Since I have a contract, I had to just buy the phone. You can find
them on Ebay for around $150 or so, but make sure you buy a T-Mobile
phone, and not an "unlocked" one, as the internal software may not be
on the phone to enable it to work with T-Mo GPRS. I understand they
can send you an update, but it involves waiting on hold to get to the
wireless data CSR, a real PITA

I got a wireless data CSR on the phone, and I was advised that they
currently have two EDGE capable phones - the V330, and a Nokia (not
sure of the number). He told me they are inroducing many phones
between now the New Years, and most of them will be EDGE enabled. He
also told me that 70% of their system can now do EDGE, and eventually
it will be throttled up to around 384K

I connect my phone to my laptop using Bluetooth, and the laptop then
does a DUN connection and logs on (quick, too).

This will also work with a Bluetooth PDA, like the AXIM X50V. So with
the phone in the holster, one has internet access in the hand anyplace
(and hi speed EDGE too).
(Not sure, but Palm OS PDA did not work with their GPRS the last time
I asked).
So yes, the V330 is about three times faster than the air card, and
works over BT
IN FACT
In one building, I get a better faster connection by putting the phone
on a windowsil out in the hallway (It's a secure hallway, the phone
won't get stolen), and connect in a room that's around 30 feet away
and thru a closed door. Gets around 13kps downloads this way. Rather
awesome.