Don't forget that Apple usually sells the previous generation iPhone 8GB for cheaper. You can now get a 3GS for $50 on ATT. I still use a 3GS, and it's still a great phone.
Ah. That was unclear from your post. I know a few people who have gotten the Samsung Intercept on Virgin Mobile and are fairly unhappy with it. It feels really slow and the built-in apps aren't that great, according to my friends (especially, calendar and contacts). It's still a $200 phone. Perhaps the LG Optimus is better? I also have an original DROID running 2.2 and am not very impressed with it.