Next G internet & mobile questions

Modem has cheaper plans, don't ask why, it all works on the same system, so if you have power go Modem.

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I can't really answer your question, only offer an opinion; NextG will work in many places that nothing else will. It's not to say it'll work all over oz, but it's the best coverage available short of satellite (so I'd go with a nextg phone).

My phone also gets used as a modem - the laptop has built in bluetooth, so I can be chatting on the phone and surfing the net. I find it very convenient, though the data usage fee is relatively expensive. However I really only use it for checking email.

I did have a cdma modem for the laptop, and it gave me the curries having to cart around another gadget, plus cabling. The present setup is much more user friendly.

Check the price of BIGPOND plans against TELSTRA
I'm pretty sure you will find they will be cheaper or at least offer more for the same money.
I bought a Telstra PCMCIA modem and resold it as the plans were too expensive.
Bigpond offer 10 hours a month for $34 (fair usage applies)

I have a cheapo Telstra ZTE phone which I use as a modem while travelling.
For your nil up front and $30 per month, I got the phone, and a car kit which I attached to a 7DB gain CDMA aerial.

When you travel , you buy a Telstra "Data pack" for 3Gigs for $69 per montrh AFAIR.
You then cancel it after the one month or whatever.

You therefore avoid the $200 plus upfront and the $69 ? per month for 2 years for the modem, and you have another phone for 2 years and $25 included calls a month.
works great if you only travel occasionally
Have a look at earlier posts for tricks that Telstra use, such as prorating within a month
Regards Philip A

You should have received a CD and a USB connection with your phone. You just insall the CD on the laptop, then follow the directions.
The data pack that you have for internet for your phone is most probably the $10 job, which only gives you a small bit of data and is no good for large emails etc.
To order the big data pack you have to call the Telstra number (132200? then wait 20 minutes LOL) and the person will add a big pack that you choose.
Just remember that if you are part way through a billing month they will prorata the pack ie if you want 70 MB and you are 1/2 way through the billing month you will only get 35 megs, then pay much more for the excess you use.My month starts on 17th,so make sure to ask.
Regards Philip A

Have a look at this PDF page 32.
Its about as clear as mud, but you will have to talk to Telstra to clarify the charges for you.
http://www.telstra.com.au/customerterms/docs/dataservices.pdf
Have fun. It will be a learning experience.

Regards Philip A