Hi B.,
I have a few opinions on both. I have the iPhone 3G and got it in November my mom just got the Vu about 2 weeks ago.
Depending on what you really want to do is what is best for you.
1st YES you can send and recieve text pics without email but you have to download the app. To send them its the Hook app and is free then there is a receiving one but it cost money so I just connect on the internet and download the pic free.
Pros for iPhone
1. Fast access to email. I have 7 emails logged in on the phone and can recieve Word, Excel and PDF formats as well as pics and more within seconds.
2. It is the only phone that can load up any webpage fully and not condensed but it can not do flash sites!
3. A lot of websites are now creating pages to easy load up for iphones only.
4. If you like apps this is the store. I have one that I LOVE. It's called lose it and i put in what I eat and it calculates my calories etc. They have apps that rang from games, to finance (mint is the best), to myspace etc.
Cons
Can't pick up local radio stations (yes there are apps but not local)
No flash on camera (Blackberry's is GREAT)
Can just send pic text or recieve you have to go through an app
ALWAYS crashes and has to reboot. If you utilize your phone a lot that is and I DO.
I have to charge the battery 3-4 times a day so make sure you always have a charger handy.
My mom has the vu. She did not want to have to charge all the time and she does not need all the apps. The camera is good.
Really if you are not going to be using a ton of email, dont have time to charge all the time, and dont need apps etc Just get the Vu.
HTH
E.