I'd tend to agree with the simpler is better thinking. Look for a phone that is unobtrusive enough that you'll carry it all the time. Make sure it has text messaging (sometimes gets through when a voice call won't) and A-GPS (allows emergency services to find you when calling 911 from a cell). And buy two accessories: 1) A cheap leather or neoprene case to take the bumps and scratches and 2) A high capacity battery. There's an online store, westsidecellular.com, where I got a leather case and a factory original hi-cap battery for about $20. I can leave my phone on for a week now, even with making calls. That's my $.02.