[Vanhackspace] Motorola Milestone, Rogers data plan?

[Jack Bates]

Hi all - is it kosher to poll the list for some consumer advice?

I plan to order this Android phone from buy.com,
http://www.buy.com/prod/motorola-milestone-droid-unlocked-smartphone-android-wifi-5-mp-camera/q/listingid/74605880/loc/111/214342176.html

- and get a $35/month, 1 GB data plan from Rogers

Anyone have strong opinions about either this phone or this data plan?
Know if I need to be careful about getting a phone that's compatible
with local service providers?

This is my first mobile phone...

I considered the Milestone, the Google Nexus One, or an older Android -
maybe off Craigslist

Nexus One and Milestone seemed about the same? About the same screen,
OS, price. About the same battery performance (not great?)

Chose the Milestone because it's got a hard keyboard, so more screen
while typing

Rogers, Telus, Fido, and Bell all offer data-only plans intended for USB
sticks - but apparently I can buy a SIM card ostensibly for my "USB
stick", bring it home and install in my Android

Plans all about $30 - $35/month for 500 MB, $35 - $40/month for 1 GB

Can't tell the difference between Rogers' and Telus' coverage from the
maps on their sites

(Aside: the Wind company looks awesome, but think it'll be long time
before they offer service on the Gulf Islands...

My reason for getting a mobile is I started spending about 9 hours each
way commuting to Cortes Island, and internet on my netbook while
commuting would be awesome

Instead of spending ~$200 on a USB stick for my netbook, might as well
get and Android and use it to tether?

Among advantages of Android over USB stick is I could check ferry
schedules, etc. w/o hauling out the netbook

One advantage of USB stick is it's "HSPA+" (reportedly 21 Mbps) vs.
"HSPA" (reportedly 7.2 Mbps) - don't think any "HSPA+" Androids are
currently available