Well besides the fact that Consumer Reports just rated the Hero #1, and HTC is a great phone in itself the Hero, right now is the way to go. The phone "wow's" everyone I show it to. Do Not let the fact that it has no physical keyboard stop you from this purchase. Aside from the many different types of keyboards it offers ( landscape - like the Instinct's, portrait, and quick pad) it also has word correction and word prediction. This phone finishes the words before I type them out out 99% of the time. It's a time saver and I text way quicker. Go play with the keyboard @ the sprint store and make sure they have the phone settings set for word prediction. You'll see what I mean. It sold me. I love this phone. And as far as battery issues go, I have no issues with battery life. I heard before I bought the phone there were issues and bought the car charger and an extra charger for work but haven't had to use them. I text, email, surf the net alot but I'm not a big TV watcher or game player. I'd imagine they would drain your battery. Coming from an Instinct the Hero's battery is by far better. Had to change batteries at the end of an hour conversation on the Instinct, not so on my Hero. Good luck on whichever you choose and Happy Holidays!!