HI Mecca i have brough a lg TU 500 on the next g it has a provision for an external antener for fringe areas ,i have it with telstra but have had a digital with telstra and optus and both went much good away from the city but am happy with the next g but i havnt too far out the bush yet brickies
I have a Telstra 3G I-Mate because of email checking without having to set up laptop. We have found has good coverage in all but remotest areas.
Also use Telstras wireless broadband through 3G network that works in nearly all locations we wanted. We use this for sharing a regular email/newsletter to share our experiences and photos with friends.
SmartPhones are great you can send emails I like the Palm Treo 750 cause its got a direct connection for the antenna. Its easy to SMS from. I can take a photo and email to the kids at work.