I would be hesitant to give up the unlimited data for a discounted phone, and another locked in contract. If you value the unlimited data, then you're going to pay full price for a new phone just to keep it; even after your current term is up. Now, with that logic, if you're going to pay full price for the phone, you don't need to wait for your term to end; you can buy it at any time.*
Here's a post that I wrote about using 2 extended batteries with the LG Spectrum:
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/sm...-battery-discussion-forums-3.html#post2118083
I agree, that the battery life is what annoyed me the most. I couldn't get through a full day. The added bonus of the
extended battery (p/n BL-B5KN) is that it gives me a better grip on the phone. The texture of the new back panel isn't as slippery, and the ridges caused by the thicker form factor make it easy to hold/use with one hand.
The
docking station (p/n SDT-210) is also worth it. Connect it to your computer and it not only charges the spare extended battery but makes it easy to connect your phone and transfer files. It's a great stand for the phone, even with the extended battery.
Buy them on Amazon for half price. The only down side is that I haven't been able to find case/holster that supports the extended battery. It fits in my pocket just fine, though.
If you're set on upgrading, and you could wait a little while longer, I would suggest checking out the rumored
Nokia Lumia 928. (No, really. Windows 8 phones are very good. Make your own judgment, though.) You could check out an AT&T store and see the 920 version, to see how it works.
*There is no guarantee that Verizon will continue to allow the Unlimited data plans to be grandfathered. They can change their minds at any time. There is a risk that you could pay full price for a new phone and then, in a couple of months, be forced into a tiered plan. While this is definitely a possibility, I'm betting/hoping that that won't happen for a couple of years. (Just a hunch.)
