If you've ever though about an unlocked phone you should have a look at
www.myworldphone.com. I've bought 3 there and have no complaints.
It's true unlocked phones can cost more, but look at it this way. Let's say you wanted an iPhone. When you signup with one of the big telecom guys, they also want you to get what's called a dataplan. That can add another $30 or more onto your exisitng cell phone bill. So if the telecom guy wants to sell you a cool iphone or n95 for say $200, it sounds better than paying $400 - 500 for the unlocked one? Maybe, but let's look at this closer.
That extra $30 multiplied by 12 is $360. That's one year.
In 2 years, you've paid $720.
Since wifi is available all over easily, it shouldn't be hard to find a connection most times. And that means you might not need that expensive data plan.
In a year and a half you could save enough on that data plan to pick up a date plan, or in 2 years an iPhone.
Something to think about...