I am hitting the wall with the GPRS using a powerbook and vodaphone any hints or tips it appears to be connecting and i can ping the Ip it is connected to but i can't get any sites/e-mail or anything

If the Powerbook says it is connected (in Internet connect, not just the bluetooth menu) and the phone has a globe on the top, it is on the GPRS network. There is a possibility however that your provider blocks access to the internet by default, even if you get free data with your calling plan.

One other check I can think of, open System Preferences and go to Network when you are connected. Bluetooth should be an option with a green, yellow, or red light and a message like "You are connected, but do not have an IP" or other such informational text. Knowing what that says may help narrow down the issue.