give me a ring-a-ling..
So, I'd really like some help here, peoples..

I've decided that in October I'm probably just going to start paying for my own cell bill. Just pretty much break away from my parent's plan and get my own. Therefore, I really don't need to stay with Verizon. But it's really the only cell company I've ever known/had. And yeah, if I switched companies I couldn't get that nifty phone I wanted but, I'm sure I'd survive.

So, I'd kinda like some feedback on the companies. I checked out a plan through Verizon. And T-Mobile. But I'm really not sure. Which has better phone service. Or if any fuck you over with little extra charges. Or anything. But, here's basically what I need..

-Maybe something like 300 minutes. I really don't talk that much on my phone. I mean, that could change once I get my new phone if it actually doesn't suck. But, I really don't see myself talking much over that.
-Free nights and weekends. (Not necessary, but it might be kinda helpful)
-At least 500 text/picture messages. I text more than anything. 500 is probably the absolute minimum I would need, in all honestly. Especially once I get a picture phone and can actually send pictures to people.
-I don't know if all/many companies do this, but I'd really like to keep the same number I have now.

Free mobile to mobile doesn't really matter that much to me. I mean, I have it with Verizon and it hardly does crap. I think I know about 4 people who have Verizon. Same with all the other companies, though. I don't really know too many people with the same company. So, ::shrugs::.

Alright people, so.. from personal experience/research/whatever what company do you think I should look into. This doesn't need to be done until October. So, I have some time. And I'm sure by then some companies will have new deals or lower/higher rates. But, oh well. This is just so I can get an idea of what company I might want. And so I can maybe start lookin at some more nifty phones. :)