Thanks for all of the clarification! However, I have a Palm Pre with unlimited Data and if I switch to any 4G device on Sprint, I have to pay an extra $10 a month. It is not for data -- it *is* for the 4G. I have checked, re-checked, and called corporate to beatch about it because it is cr@p to charge for something that is not available in our area. Sprint does not budge though. So, if you get the 4G device and live in a 3G area, you have to pay the "tariff." I think that after reading the message boards here, that I will definitely get the Nexus. With the updates I am sure that any signal issues will be resolved. I can't think of another phone that might work better for what I need (Photon? maybe just because it's a World phone). But, I need a phone now, not a month or two from now. Just wondering if I should order from Amazon? (Amazon has Nexus 4GS cheaper than anywhere else I have seen it). I have heard good things about getting phones from them, just not sure if Sprint would honor the 30 Day policy. They would have to, right? :-$
From what I understand, the previous poster is correct; the $10 fee is not specifically for 4g - anymore. They used to charge $10 for 4g, but now it is a 'smartphone' charge. So, all the smartphones, save the Replenish, require the $10 charge. Replienish is a recycled green phone and so the fee is waived.
In regards to free tethering, I have read mixed opinions; but, as of now, it is totally free out of the box, but after the update on July 11th, who can say. Some here claim that rooting is easy (to get free wireless tethering), but I have never done it and am a bit apprehensive about it - nevertheless, the Nexus S 4g has been said by many to be the easiest phone to root.
About updates, the Nexus S 4g is in fact the most up to date phone in regards to software - even now. The Evo 3d just came out and is running Android 2.3.3 while the Nexus is, and has been for a while, running 2.3.4.
Finally, I again agree with a previous poster, digital zoom on a phone is not that good - a non factor really. Digital zoom just makes a picture worse on a phone and the Nexus S 4g seems to have a better camera - sans digital zoom.