IMHO, nothing does email like a BlackBerry. That's the driving principle behind the BlackBerry's development and remains the prime directive. The BB also excels as a PIM and phone. Multimedia is fair, but it's clearly not the focus until you get to the Storm model.
If messaging is your #1 focus, then BlackBerrys will help you get things done and stay in touch. You might not be saving money, but you'll be getting so much more for the money you do spend.