Service contracts may chain you to a wireless carrier for up to two years, but they also can save you some serious cash when you're buying a new cell phone. And since carriers love holding on to their customers, they're quick to offer free phones of all types. Some handsets will just make calls, but others will offer media players, cameras, Web browsers, and full keyboards for messaging.
If you're looking for a phone that won't put a dent in your wallet, CNET has pulled together a list of free phones from the major carriers. Prices can change frequently, but these handsets are free with a service contract at the time of this writing. Admittedly, AT&T's RIM BlackBerry Curve will actually cost a penny, but I thought it deserved a place on this list anyway.
To help you make the best choice I've also thrown in a link to the CNET review for each phone. Most of our reviews should also offer you a link to buy your handset, though you may need to visit the carrier site to get the very latest price.
AT&T
LG CF630 (
Samsung SGH-A237 (
T-Mobile
Mototola W490 (
Nokia 5310 (
Samsung Comeback (
Samsung Gravity (
Samsung Highlight (
Sony Ericsson TM506 (
Verizon Wireless
Motorola Rival (
Motorola W755 (
Samsung Intensity (
Sprint
Samsung Reclaim (
Sanyo SCP-2700 (
Sanyo Katana LX (
Sanyo SCP-3810 (
Motorola i776 (