Prepaid clamshell cell phone with excellent call quality
Pros: Available with no contract, Outstanding call quality, Voice dialing, Web browser
Cons: No microSD memory slot, No flash for camera, External, internal screens only so-so, Three hours of talk time
*Est. $130 with no contract
The best BlackBerry for Alltel and MetroPCS
Pros: Superb full QWERTY keypad, Excellent push email and data syncing, Expandable memory, Newer models have Wi-Fi connectivity, Good call quality
Cons: Doesn't render HTML email, Sluggish web browser, Some versions don't have Wi-Fi or GPS, Uses poky EDGE network (not high-speed 3G)
from Free with new contract
Entry-level candy-bar phone with voice recorder
Pros: No carrier contract, Built-in flashlight, Keys are well-spaced, Has voice dialer, WAP browser, Good reception
Cons: Voices sound distorted, No camera, no music player, Has just 8 MB memory, Lacks email and IM support, No Bluetooth
*Est. $80
Solid prepaid messaging phone
Pros: Sturdy design, Easy to use, Responsive QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth and push-to-talk features
Cons: Short-lived battery, No self-portrait mirror or flash for camera, Unremarkable call quality, Minimal customization
*Est. $180, no contract
Touch screen and deft media playback make Finesse one of MetroPCS's best
Pros: Responsive 3.2-inch touch screen, Good call quality, Impressive web browsing and media playback, Bundled with three "Mission: Impossible" movies, Cheap monthly plan
Cons: No Wi-Fi, Limited high-speed network coverage, No AAC (iTunes) file support, No accelerometer, High up-front cost
*Est. $350, no contract
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