Apps Help with first Dev phone

[hoodtrix]

Ok so im only a few weeks away from starting on my first app. So i figure nows a good time to get a phone i can test on. I have at&t and thought about getting the back flip but i hear theres no root for it so it wont work with googles online app maker because at&t blocked sideloading. So im force to get an international unlocked phone but I have no idea how to do that. is there A site i can just order one from or what. Yes I plan on getting the epic when it comes out but i figure i should have a low end android (ill ise that one for now on at&t) and one high end to fully test out apps. Any suggestions?