nokia n97, basically an i-phone but hundreds times better
Sorry, but as much as I "detest" the iPhone (Windows Mobile FTW), you arnt half talking some utter bollox there mate. The iPhone's fast and simple interface pisses all over the N97's cumbersome and slow piece of crap.
Anyone who doubts this, go and compare the two and you will notice within seconds how BAD the N97 interface is.
As for Nokia's being reliable - they are about as reliable as any other major branded phone - Nokia have lost their old reputation for ultra-reliability in recent years, and other manufacturers have significantly caught up, so the reliability factor doesnt really mea much... unless you happen to bee a phone salesman trying to sell a Nokia.
Lol.
Suzy, the best phone is not what anyone can recommend to you to be honest. If you asked me, it would always be the HTC Universal or HTC Athena when it comes to smartphones/business class, or the K800i (old but still great in just about every aspect) when it comes to normal phones. But others will tell you the iPhone is the best phone out. Others will say the N97, others will say the E71 (one of my tech's swears by his).
Set yourself a price range, and see what phones have the features and style/design you like. Then make a shortlist, and have a read around the net, look at YouTube video's etc, see other user opinions and more importantly reviews. Then go into a couple of stores and actually have a play with all the phones you are interested in.
Do some research. Don't just buy a phone because X tell's you its the best, because that doesnt mean its the best for you.
Phones can vary massively, from how many features they have, to how good each feature is, to style, to interface ease-of-use, to speed of running etc... Its hard for someone to suggest a specific model for another person nowadays, because we all want and like different things.
Not many people like my HTC Universal, because of its size for instance... but everyone likes the fact its essentially a pocket laptop. Most people like to keep laptops and phones seperate though. I need it for my business unfortunately for me, so its something that I have little choice over.