Would have probably gotten an I phone also but have had Verizon as my carrier for over 19 years now.
Looking at Consumer Reports reviews, it seems that Verizon is rated best in every major market that they serve with the exception of 3 that have altell something I don't have in my area anyway.

For a bit the rage was Nextel and though the walkie talkie feature was great, many of the business people that I knew said that it became more of an annoyance after a bit with the poor reception.
I'm sure there will be new toys coming out regularly