Which phone? Which carrier?

[redchigh]

When Virgin Mobile came out with the unlimited web for $35, I decided on an Optimus V.

Of course before I made the purchase, other carriers began offering similiar programs-

T-Mobile Monthly4G - $30 (Unlimited Web & Text with 100 Minutes Talk) available only at wal-mart
maybe the HTC G2?

There are probably a couple more plans-
I'm in the southeast USA, and so cricket isn't available.
It's a big decision when I'm not sure on the network OR phone- can anyone give me a good jumping off point?


What I want in a network-
Unlimited data and text, for less than $40/month prepaid. The cheaper the better.

What I need in a phone-
Good web browsing
Decent Camera
Access to Droid Market
Wi-Fi Capable
Less than $50, I don't mind buying a phone used.

 

[redchigh]

Update-

I need a phone with a decent HD size for a handful of apps.

My cousin needs a phone as well, but the most important thing to her is a phone she can use as a WiFi Hotspot to take credit cards on her laptop. (Optimus V maybe?)

 

[ExtremeNerd]

Check out how well T-Mobile works there. They are one of the few who offer hotspot free. Pay the extra money up front for a quality phone and you won't regret it. The Optimus line and the G2 are already at end of life. No updates. Get something which is guaranteed Jelly Bean and bug fixes.

Samsung Galaxy S 3
HTC One X
Galaxy Nexus

 

[redchigh]

the optimus V had a hidden option for a mobile hotspot...

 

[ExtremeNerd]

Throw the Optimus away....I can't recommend budget phones in good conscious. The old, slow processors give people a bad experience with Android. Do yourself a favor and get a mid to high range phone.

It's not hidden, it's included in Android by default. However, here's Virgin's official policy:
Currently Virgin Mobile does not offer any plans that allow tethering. If you need to use your Virgin Mobile service for mobile internet.

T-Mobile officially allows you to tether.

 

[redchigh]

What I need in a phone-
Good web browsing
Decent Camera
Access to Droid Market
Wi-Fi Capable
Less than $50, I don't mind buying a phone used.

Thanks for posting, but I think I need someone who can recommend a low-end phone. It's my first smartphone, and I'm pretty sure I'll be upgrading it in a year or so.