@Ramil - Thank you! Looking at the HTC in particular, looks like a good bet... Watching for the hardlocked question, I'm trying to avoid some local carriers that say that they're not, but really are restricted to certain local/government networks.. SMS was a concern - some sell "text" but not "int'l text" and I'm thinking it's worth paying for the latter.. This is very helpful, thank you!

@Hanna - Does 28 count?? Вероятно нет.. The name was accurate when I first took it. Kid at heart - does that count? =) Honestly I never much liked cell phones.. They have their uses. But who wants to be chained? Same theory with my TV - threw it out 5 years ago. Now I get my news from overexcitable bloggers, like everybody else. =) I don't want to be tethered, but between that and being unable to talk/write to some people.. The phone might be the better of the two evils.

@Scott - Very interesting! It sound like an awesome package for Rus/Eng... I think Blackberry might be a bit rich for my blood, but I could be wrong, too. I'll check into it. Thanks!

You guys saved me a lot of time and headache. Thanks again!