Gabbing on the Go--in Style

By Maryanne Murray Buechner

It's amazing what today's cell phones can do on a digital network. Their latest trick: accessing the Web to check the weather, look up a stock price or find out if the Rangers won. They can also read e-mail, send a short text message, keep a calendar and respond to voice commands. But the one thing they can't do is offer reliable service. Is it any wonder that a majority of mobile phone users have stuck with old-style, no-frills analog service? Analog is more expensive, but it's everywhere, while digital networks still suffer from spotty coverage, even in big markets like New York. What good is that calculator or that call-waiting feature if you can't make a call? To be sure, digital carriers are racing to fill their coverage holes, pumping billions into upgrades, and service will steadily improve. In the meantime, go digital with care.

--TIPS: WATCH WHERE YOU ROAM

STREET CRED A national network (AT&T, Sprint PCS) is not always the best choice. Some local and regional carriers have attractive roaming deals. Pick whoever does the best job in your backyard.

FALL BACK Dual-mode phones are preferable if you live in the country or even just an hour or two outside a major city, because they'll search for an analog signal when a digital one isn't available.

WEB HELP Compare handsets, services, coverage areas and prices online at ephones.com decide.com point.com or wow-com.com before you buy.

--By Maryanne Murray Buechner