Another "Recommend Me A Phone" Thread

[qwasqaws]

So, I'm going travelling soon and it's a good opportunity to buy an android phone for internet access, among other things.
I'd much prefer a physical keyboard but from what I've seen they seem to be aimed at specific groups of people, like excessive texters or business men, and I don't know if that will make a difference. I can live with only touch screen, but it would have to be relatively tough for the rigours of travel.
I'm also a programmer and prefer function over form, if that makes any difference.

I don't have a huge amount of time to research it and, since I know diddly squat about smart phones, I'm having a hard time working out what's important.

Any suggestions?

 

[Braddy1]

I would try a HTC Desire Z, this has all the great features of android phones, but with a pop-out keyboard

 

[qwasqaws]

That looks good, but I am somewhat concerned about that hinge. A lot of people seem to complaining about it being loose. Might not a big deal except for that exposed cable. Hmm...

 

[cds0699]

What country are you from? which carrier?

 

[Ngo93]

mytouch 4g slide

 

[qwasqaws]

UK and I intend to buy SIM free. I don't use a phone enough to warrant a contract and I'll be using a travelling SIM.
Orange in the UK, GoSIM elsewhere, if it matters.

Edit: Speaking of which, do I lose anything by not being on a contract? Like carrier services or something?

Thanks for the suggestions; I think I'm settled on a Desire Z. Before I do so, I'd like to make sure I'm not doing anything stupid.

Is there any reason not to buy it SIM free?
Is there any reason not to install CyanogenMod?

 

[takeshi]

I don't have a huge amount of time to research it and, since I know diddly squat about smart phones, I'm having a hard time working out what's important.

Any suggestions?

Important is highly subjective. What features? Budget? Carrier? Frequencies? Size? Weight? Screen? Form factor? What matters most to you? What doesn't matter?

Edit: Speaking of which, do I lose anything by not being on a contract? Like carrier services or something?

In the US, contracts are typically exchanged for a subsidy on the device. I can't speak for how things work across the pond though.