Nexus one alternatives

Well me being a teenager and all I can't really buy a $500 phone and due to complications I cant get the contracted one either. I have two options though, I can save up with the money I currently have until my birthday (september 4th) and then ask for everyone to pitch in some money as a birthday present. I'd easily be able to buy a unlocked nexus one then. But I really don't know If I want to wait that long considering a few facts.
1.) its just a pain to wait lol
2.) My curent LOL gravity is dyeing and if I wait i'd have to deal with a phone thats battery last one hour and goes out of signal all the time due to a 4 year old sim card.

Option two: choose a different smart phone. This is where I'm asking for your guys help.
REQUIREMENTS:
1.) must be useable by T-mobile
2.) must be android
3.)must not be insanely expensive like $500
4.) I'd prefer if its unlocked but if the contract is significantly cheaper I'd be willing to check it out.
thanks in advance

Option 3: Buy a phone that can text and call. You're probably not gonna use all that crap on the smart phone.

Option 3: Buy a phone that can text and call. You're probably not gonna use all that crap on the smart phone.

umm yes I will and thats kind of rude sir :3

Thing is, since t-mobile is rather small, they don't have a large selection. Also, if you're getting Android, you're going to want to get a phone that is going to be strongly supported so you will get updates to your firmware and what not. I think the Nexus One is your best option, it's Google's baby so you know it's going to be support with updates from them, they're the only ones who have Froyo on their phone (the official version).

Thing is, if you look here you can see the plans.

• Nexus One without service: $529
  
• Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for new customers: $179
  
• Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for qualifying existing T-Mobile customers: $279
  

While it's pretty expensive unlocked, if you want to stick to your phone you might as well just get a contract for a huge discount.

Thing is, since t-mobile is rather small, they don't have a large selection. Also, if you're getting Android, you're going to want to get a phone that is going to be strongly supported so you will get updates to your firmware and what not. I think the Nexus One is your best option, it's Google's baby so you know it's going to be support with updates from them, they're the only ones who have Froyo on their phone (the official version).

Thing is, if you look here you can see the plans.

• Nexus One without service: $529
  
• Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for new customers: $179
  
• Nexus One with new, 2-year T-Mobile US service plan for qualifying existing T-Mobile customers: $279
  

While it's pretty expensive unlocked, if you want to stick to your phone you might as well just get a contract for a huge discount.

I'm part of a family plan though so I can't get the discounts :o
I agree on the updates part I absolutely LOVE google and want a nexus one but i'd be willing to get a not as good smart phone. Its better then my LOLgravity.

blackberry?