The dr offers: you have seem to have the ability to surf, so your questions
are most liekly answered on the verizon wireless web site, which is
localized to your zip code.  But I'll offer some thoughts, in the spirit of
sharing:
- I'm not aware of any unlimited txt messaging.  But if your verizon buddies
have it, then it is available in your area.  You might ask them to call CS,
identify the codes that provide it, and then when you activate, ask for
those same codes.  Some promotions are time constrained, and may not be
available as new anymore.
in the midwest:  http://getitnow.vzwshop.com/html/getTXT/getTXT.jsp#
     Monthly Package   Package Includes:, and it strange how hard you have
to work to find this:
$0.00/month   2? for messages received and 10? for messages sent(per person)
$2.99/month 100 included messages
$3.99/month 200 included messages
$4.99/month 500 included messages thru 12/31/05. Starting 1/1/06, 250 TXT
$7.99/month 500 TXT /80 PIX* messages thru 12/31/05. Starting 1/1/06,  250
TXT and 40 PIX
$19.99/month 2500 included messages
*Airtime charges apply for PIX Messages.  All I could find...

- Verizon does not lock their phones.  The security lock code is typically
factory default.
- Yes, there are some features that the "mfg" might show as "generic
features" on the phone, that "might not" work on a Verizon flashed phone.
Verizon has elected to use "get it now" as a way of protecting you and the
network by only allowing applications/features that protect the integrity of
the phone, network and service.  Oh yes: they charge royalty fees to people
who provode those applications on get-it-now.