I wouldn't be too quick to blame Samsung for the update. The Samsung Blackjack got updated to WM6... and the Blackjack II is slated for 6.1. I think AT&T is more willing to offer updates for it's customers. I feel Verizon is not.

Samsung is def a decent manufacturer. You're NE2 won't be for a while... by then do some research... check out CNET reviews. Ask around.

By then maybe an Android phone? Or maybe Windows Mobile 7 will be out. Who knows then... right now... the Samsung is a decent phone manufacturer.