I agree in principle, but in some instances - when VPN access is required for example - that does not work.

Did want to add 5 points to my initial post:
1) UMTS is the most recent data transfer protocol and is even faster (up to 384 kbit/s) than EDGE (up to 200 kbit/s).

2) Many phones allow you to use GPRS with an infrared connection, which is standard on almost all notebooks - not an ideal solution especially if the port is awkardly placed (on Thinkpads, it's at the front, below the keyboard) but works in a pinch. EDGE and UMTS are too fast for IR communication.

3) After installing the phone modem on your computer, you also need to set up a DUN connection. This is most easily accomplished if you have already configured your phone to access the internet for WAP by GPRS/EDGE/UMTS (request this to be performed by the store that sells you your SIM card). Most phones come with "wizard" software that automatically transfers those settings from the phone to the notebook's DUN connection parameters.

4) As mentioned above, although your computer treats GPRS/EDGE/UMTS as a dial-up connection, there are no time-based charges for use, only the volume of transferred data counts.

5) For frequent users, GPRS/EDGE/UMTS PC cards with built-in transmitter/receiver are available.

Hope this helps,
Andre