Can someone clarify the following for me?   I keep getting conflicting
information from the Fido customer service droids..

Will the HipTop work as a GPRS modem, in hooking up a laptop to it
(presumably via USB port on the back of the hiptop), versus using the
HipTop's own built in browser/email, etc etc?

One Fido rep says yes (and goes as far as saying cable and software
for up to WinXp is included), and another says no..

Since the HipTop appears to be as capable of any of Fido's GPRS data
enabled phones (Much more so in many respects), it would make sense
that this WOULD be the case, but I can't get a clear answer.   The
website seems to suggest it's a compatible GPRS data device on some
pages, and on others it says that the USB connection is for "Recovery
Only"...whatever that means.

Obviously, the HipTop is GPRS Data capable due to it's very nature,
but if so, why can't it be used as a standalone GPRS modem then, much
like one of Fido's GPRS Data capable phone models?

On eBay, there seems to be a plethora of "Hiptop Data Cables"
available, with descriptions that lead me to beleive that the unit
*can* be used as a true GPRS modem, utilizing a laptop hookup.....

Can anyone confirm for me?    I've had the chance to sample a
functioning HipTop, and am eyeing one up for myself when I jump ship
from Bell, but having the ability to hook my laptop up to the HipTop
and use it as a modem would be the cincher...but there's no clear
answer at this point.

Also, for those who have a HipTop at this point, how do you find the
browser?  I found it surprisingly agile and functional, but then
again, I only used it for about 5 minutes tops.

Also, does the included holster/carying case protect the screen and
the unit (fors the most part) against scratches and scuffs?   I go to
alot of industrial/commercial environments, and with my phone
holstered on my belt, it often gets scuffs and scrapes that I'd rather
be absorbed by a carrying case.

Thanks everyone...any info appreciated.