Mobile phone recommendations.

Hmm...
Should i get LG Cookie or Samsung Star? Just a poor college student
I need an unlocked phone since I don't want to buy a contract.

Depends on what provider are you looking at and what your purpose is going to be. Even a poor college student can be greatly aided by a smartphone or mobile internet device, since timely access to information pays the cost of the device many many times over in productivity.

I want the cheapest touchphone I can get unlocked. I use AT&T, so it'll need to be GSM.

How much is the Cookie, or Samsung Star? Have you checked out the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic? That has 3G and wifi, so you can browse on it. Can also add social networking apps as well.

$189 for Cookie and $219 for Star. The Nokia was in the 400's last I checked. There is also Samsung S5600 (Preston) and F480 (Tocco). LG Arena is nice but in the 300/400s as well.

I get $295 for the Nokia 5800 now. Why I recommend it?

It has a 3.2" screen.

The browser is better than what you get on the Cookie or Star. The built in browser is based on WebKit, just like mobile Safari on the iPhone. If you don't like it, you can have alternative browsers in the Opera Mini or Skyfire. These browsers can run Flash, so you can watch videos.

The phone allows you to tether ala wifi with the Joikuspot, or with USB using Ovi Suite which comes with the CD. By tethering I mean turns your 3G data connection into an internet connection for your laptop even your iPod Touch.

There is more variety of software and games for the Nokia 5800, not as much as the iPhone for sure, but better than the Java stuff on the Cookie. Software includes Twitter and Facebook clients.

3.5mm jack for headsets.

RealPlayer for video playing.

3G & wifi.

The whole phone can be better described as a mobile computer. I would say that as a college student, there will be many situations where such a device would come in most handy. Its slightly above your planned budget, but consider the difference, more of an investment.

What website or vendor could I find it at that price?

I suggest shopping using Google, Amazon or eBay. Also try Dell or eXPansys.

iPhone now appears to be in China "soon". The thing is, to meet local regs, the Wifi will be disabled. Though I don't expect that to last so long, since Chinese authorities themselves have plans to lift the no wifi ban on smartphones.

Is it still possible to find the old HTC Tytn (AT&T 8528) anywhere?