Cingular cell phone for Bluetooth access on T|X

[yherman]

I would like to use a Cingular GSM phone with Bluetooth to act as a data modem for my Palm T|X. My basic application is to use this to access email and download AvantGo on the relatively few occasions when I am traveling out of reach of Wi-Fi. I have several questions:
1) From the Cingular Web site it seems that I need to have a regular voice account at $39.99 minimum per month, PLUS a data account at $44.99 for unlimited data. Since I really do not want to use this phone for Internet browsing, only email and AvantGo, do I really need the data account, or can I use the voice phone account to dial up my ISP and use the Bluetooth connection as an old-fashioned dialup modem? Is there an other cheaper option than the full $85? (The limited data options, such as 5 MB for $19.99, seem unpractically limited.)

2) The Cingular Web site states that their data options are only for "Cingular Wireless PDA". Any reason this can not be used with the Palm T|X?

3) Is there anything to watch for when selecting a cell phone model? Any very good for this, any to avoid?

4) Where is the best documention on how to use the Cingular GSM phone with the Palm T|X?

Thank you

[Sir Stunna Lot]

from what i know...

cingular wont let you use 3rd party ISP's for dial up, you'll have to use their GPSR network

as for the plan, i would suggest using the "smartphone connect plans"... the unlimited plan is only $20

[Sjweise]

I have Cingular with an unlimited data plan. I have also ditched Avantgo because it stopped syncing months ago and I can use Blazer or Netfront to go to anywhere I'd want to. As I understand it, Cingular blocks the GSM portion from allowing data (thus no true ISP dial up or fax) but the gprs/edge.utms network is available. The TX's built in setup wizard ought to walk you through the connection. I even set up a custom connection for my PC when my cable internet is down.

[Sir Stunna Lot]

i wish their's someway to allow cingular users to use 3rd party ISP's...

[Sjweise]

You could try calling them and say you need to enable data/fax on their lines. They might be able to do it.

[AZ-TX]

I have the basic data package (9.99/mo), and it works well for light emailing and directions. Those are the two things I use it for when out of wifi range.