I checked the LG phone but I cannot use it as its CDMA. The reason I went with the O2 was its quad band GSM plus 802.11 compatability means I will be able to save some cash on GPRS costs.

And yes, the USA is behind the world in this technology. Even Australia rolled out its 3G network about 3 years ago which offers video conferencing, photo messaging, etc. I love keeping an eye on mobile technology in Asia, they have absolutely embraced mobile phones to the point that evolution has kicked in and kids are now being born with longer thumbs!!!

All this talk about new phones got me excited and I went ahead and ordered my new O2 phone

cheers,
Luke