Help me pick a new smart Verizon mobile phone

I need to get a new Verizon phone but have absolutely no idea what to get. I am pretty sure I am not inside any discount renewal period, so I need to consider the full cost of a new device in my choice.

I had an iPhone recently, but had to get rid of it. I like the iPhone and it synced with many apps and games I had for my iPad 2 and iPod touch. That begin said, I have an iPad 2 and an older iPod Touch, so development for that platform will not be a problem if I choose a Droid phone.

I have no Droid devices at all and have never used a Blackberry or a Windows Mobile phone.

So, what should I choose? Please give me your thoughts in the comments. I am not tied to any one company or technology. Like I said, I do need to consider the full price of the phone data plans (if they vary) in my final decision.