This response was really not quite what I was looking for in a reply. If I was not cost conscience then I would not have posted. If I was cheap then I would not be looking for a Smart Phone. My goal is with research to get a decent Smart Phone at a reasonably above average price. Yes, with research I expect to get an above average deal, though I am not looking for a miracle. I am not ignorant of the fact that you can not get something for nothing.

With that explained, I don't necessary want top of line. I am certain that I can do without a Nexus for a couple of years. The show-stoppers are GPS, internet, and size of the phone. Coverage is not of concern because I do not currently travel.

Looking at AT&T’s website and contrasting plans feature for feature with MetroPCS, it appears that AT&T is twice as expensive. If I am getting twice the features then naturally I would expect to pay twice the amount. However, because there has been so much negative marketing against MetroPCS, not many would stop to consider a true comparison.

Yesterday while I was at a store, I stopped by there electronics department that markets AT&T, Verizon, and Teen Mobile. While I was there I became less pessimistic once I learned that there are noticeable differences between the top three cell phone carriers. AT&T appears to be the most expensive of the three. Teen Mobile had plans that are more reasonably by being at a price midway between AT&T and MetroPCS without all of the confusion add on fees of AT&T.

Once I receive answers to my original post, I will then be able to make a final decision. Buyers’ regret will not be a problem.