[quote name='Kissfuldreamer']Do any of you have any experience with the Droid? I'm really considering switching to Verizon just for that phone because I like it so much. I can get an upgrade with Sprint right now if I want, but there's honestly nothing that appeals to me. Their new HTC Evo that's coming out seems alright but I hate an all touchscreen phone, I need my QWERTY keyboard =) The only thing stopping me from switching right now is the fact that I don't pay ANYTHING for my current phone plan, and if I switch to verizon, my plan would run around $100..[/QUOTE]
The Moto Droid is alright -- it's what chika has right now and she's liking it a lot. Base plan runs about $80, I think, for 450 minutes, unlimited data, no texts. With a google voice number, you could do SMS for free, if you properly configure your phone and deal with getting your contacts to use the correct number.
Your requirement for a physical keyboard is strange to me, but the Moto Droid might be your best bet. I'm actually so interested in the HTC EVO that I'm considering changing to Sprint. But I'm not sure how strong their network is in this area at the moment.

I also was considering the HTC Incredible on Verizon, as it's a vastly superior piece of HW compared to the Moto Droid, but also moot for your purpose, since your require a physical qwerty keyboard.