Pantech PN-820

I am thinking about buying the PN-820 and read your review about the software upgrades that are needed. I will have to have good connectivity when using it as a modem for internet use with my computer running XP. I presently get a weak (1 bar) 1X signal with a Samsung i600 that improves to (2 1/2 bars) with a Wilson antenna. I will accept speeds as slow as 200 kbps and can tolerate the know problems as long as it does not lose my large phone list when it locks up.
I called Verizon for the latest software version which they said was PN82.044-5.231.P26.44 and indicated that it was made available about 3/07. Does this look like newer version software and have you received any more feedback on updates?