I have an Curve 8350i and use Opera Mini as the browser. It is all I need and enjoy it. The Iphones are nice, but I've heard too many complaints from friends that "hate the coverage". I enjoy the Nextel network, as they has more towers in Michigan than any other competitor. I didn't have a problem in California, nor any other state I've been too. I have mp3's on it and use the headphones from time to time.
Sometimes some get so blinded by "bells and whistles" that they don't realize it's "more sh*t to get broken". Buy a phone for function, the last phone I had was a 3 year old i560 that was Mil-Spec. It was flung about while wheeling, run over a few times on the trail inadvertently, dropped from roofs, thrown by my son about 40ft (I was more impressed that a 5 year old could throw it that far) and many other things. But it always worked, although like most Motorola phones from that time, they had battery issues.
Spikes, what works for us, might not work for you. Folks that slam "any phone" need to seek Professional Help, because if you're that "uptight" over what someone else has, you need to wonder what you're doing with your own life. My guess is not much. Just see what fits your needs, it's as simple as that.