Billshrink Runs The Numbers: myTouch Bests iPhone And PreBillshrink Runs The Numbers: myTouch Bests iPhone And Pre

Consumer Web site BillShrink.com has published the results generated by its cost-comparison tool. Putting the T-Mobile myTouch 3G head-to-head against the Apple iPhone and Palm Pre, HTC's Android device emerged as the least expensive to own.Everyone has their own, unique set of parameters that will surely affect the outcome if you run the numbers yourself. Based on a plan with at/near 1000 minutes per month, here's what BillShrink says the three phones will cost you (device sale price plus the total of 2 years of service):

These results show that you'll get 100 more minutes of gab time per month and come out nearly $900 richer at the end of two years compared to the cost of owning and iPhone. That's a hefty result.

I ran the numbers for myself and compared the results. According to BillShrink, I am still on the best possible plan for me at the moment. (I ran it back in June when the Palm Pre came out.)

What's clear as a bell here is that smartphones are expensive to own. With monthly bills approaching $100 per month or more, they can put a dent in any budget.

A recent poll showed that Americans would drop mobile data plans in a New York minute if they had to to make ends meet. Perhaps BillShrink can save you enough money on a monthly basis so you don't have to drop your data plan.

This tool is meant for consumers -- and not enterprises -- to use. If you think your business is over-paying for wireless services, I'd suggest you call your carrier and see if you can renegotiate.