I have an iphone and I love it. The texting is simple once you get the hang of it. I used to have a cingular 3125 and a Sony Ericsson w810i. Out of those two I preferred my w810i. It was easier to use and small. I suggest you check out letstalk.com. They have better deals than the At&t store...
Buy it from letstalk.com You'll get it for free with a two year contract. Just enter your zip code on the following link: http://www.letstalk.com/product/noZipPage.htm?prId=31786_31588&tfdPrId=&tNav=1&buyType=10