If I was you I would wait for the iPhone 4 to come to Verizon, that phone is amazing and so is Verizon.
But if you insist on a Blackberry, then at least get the 9700 Bold or the new one that has just been released, the 9780. I wouldn't suggest getting a phone two versions outdated than the most recent one.
There's not much of a difference between the new Blackberry Bold 9780 and 9700, but there is more RAM so that means faster internet connection and more storage space. But you could always get the 9700 and install the recent software OS 6 on it, it's interface would be just like a 9780, but cheaper.