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"viewing a text message on Android from the notification bar takes three gestures (drag down the notifications, tap the new message to view the messages window, select the message you want to view), "

The Bionic requires 2 gestures. Swipe the notification bar and tap the message.

It also allows me to close any messages I don't want hanging around in my notifications bar. - not like the old Droid where it was clear all or nothing.

You might want to try some of the newer higher end Androids.