phones and bikes and technology

I'm comforted, at least, that others kill their phones...

So, in the non-cycling place, I posted about my killing of the phones, by mysterious "wont' take a charge" adn by water... right now I have no working phone, but hey, I'm paid up with Virgin for another 3 weeks...

HEre's the decision framework... being sans phone is not something I want to continue even for a few more days, tho' I've got the phone at work.
So. Should I try another delicate smart phone? Pay for one that can handle me... or at least a case? Should I go ahead and Get A Contract? (I'd go with US Cellular, methinks... but will it have the coverage on the prairie?) ... or should I get a Dumb Phone and then ... Ipad? Ipod? Android? Will they be able to connect?
I am on my bike more waking hours than in my dwelling... and I would love to be able to see those clouds gathering on the horizon and pull off and check the radar -- and of course be able to dial 911 if thieves throw pizza boxes at me.
Today will be a research night, soon's I get on home... but any bike-and-technology comments would be welcome...