Best smartphone for a freelancer

[TeaAndSlanket]

Recently out of contract on a blackberry and wondering what I should go for next. The main purpose of phone will be to keep on top of emails when working part-time and out and about; and client-calls. The blackberry has been fine for this, but wondering if anything else might be more suitable, as i'll have to lock in for 2 years.

I have an ipad (1) too, but tend just to use it wi-fi at home and don't have a data contract, just a PAYG SIM.

What's worked well for you? I'm pondering an iphone, but might find it a bit annoying for emails..., missing the clicky keys and red light alert.

I have an HTC desire Z with a real keyboard. I'm ancient with sausage-like fingers and can't be doing with touchscreens! ;)

Because it's 100% Google compatible it works well with Google docs etc.

For mobile email, make sure you set up your mailbox with imap rather than POP3. This means that your email will be synced across all devices and not some on your phone, some on your laptop.

This phone is old but I'm sure there's a modern equivalent with kbd.

I do email twice a day when at home and once a day when on site.
I do not use webmail
nor does DH
his phone is always switched off when he is working
have NO intention of getting a smartphone for work.
Angrybirds maybe but not work

have been free range for 14 years

I'm using a Galaxy SII currently, as basically, it was a gift and my BB was on it's last legs. I can't say I'm a touchscreen fan, but it's brilliant compared to OH's iPhone 3 ( don't know about newer models) which feels like a brick compared and clunky almost.
that said, i would have a BB 8520 ( the most basic ) again in a flash, but I work with Social Media a lot and the screen size, quality, camera and multi media stuff on the SII is incomparable.

I've got an S2 too and I hate it. :(

I have a Galaxy S Advance and I love it. It's my first smartphone, though, so I haven't got much to compare it to. I bought it about a month ago on a great deal, without shopping around much.

I'd go for an iPhone but am an apple lover.
If you have an iPad then you can make a personal hotspot via Bluetooth and connect via the iPhone to the Internet. Although, tbh, you may be able to that with other phones, I'm not entirely sure.