Seeking small-and-light w/ Qwerty, Android, Samsung, T-Mobile: options?

[hydrostarr]

I'm seeking a small-and-light T-Mobile Samsung phone with QWERTY and Android OS. (Samsung only because they--Samsung--seem to have a revamped/unique/simplified Android GUI/config which I greatly prefer over "stock" Android install... pls correct me if others have a similar, Samsung-ized interface to Android.)

Options that seem to work:

• Samsung Gravity SMART (currently possess, but returnable)
• Samsung I5510
• Samsung/T-Mobile Sidekick 4G (PROBLEM: TOO BIG and HEAVY??)

Biggest Question: what other phone options do I have?
Followup Question: what if any specific feedback can this community provide regarding the Samsung I5510? (seeking comments particularly from I5510 owners.)


As noted, I currently own/possess the Gravity SMART, but just bought yesterday, so it's well within 30-day return range. Leaning towards I5510: it's same size as Gravity if not smaller (according to online specs below), MUCH lighter, has assisted GPS, and far better battery (again, all according to specs below). However, I5510 doesn't have hotspot, while Gravity does. (Alas... I employ a dedicated Verizon Mifi gizmo for a hotspot... and in testing I've done, Verizon's LTE device/service appears to blow away Sprint/Clear and T-Mobile... like not even close. And with my Verizon hotspot, can get all the data feed I want via wifi on my T-Mobile phone... and then employ the Monthly4G T-Mobile plans, saving a lot of $$.)

Unforatunately, the Samsung Sidekick 4G just appears way to big and heavy... and is at least $100 more, and I'm already at my limit of comfortably paying for something. More inclined to "wait" for 4G phone prices to drop/etc.

References, as promised.

http://geekaphone.com/compare/Samsun...eyboard-keypad
http://geekaphone.com/compare/T-Mobi...-Samsung-I5510
http://geekaphone.com/phones/Samsung-I5510-specs

Thx for any help!

[hydrostarr]

To note: I'm happy to purchase an older/user/aftermarket/prev-generation phone so long as it meets the aforementioned needs. Have zero problems buying from reasonable seller of such phones on ebay or craigslist, etc. Also needs to have wifi-data-AND-talk capability.

[Drillbit]

Personally I would go with the Sidekick 4G. But if you don't like it, go which one has the hotspot.

[Drillbit]

If you like used (pre-loved), why not try the MyTouch 3G Slide? If you want something that is worth an expensive price, it should be its successor, the MyTouch 4G Slide.

Another alternative would be the Motorola Cliq 2.

[hydrostarr]

Thx for feedback, helpful. Notes:

• Sidekick 4G is too big. (Saw it in the store since my first post... it's HUGE. Won't work.)
• Already have a Verizon hotspot, that's covered. It's much faster than T-Mobile's hotspot, in tests anyway. Therefore hotspot feature is of no (or little) concern.
• Need Samsung-ized Android... don't see any Samsung options above.

New Question: might HTC also offer a "special"/"nice usability" flavor of Android? (Isn't the MyTouch an HTC gizmo?)

Also, new news: the Samsung Gravity SMART keypad won't work. No arrow keys. The i5510 has proper arrow keys according to pics from geekaphone.com. So almost certainly move off the Gravity SMART.