Many people, especially teenagers, are doing less text messaging and switching to more efficient Instant Messaging features. It is therefore recommended that you equip yourself with a cell with an alphabet keyboard and an unlimited SMS plan.

In no particular order, here are some of the top five recommended phones.

1. The Kyocera Switchback KX21

2. The Sidekick 3

3. The Verizon LG V9800

4. The Palm Treo 650

5. The Helio Hero.

All of these phones, save for the Helio Hero, come with a QWERTY keyboard so you can send text faster than the old numeric method. What the Hero lacks in Keyboard it makes up in its slick ability to access the web and take 2 megapixel pictures. (Perfect for the many who live and breathe on MySpace.)

Of course, always look at your payment plan to make certain you can pay the monthly bills. That is why the unlimited SMS plan, though it may cost more up-front, will pay off in the long run.

Via PCMag.com