Is the HTC Hero the phone for me?

The phone is, varied. For what you want it for, it'l be fine. The apps market is huge, the internet is easy to use, the you tube works etc etc. However the processor is just not up to the task. The operating system is great. However, your running 7 home screens at once, which is a real strain on the processor. This means that the occasional freeze, sluggish app, and forced shut down are to be expected. Its not as good as the I phone, its not. Not to say its not a very good phone, but its not the I phone.