Best "starter" Android phone?

[Guest tom999]

Hi All,

I'm looking for ideas on what phone to look for in a used phone. I'm on Verizon now, could upgrade but don't want to lock into a new 2-yr and I want a phone that I can flash/upgrade without worrying about bricking/warrentee issues, etc. With all the new android phones coming out there are people selling pretty new phones looking to upgrade. What 2009 or so phones do people like?

Thanks. tom

ps. I like the new fast phones but I surf, and do things outdoors and would rather have a "beater" (as we say up north) phone that I'm not worried about getting wet, sandy, etc.

Edited September 24, 2010 by tom999