Thanks to all you kind FTers who posted suggestions. Yesterday I went to a T-Mobile storefront and handled all the phones I was considering, thinking of the advice given above. Today, back on the net researching some more, I went to the t-mobile.com website and on the homepage was a big new ad for "web only" free Motorola V300 camera phone with any $39.99 plan. Clicking in on this ad produced the exact national coverage plan I wanted with 600 anytime minutes, free nites & weekends.

I had researched the V300 on phonescoop.com and it has mixed reviews. It seems people either love it intensely (if they get a problem-free one) or loathe it (those who have problems, of course). I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and ordered it on T-Mobile's toll-free line (could order on website or by phone). It will be delivered (free, 2-day Fedex) and they will port over my old AT&T phone number. I get the standard 14-day "free trial" and hope any major flaws in the phone will reveal themselves in that period. This model has been out for a while and I'm hoping QC issues are resolved by now.

This new item will cause intense phone envy from my teen daughter, oh well! Thanks very much to all who responded. I did learn from several of you that it's smart to order directly from your service provider. Thank you again for the input.