I guess Bill Gates is telling me, if I want a smartphone, I need to upgrade to the Android or go the iPhone route.
Android does NOT have a subscription requirment ala Apple, correct? I have no need or desire the surf the internet from a cellphone.
I guess I really need to find some resources and read up on these new devices.
I think you're referring to a data plan requirement? If so then No and Yes. No there is no requirement for a data plan that comes with Android. But Yes in that any Android phone is going to qualify as a "smart phone" and both AT&T and Verizon require a data plan with any smart phone on their network and will automatically add one to your account upon detection that you're using one. Success rates on evading detection have varied.