T-Mobile

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T-Mobile is probably best known for its Gameboy-like, text-friendly Sidekick phones and the myFaves plan, which allows for unlimited calls to a customer’s five most-called numbers. The wireless provider’s many locations stock a variety of co-branded products (including the ever-popular BlackBerry and Motorola KRZR) in colors ranging from magenta to gunpowder gray, as well as accessories like the Solio hybrid solar charger, Bluetooth-enabled portable speakers, BlackBerry data cables, memory cards, and flashy carrying cases and gel-skins. Like many cell-phone providers, T-Mobile offers monthly or pay-as-you-go plans for individual, family, and small-business uses. Each contractual plan features a certain number of “whenever minutes” per month, while prepaid starter kits carry no long-term obligation. As at most cell-phone stores, there’s often a wait at the customer-support stations, but those in a rush can pay off their bills at the automated kiosks in the back of the store. — Alex Littlefield