kramer672: Thanks guys for all your replies, it's certainly given me some ideas.  Also looks as though the google nexus 1 is quite good, though expensive, seems almost very similar to the galaxy s (probably due to both being made by samsung, I guess).  It certainly sounds as though Nexus 1 and HTC are going to be much easier to get official upgrades for the software for, though at the moment the easiest one to find in the shops here in christchurch seems to be the Galaxy S.  Can't find an HTC Desire anywhere to have play with one, and that's a big thing for me with handheld devices, I don't like buying one until I've had a play with the interface, see how it's made etc.
James


Careful James!

The Google Nexus One is a year old and was made by HTC...and is still an awesome phone well worth buying (IMHO).

The Goggle Nexus S is the successor to the Nexus One. It's made by Samsumg. It's also well worth having.

Having used both, there isn't that much difference between them.

The Galaxy S wins in many ways because it is very light (some think this is cheap / plasticky, whereas I think it is very light and right). It also has an awesome camera app compared to either of the two Google 'Nexii'. Yes, they do 5MP, too....but there is a long list things their camera app can't do that the Galaxy S can. You might not care, but for me this is close to being the deal breaker.     

Whereas....the Nexus One has awesome GPS and the Galaxy S comes close to being the worst I've seen in a phone...and I'm being generous in not stating it absolutely as THE WORST. It still works....just not as well. 

Today? Nexus S for Desire HD....but a Galaxy S is also a beautiful thing......if "high maintenance" due to GPS flaws and the difficulty of getting it updated.