Are there any good ones? I had heard some can be unlocked and used with AT&T's services, but I need help with the whole process if that's the case.

I'm looking, ideally, for a bar type phone that slides to reveal a qwerty keyboard. Clamshell and other such designs are fine too, though. I'm just hoping to avoid needing to buy a PDA-style device in order to get a keyboard!

I usually use my phone for texting, email and IM primarily, phone calls too of course. So I need a phone that's comfortable for data-heavy usage with AT&T or another provider available in southern Alaska.

Any suggestions?

I have a T-Mobile Das and I have been really happy with the performance. It's not a blackberry, but is very user friendly and allows for all the things you mentioned you are looking for in a phone, although PDA in style. AT&T has some nice phones as well. MY boyfriend has the AT&T plan and has a Moto Q which is vry similar to the Dash. Good Luck in finding a new phone.