Hi all

I am new to mobile data, having previously only used mobile phones for voice... I am heading off to Europe soon and due to work commitments will need my own independent Internet connection available wherever I am (mainly in Germany). I only need it to check email at least once every two days, and perhaps to log into a few servers via SSH to make sure everything is running smoothly.

I considered buying an ExpressCard adapter I could connect to my MacbookPro, but decided I would buy a new phone and connect via that (due for an upgrade anyway).

I have done a lot of reading over the last few days and established that I should purchase a mobile phone which is able to use both Tri-band HSDPA/UMTS (850/1900/2100 MHz) and quad band EDGE/GPRS (850/900/1800/1900 MHz). This way I will be able to connect up to any networks in Europe and also to any networks currently available in Australia when I return...

So, after reading about the technology itself I started looking at what phones are available to purchase, and what services are available in Germany.

For the phone itself I've decided the best option at this stage would be to buy a Nokia 6120 Classic from PortaGadgets. It comes unlocked and appears to have all the features I require. I'll buy this here before I leave for Europe. I've also discovered Ross Barkman's Home Page, and have installed the Nokia initialization scripts for OSX.

Then when I arrive I'll find an Aldi supermarket and get one of these SIM card kits, which according to that page can be used for Internet access as well.

So basically what I want to ask is:
1. Does this solution sound right? Or have I missed something major that will cause me problems if I head down the route described?

2. Am I right in thinking I can connect this phone to the MacbookPro via either a USB cable or Bluetooth? And that Bluetooth 2.0 EDR (which the phone and MacbookPro support) should be fast enough for the type of Internet connection Aldi/Medion-Mobile supplies?

3. For a non-contract mobile internet access solution are there some other options I should consider?

4. Is this page essentially describing the steps I'll have to take to get connected via the phone?