What would be an ideal cell phone for my needs? (Read entire question for details)?

That's is actually an easy question. What you need is a blackberry, blackberry phones were and are made for business people. They have great business apps that come and can get for the phone plus apps for social networking are also available. Blackberry phones are sturdy and will last you for a long time (not sure if there touch phones are as dependable though). Every cellular provider has them even some prepaid ones. Get the blackberry curve.