hmmmm

In the next few months I anticipate travelling with two school aged kids from LA to the East Coast taking I-10 all the way to its end. I know the stretch well between LA & PHX, but would like recommendations between Phoenix and Georgia. We can probably do 1 or two hours per day of touristy/educational stops, but we are having a hard time picking the best ones. Also, is there anything in particular that we should be aware of while taking this trip?

I was going to buy my nephew (a snowboarder) a ski jacket for Christmas, and someone recommended a Spyder. Retail is killer! But I saw one on - ehem - another site for an awesome price comparatively, but before I try to get it, I want to know if it is something that snowboarders (or even skiers, because he does that, too) would think is cool. I'm a little squeamish about spiders myself, but, then, he's a guy and into that sort of thing.

I have researched both here and at recommended sites, and I've narrowed my choices down to:

LG enV VX-9900

LG VX-8300

LG VX-8550 Chocolate

I want a decent camera, an exceptional datebook (my current Motorola V265 frequently has to be rebooted in order to free up the 'datebook alerts' that tend to back up and not send the alarm - ouch!). I am also highly intrigued by the potential of using the phone to listen to podcasts, as I don't have an ipod, or even a pseudo-pod.

Also, for those of you with the premium plans, is it worth it?