Going Mobile, Part 3: Finding 'Perfect' Wireless Phone by Donna Schwartz Mills < http://ld.net/?americanglo >

So you've done your homework: You have a clear idea of how and where you'll be using your phone. You know how many "any time" minutes you need and have selected a carrier who covers region you'll be in most often. It's time to go shopping for your handset; your telephone which will likely be a part of your workspace for next year or two.

Your new carrier may offer you a free or discounted phone with your contract. This may be all you want or need. After all, today's free phones have all features that were sexy and new two years ago... and that may be enough. Then again... if you want latest and greatest, you may want to look into an upgrade.

Wireless phone companies heavily subsidize cost of handsets, especially to their new customers. This can result in a significant discount -- sometimes as much as a couple of hundred dollars off retail cost of a new phone. So question is -- what features do you need or want? And before you can respond to that, you need to know what is possible. The answer might amaze you.

There are people out there who feel they MUST have very best in wireless phone products. These folks flock to a site called PhoneScoop, which carries wireless telephone news and reviews of models on market -- some of which have yet to hit U.S. shores. Check out their "Phone Finder" to select a model that's right for you:

< http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/finder.php >

Among variables they'll ask you about are easy ones, like weight, antenna type and style (flip, folder, slide, etc.) But then list of possibilities is dizzying:

* Will you be traveling outside country? Then you might need World Roaming.

* Most wireless phones have some address book capacity. Others also have alarms, calendars, calculators and other organizing functions and may serve as a substitute for a PDA. (Hey, there are even hybrids that run on Palm OS or Windows CE)

* You will soon be hearing a lot about Bluetooth - this is a technology that enables electronic devices (like computers, PDA's, telephones) to work together as a wireless network. You may not be using it now - but some of hottest phones have it built in... so when you do, you'll be ready.

* Say "Cheese!" One wireless carrier has been putting a lot of money advertising their new "Vision" function, allowing you to send digital photos through your wireless telephone. Of course, you need a special handset for this. And while at this writing, phones on market do not include digital camera you need, there are some waiting in wings.

* Lots of wireless users have fun customizing their phones with colorful faceplates and different ringtones. But not all phones allow you to do this -- if you want yours to play theme from Spongebob Squarepants when it rings, you'll need a phone that has this feature enabled. Some even have ringtones that are "polyphonic," which means that they can simulate sound of up to 40 different instruments.

* If you spend a lot of time away from your home office, data capability may be a real convenience. Check email, surf web -- some phones will even allow you to receive faxes on go.

* Do you do a lot of purchasing by phone? You may benefit from security of a built-in "digital wallet."

* Some phones have a GPS (global satellite positioning) feature, which means that an emergency call to 911 could give operator your exact location. A definite plus for those concerned with security issues.

* While we do not advocate talking on your wireless while driving, we recognize that people will do so as long as it's legal. You can at least minimize your risks by selecting a phone with some hands-free options, like a headset jack or speaker and voice dialing.

Going Mobile: Wireless Phone Service for Your Home Business (Part 1 of 3) by Donna Schwartz Mills < http://ld.net/?americanglo >

There is no more important tool for your at-home business than your telephone. You need it to sell your services, negotiate prices, keep in touch with vendors, market and more. Posting your phone number on your website and listing it on your business card gives potential clients peace of mind that you are a real person that they can reach at will. It's a simple way to give yourself credibility, even as you are just starting out.

However, it doesn't take new home worker long to discover that there's no quicker way to lose that credibility than letting kids answer phone when clients call. That's why experts advise that you:

* Get a second phone line, dedicated to your business; * Let your family know that you are only one to answer it, and * Have a good voicemail system in place for those times when you can't answer it.

But this can be quite an investment when you're just starting out, especially if your home is not already wired for two telephone lines.

The solution: Go wireless.

As mobile phone use in United States has exploded, cost of wireless service has gone down -- so much that a growing market segment is foregoing traditional "landlines" entirely.

In fact, after comparing cost of installing another line to my home with cost of a mobile phone, I discovered that latter actually cost *less*. That's because today's wireless networks allow carriers to bundle features like voice-mail, three-way calling, call waiting and caller ID into their basic services -- at no extra charge. Throw in free nationwide long distance on some plans and you could end up *saving* money while gaining convenience of carrying your office phone with you while you're ferrying your kids to their after-school activities.

HOW TO FIND THE WIRELESS PLAN THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU

Start by asking yourself following questions:

1. How much time do I typically spend on phone each month for business? How much time do I think I will use for personal needs? When will I be using phone most? (M-F 9-5? Weekends? Evenings?)

2. Are my clients local or will I also need long distance?

3. How often do I leave my local calling area - either for business or personal reasons, and where do I go most often?

4. What extra features will I need? (These can include wireless Internet access, text messaging, free mobile to mobile calls, emergency roadside assistance, transmission of digital photos, etc. I highly recommend buying some kind of protection plan in case you lose or break your new phone - these can be lifesavers!)

Write down your answers and then visit following website, which is a clearinghouse for all things mobile: