Help for newbie to customization/upgrading

[ArtGeek]

So my HTC Touch (vogue? MP6900) on Bell Mobility in Canada is becoming non-functional due to the lag on WM6.1. I haven't done any unlocking or customization, but after calling Bell today, a very friendly cs rep told me to try this forum and attempted to explain the process for getting a new OS on my Touch. I am great with computers, but phones are new to me.

Basically, I am seeking a functional and non-bogged down system with basic functionality such as GPS, Internet explorer or similar, auto mail retrieval, a simpler dialing function (the stock function is terrible beyond words and works after pressing the talk button about 10 times), and just basic customization. I just basically want a phone that works properly.

Any guidance would be excellent. I'm in the process of backing up my stuff and I am ready to roll.

[horndoctor]

If you want to unlock your Vogue and flash a custom rom to it I suggest you do lots of reading. The more you learn about how your device works the happier you will be with it.
Here is a great FAQ for the Vogue:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=508544

It is getting dated but has lots of great info in it and there are plenty of great roms available to you.
Good Luck!!