cell phone I've ever had, too! **sniff** ), and we've even just plain ol' worn them out.

That's where we are now.

We've finally had our respective phones long enough that we are finally "contract free" for the first time ever, I think. So, we think it is time for a change.

We've never had any sort of "fancy" phones. Normally, we just call on them, and occasionally take a picture or two. We don't "text", or surf the Internet, or download music.

We just talk on them.

Boring, right?

However, here is where we would like to make a change. We are thinking of venturing out into the "Mobile Internet" world, and we may even send a text or two. After seeing so many updates on Facebook and Twitter from Blackberry's and iPhones, basically....

I AM JEALOUS!

This, my dear bloggie buddies, is where I need your advice.

Our provider is T-Mobile, and we would like to stick with them if at all possible (even though that leaves an iPhone out of the picture). We've been with them since they have existed and have never had a problem with them (other than the areas of bad coverage in some places.)

We want to be able to have Internet access, send updates to Facebook and Twitter, send text messages, and of course, CALL people. Even with all of the upgrades, we must be able to have just a plain ol' cell phone. I have to be able to call my mom and my daughter....texting just isn't an option...lol!

What kind of phone and what type of plan do you recommend?

and

Are there any phones that you DON'T recommend?

and

How expensive are the plans?

I need phones for me and hubby, and would like to be able to have one for Chelsea eventually.

I just know all of y'all can help this gal out. Thanking you in advance!