I've been a Verizon customer for 19 years going on 20 as a result being the I phone is an AT&T exclusive, it wasn't an option for me.
Before we even discuss phones, lets look at coverage. If you read the most recent tests conducted by Consumer Reports, Verizon comes out #1 in every market except 2 in which altell edges them out. Now that alltell is part of Verizon that too becomes a moot point.
After all, how good is a phone if it doesn't function when you need it.

I thusly opted for the new Blackberry Storm 9730. The phone retails at the Verizon store for $510 however with a new 2 year contract, it's yours for $199 and to top that, if you opt for a second line at $9.99 a month, they will give you the second blackberry for free.

I think if the Blackberry is an option for you, rather than listen to me, Google ihpone vs. storm and read the reviews yourself.
Yes, I'm biased but with the exception of Wi-fi which admittedly is slower on the Storm, it seems to beat out the I phone hands down.
I've had mine now pretty much since it came out and wouldn't trade on a bet.
You can still get your music and all the other goodies but most of all the battery is removable and the talk time is longer