Moving to "The Now Network"

Our cell contract with ATT&T is up in a week and my wife and I have spent the past several months researching and deciding on the best network to switch because we knew we were getting hosed. $130 per month is too much to pay for two phones that share 700 anytime minutes and unlimited texting. My wife also currently has a Samsung BlackJack II, an older generation smart phone and they charge $70 just because of that. No internet or GPS.
After an extensive evaluation of the available networks we decided to go with Sprint because overall, it's the best value. Two smart phones with unlimited access to web browsing, GPS and data, MMS (text, picture and video messaging) and other amenities. Along with that is unlimited mobile-to-mobile and 1500 anytime non-mobile minutes for about $20 less per month with the standard night and weekends free, but nights start at 7PM. And this is before my awesome corporate discount for working where I do.
I'm really looking forward to having a web-enabled phone again so I can read the news, check weather reports, etc as these will be our only internet access at home for a while. But what really excites me is the smart phones we've decided to purchase.
I've opted for the HTC Hero and my wife, the Samsung Moment. Both run on the brand-spanking new Android 2.1 operating system. In a nutshell, it's a system designed for customization by anyone who has the knowledge to program it, and it doesn't sound all that complicated to learn. On top of that it offers the Android App Market, where you can download thousands of free applications that do everything from update your Twitter status to stock forecasts and more. Like the iPhone with a growing number of applications in the library. Essentially, it turns your phone into a versatile extension of your home life. Like a Leatherman multi-tool, only you get to select the tools on it and swap them out as needed.
My wife for example, would probably download a few applications for viewing her Facebook page, playing games, some themed wallpapers and viewing Microsoft Office documents such as spreadsheets, Powerpoint slides, etc. Most of the productivity tools would be used for school assignments.
For myself, on the other hand, there are much more ambitious plans. First will be a some hefty security features to help me recover my lost/stolen phone, an updated web browser, improved GPS via Google Maps, a barcode scanner coupled with an application that searches popular online websites and stores to find you the best price for any desired product. (How cool is that?!) Then you can get the address and turn-by turn directions to the place all with a few simple clicks. Web radio, a possible Picasa app and maybe a game or two. Finally, I'm hoping to get the full standard works scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price) as well as other church material. It may not be an app yet, but I can at least get them as text documents.
Why all the fancy-shmacy gadgets, you ask? First of all is productivity. While going to school full-time it will be imperative that I be able to keep in contact with classmates, look up assignments online while not in class, study effectively and manage time wisely. Most phones now have the capability to accommodate that, but these applications make it much easier to streamline and integrate into my already technology-heavy lifestyle.
Second argument is flexibility. As my school needs and job prospects change I need to have a phone that's as versatile as I am.
Finally, it's just plain cool!
I'm getting the phone next weekend and will post my review as soon as I get a chance.