So a few months back Rogers Communications announced that it would be change hardware upgrade policy for smartphones from every 12 months to every 24 months.  Well Rogers has not done the same for all phones.

This means that you need to wait 2 years before you can get a deal on a new phone.  If you want a new cell phone before hand you have to pay their full price.

This has angered a lot of people because now instead of getting a new phone every year they have to wait.  Rogers has been quoted at saying that the reason for the change in policy is because it allows them to bring better phones to more people and also because cell phone quality has improved a lot consumers don’t need to upgrade every year.

If you are looking for alternatives and arent’ happy with your current provider now may be the time to start looking at unlocked cell phones.

Phones with slide-out QWERTY keyboards feature sophisticated looks and spacious QWERTY keypads. These phones allow for quick thumb typing and are designed aiming at the young crowd. Phones with slide-out QWERTY keyboards are extremely functional and using them is like using a computer keyboard. These phones are highly useful for professionals also, for example, it is easier to type an email or edit an office document on a QWERTY keyboard as compared to a normal cell phone keyboard. At times these handsets appear to be expensive, but they are true value for money with their useful features and in-built applications. Here are some of the popular phones with slide-out QWERTY keyboards: 

LG Mobile KS360: The LG KS360 features an ergonomically designed keyboard that offers an easy, fast, and fun way of typing messages without tiring your thumbs. The users can send SMS, IM, email and access social networking sites through the high speed internet connectivity offered by this phone. This sophisticated phone comes with the 2.4″ QVGA touch screen display, 2MP camera, touch screen dialing, MicroSD card slot, MP3 and AAC audio and MPEG4 and H.263 with playback, WAP 2.0 browser and more.

HTC Touch Pro: The slide out QWERTY keyboard is among the most finger-friendly, comfy and practical keyboards. The keyboard’s slightly raised keys, soft-touch finish and elegant design makes typing extremely easy. The HTC Touch Pro supports SMS, MMS, email, and instant messaging along with support for viewing and editing office documents. The 3.15 MP camera with the autofocus and flash capabilities offers high quality pictures. The phone also has a touch-responsive interface, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, miniUSB and much more. 

Samsung T459 Gravity: The Samsung T459 Gravity features a QWERTY keyboard along with normal phone keypad. The exclusive slider design discloses the backlit QWERTY keyboard without making the phone look bulky. The full slide-out QWERTY keyboard supports instant messaging, text, multimedia and video messaging. This striking phone is furnished with the features like 1.3-megapixel camera, microSD card slot, Bluetooth v2.0, MPEG4 player, MP3 player and more.  

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1: The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 is among the most keenly anticipated windows mobile phones. The phone’s full QWERTY keyboard allows fast and easy typing. This unique cell phone comes with the sophisticated and distinct design, 3-inch touch screen display and an arc slider design for the best viewing angle. The other features included in this cell phone are 3.15 MP Camera, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v2.0, MS office, web browser and more. 

Having a full keyboard is always a nice feature.  It makes texting and messaging much simpler.  There are always alternatives but among the most popular right now the LG KS360 and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1