In the market for a T-Mobile phone?

　　In the market for a T-Mobile phone? Here are the models we think should be at the top of your list. We’ll be updating our selections as we review new models, so sign up for our Mobile Weekly newsletter, and we’ll let you know when the updated list appears.
T-Mobile Debuts Cheap Android Phones and Cheaper Data Plans
If you’re on a budget but still want to give a loved one the gift of Android this holiday season, T-Mobile has you covered.


　　The wireless provider is offering a variety of Android-powered smartphones priced at less than $100, plus some new data and tethering plans that promise not to break the bank.
The phones aren’t going to be as advanced as the T-Mobile G2 or the Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant, but the devices look perfect for a pre-teen, teen or someone who wants a smartphone but doesn’t need tons of power.
Starting November 3, T-Mobile will be offering the following devices for less than $100 with a qualifying rate plan and a two-year agreement:
* T-Mobile Comet – Compact phone with 528 MHz processor, 2.8-inch touch screen and 3.2-megapixel camera. This is also available for pre-paid customers for less than $200 and is T-Mobile’s least expensive 3G Android phone.
* LG Optimus T – 3.2-inch touch screen, 600 MHz processor and 3.2-megapixel camera.
* Motorola DEFY – Scratch and water resistant, 3.7-inch touch screen, 5-megapixel camera with video.
* Motorola CHARM – Features a QWERTY keyboard, 2.8-inch touch screen and a 3-megapixel camera.


　　T-Mobile on the List of Companies Expected to Die in 2011
admit, in the last 18 months I’ve grown fonder and fonder of T-Mobile. They are not my service provider — never have been — so my experience with them is based only on the image they project, but I’ve been intrigued by the idea of the Android platform since I first read about it, and let’s face it — T-Mobile has done a lot for Android. They released the first 2 Android devices to market, they are the primary host for Google’s own Nexus One, and they still have the largest selection of Android phones to choose from.


　　In light of all that, I’m a little to hear that T-Mobile just isn’t expected to survive the next calendar year. According to Yahoo! Finance, The U.S. cell phone market just isn’t big enough to support 4 or 5 cell phone carriers. They make the statement that the only reason Sprint is able to stay in the game is that they are moving faster on 4G than anyone else — and let’s face it, they’ve made huge strides toward improving the customer experience in the last year. But they don’t expect that T-Mobile, in the #4 position, will survive much longer.
I sorta hope they’re wrong. In the mobile market, more than any other market I can think of, choice is a good thing. Each carrier has its strengths and weaknesses, and you never know what’s gonna have the best reception in YOUR neighborhood, so a variety of providers is ideal. But I’ve heard that T-Mobile’s customer service has been on the decline, and that’s not a good sign for any company — especially in a field where there is lots of competition.