The two plans are “Even More” and “Even More Plus.”

The first plan “Even More,” is based on a 24 month contract like your last cell phone plan, with generous phone discounts.  This plan comes in 500, 1000 and unlimited minutes ranging from $59.99 to $79.99 with the option to add additional “unlimited” services like texting and web access.  The phone discounts, like your previous plan, are on par with the Early Termination Fee which binds you to the contract for 2 years (typically $200). Graciously, T-Mobile has extended the ability to finance the new phone over 4 consecutive payments..

The “Even More Plus” plan on the other hand is where T-Mobile breaks from the US standard and offers a cell phone plan sans contract.  Here, you’re paying the full price of the phone (which might sound intimidating at first) to have a cell plan without contract.  The plan its self is $10/mo less than the “Even More” plan and the packages look identical.  Now, here comes the fun part, T-Mobile offers the ability to finance the phone over the course of 20 months for the users on the “Even More Plus” plan.

While I could go on more about the plans, information is all over the web and I got the basics out.  So for one reason or another, you’re probably eying one or the other because it fits your needs, but I’ll tell you right now you’re first instincts are the right ones.

With some accounting and marketing flare, T-Mobile has been able to package two plans which offer long term costs so close we’d probably write the difference off.  If you’re looking to live without a contract the “Plus” plan is for you, however if you’re looking for a “cheaper” phone and don’t mind being bound to a carrier for 24 Months the “Even More” plan is for you.

How does this work? Remember that $10/mo extra for the non-“Plus” plans? Well, 24x$10 is $240 making up for the difference in the phones “retail” and “discounted” price.

I chose the Even More Plus plan, not because I ever plan on leaving T-Mobile, but because I’d rather pay off a phone over 20 months then fork up the money over 4 months.

I’ve been a loyal customer of T-Mobile for 5 years and endorse them entirely.  They don’t endorse my blog, or any of my sites, as they clearly illustrated in rejecting my application on CJ.com.  This article was an attempt to explain the similarities between the two plans, not to sell their service.

I should post a disclaimer: I’m coming from a recent wipe, after playing around with a ROM based on Blur.

ConnectBot:

Portable SSH client that just works. SSH, mobile phone, sold.  I even use it while sitting at my desk, so I can focus on other things on my computer.

AndFTP:

An FTP Client for your Android phone, and it wins.  I use AndFTP to upload pictures/Screenshots to my server, while I’ve also used it to back up a site while on the road.  While 3G is fast, it’s nowhere near optimal for any reasonably sized file.. however, when needed it’s the best FTP Client I’ve found on the Android Market.

Another use, which has been great, is using it to connect to my home server.  I’ve used it to change the music on my phone while on the road, I’ve even used it to back up and restore files on my phone and SD card while 2000 miles away.

Google Voice:

If you have a GV account, this app is a necessity. I have GV set up as voice mail for ALL my phones, meaning no matter what line I’m called on I get visual voicemail (and MP3 Voicemails).  Aside from the highpoint of Visual Voicemail, it adds a lot of great features on the handset like cheap international calling.

WPtoGO:

WordPress to go. Self explanatory.  However, the newest version (I think released in September) seems to run a LOT better and have a few more features.  For someone who uses WordPress for every project, WPtoGO is a life saver on the road.

TWIDroid:

In my opinion this is the best Twitter client for Android.   Although I’m not greatly active on Twitter, I definitely use it to keep up with the times.  Twidroid is not only simple to use, but it seems to have all the functions of desktop twitter clients.  DEFINATELY worth checking out.

Photoshop Mobile:

Umm.. I’m kind of mixed on this application, but first let me explain its benefits and I’ll write a review for it later tonight.  Often camera’s on phones can distort a picture and there’s no way to correct the picture until you get to your computer.  While Mobile Photoshop might be limited, I’ve used it on a couple of pictures and it’s really made the difference.  From overexposed weird angle to a relatively clear shot with the angle corrected in minutes.   I’ve read a couple complaints about how limited the application is, however it’s perfect for the quick fix before uploading to your favorite social network site (or blog).