Samsung i700 - useable as modem?
 

I am about to have to get a cell phone and am torn between high and low end. I was looking at the i700 which I read in a review could be used as a modem with my laptop (so I can dial into my isp when I don't want to pay the hotel extortion rates for local calls or internet eg I don't have a lot to do b/c I know it will be slowwwww) - BUT when I checked with Verizon they said it couldn't be used as a modem (claimed they didn't disable it). Anyone know for sure?
So I think I might be better off buying a new pda and just getting a cheap phone ...leading to

looking at the cheapest phone I can get (used for emergencies only) BUT with the ability to be used as modem w/o having to pay for any special data plans. It looks like my best bet for this might be the amazon sony ekickson t610 -which would give me $150 back, but require 1 yr with t- mobile (also not clear where I would get the modem connect cable).

Please help