In short? Not much. In fact, nearly every new phone model released in the last year is capable of 2.5G or 3G data transmission. EDGE and EVDO are both technically 3G technologies, although 3G can be used as a technical term or simply as a term to divide different generations of technology. And since EDGE and EVDO run off of the existing 2G cellular protocols (GSM and CDMA) no new hardware is required to utilize these new data technologies. I can't think of a single phone carried by any current wireless provider that cannot utilize either 1xRTT, EVDO, or EDGE.
If you want to take advantage of the (relatively) blazing-fast speeds that 3G data services such as HSP(D)A, you will need to get a new phone. You will also need to make sure that the phone you do get is compatible with the specific band that the provider offers. For example, Blackberry is selling the Storm as a HSPA-compatible device. Telus offers it for sale. While you may be dissuaded by the HSPA-compliant advertising, the Blackberry Storm operates on the UMTS 2100MHz band only. Telus is only going to operate the UMTS 1900MHz band, since that's all they have a license for. These are things that you have to watch out for when you're considering buying a current-generation cellphone that touts support for 3G technologies.
Similarly, don't get caught up in the whole 3G craze in the first place if you can avoid it. If you don't browse the web or use e-mail on your phone, then you really don't need to upgrade until CDMA is no longer offered, which won't happen for a long time. AMPS was operated underneath CDMA and GSM for 6 years because of all the businesses and people that did not want to pay to upgrade to digital (keep in mind that this was when phones were the size and weight of a cinderblock, and cost more than the car you had to put it in.)
If you really don't feel like upgrading right now, you don't need to. When the time comes to renew your contract or you find a good deal on a phone that supports all the new technology, go for it. Until then, your current 3G phone will do fine for all intents and purposes.
My nickname bears no real importance or symbolism. The day I came up with it was January 9, 2005. That was the day I saw Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece "Full Metal Jacket". I was in desperate need for a nickname for Halo 2 and I couldn't really think of anything, so I just changed "jacket" to "parka" and here I am.
Why do people insist on buying the most expensive phones with the most gadgets and programs, when they're not even going to use have of them? Very good post.
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