GPRS Vs CDMA2000

First, let's compare apples to apples. GPRS is a data system and cdma2000 is voice.

GSM copares to cdma2000
GPRS compares to DO
EDGE is enhanced GPRS

Not everyone will agree with my summaries, but here goes.

cdma2000 has better voice quality than GSM. It never has funny sounds unless you are within seconds of dropping the link. GSM can make weird sounds as the link gets bad. GSM will interfere with lots of electronics. GSM has much better battery life. There are about 5 to 10 x the number of GSM users in the world than cdma2000. GSM phones have the lowest cost for a basic phone.

GPRS is the first packet data system on cellular (I don't count CDPD for you purists). It uses the same transmission as GSM, so it also causes interference to local electronics (Google blackberry buzz for more info). EDGE is similar to GSM but has an enhanced link that allows for up to 3 timis the transmission rates as GPRS, though you won't always get this speed. DO is far superior in its data transfer rates and usability than either GPRS or EDGE. Many data applications aren't sensitive to battery life; DO will be at a disadvantage, particularly in standby time.

UMTS is the catch-all for 3G voice and data. AT&T in the US is pushing this as the new data system. The new i-Phone 3G uses this for its data transfer. In general, it is 2 to 3 years behind DO in deployment and optimization, so it really isn't up to par at this time. It isn't deployed over that big a geography, and isn't getting much in the way of data rates right now. That will improve over time. UMTS can be compared to cdma2000 and DO with the loss of battery life of GSM. Phones are expensive.

In general, you should chose you phone based on service plans, coverage where you will need it, and not on base technology.

In the US, AT&T uses GSM, GPRS, EDGE, and UMTS. Verizon, Sprint, and Altell use cdma2000 and DO.

Hope this helps.