Analog v digital & modem use on Verizon

It is time for us to renew our contract and get new phones with the “New Every 2” and I am torn for which phones to get. A couple of issues come to mind that I would appreciate some input. Our priorities are connectability for calls in somewhat remote locations, texting, and connecting the phone to a laptop for occasional internet/email access. In looking at the Verizon website, I am left confused in knowing what to get and frustrated with the lack of information on the Verizon website
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While we are not interested in Bluetooth or downloading songs, ringtones, videos or games, we would like the ability to connect the phone to a computer and upload these things to the phone through a data cable. I am primarily looking at Samsung and LG models.

I note that phones having an analog mode are becoming more and more scarce. There have been times when we have been camping in southeastern Oklahoma or central Texas and can only make a call on our Samsung a650 in analog mode. Realizing that this phone is an older generation, can anyone with a newer model provide feedback on digital signal availability in somewhat remote places?

I currently use the a650 as a laptop modem in digital areas when we are traveling after activating mobile web 1 option for our calling plan. This is so infrequent, that I cannot justify the cost for a “Broadband Connect Plan” that Verizon pushes. While I understand our current phone has 1xRRT protocol (is that the correct term?), I see that some phones have EV-DO. Is EV-DO a newer protocol that will allow me to connect my laptop as before? Again, I’m not interested in using the phone as a browser. Is one better/faster than the other? Also, on this same subject—when I set up the a650, I had to download drivers for my computer but I don’t see drivers for newer LG and Samsung phones. Are drivers not needed for the newer phones? Are there any tri-mode phones with EV-DO?

Thanks