Make the most of your cell phone

Free online services for Web enabled phones

Cell phones can be complex, yet very useful. They are handy when you are running late, or lost and need directions or a phone number. That information is available on a Web capable cell phone.

Cell phone technology advances so fast, it is difficult to keep up.

Mountain climbers who got trapped and separated from their group on Mount Hood relied on cell phones for their rescue. In the old days, in the same situation they would not have made it out alive. But thanks to cell phone technology, rescuers tracked the lost adventurers with the GPS built into the climbers' cell phone. They brought them back to safety.

Each phone has its own features and services, but most new phones offer Web data service. Data service provides the cell phone the capability to access the Internet. With some free online services for mobile phones, you can order a pizza on your way home or even locate a friend who is broken down -- all by accessing the Internet on your wireless phone.

Here is a list of tips to help make the most of your cell phone.

Google Mobile

Get access to Google and Google maps anytime you need it

Google took its popular search engine and created an easy to use web application for cell phones. You can use your phone to look up just about anything that you can also find on your computer. Dial G o o g l e (466453).

Another way to access Google Mobile is by visiting the site and entering your phone number. Google will send a text message with the number and a link. Use the cell phone to bookmark it for future visits.

Google not only gives you access to their search engine, but also provides the technology of their maps right to your phone. You can get real-time traffic for major cities including Orlando and Tampa, detailed directions and satellite imagery. Visit www.google.com/gmm on your cell phone.

If you have trouble finding what you need on Google SMS, just send a text message to g-o-o-g-l-e (466453), with the message "help" for more information.

Free 411

Get directory assistance anywhere free

Most of us know about the 411 service that provides directory assistance. This service is even more useful when you are on the road, without a laptop, and you need the phone number of a place of business to order pizza on your way home or call your hair dresser to inform her you are stuck in traffic on I-4.

What most don't realize is that there is a $1.50 - $2 charge for each call you make to 411 on your cell phone. After a few calls, it gets expensive.

Free411.com provides the same service for no cost, by dialing 1-800-FREE-411. All funding for the service will be paid by advertisers; in return you must listen to the 20-second commercial while waiting for your number.

Mologogo - free GPS

Share your location and track friends and family for free

Mologogo.com allows you to share your location with friends and family, so they can locate you during an emergency.

This could become very useful if someone was missing or a parent just wants to know where their child is. Only users you invite can see your location.

It combines real-time tracking, maps, and even chat into one application.

This would be a fun way to play hide and seek on campus.

Pinger

You don't need Nextel to ping your friends

Pinger is a free messaging service for mobile phones. Just want to give someone, or 20 of your friends at once, a voice message without ringing their phone? Pinger allows instant voice messaging service for free. It is easy to use once you get through the sign-up process.

Just go to Pinger.com to sign up.

Watch My Cell

Overage charge buster to the rescue

WatchMyCell.com keeps an eye on your minute usage so that you don't have to. It is a free application that claims to have no advertisements, adaware, spyware or dishware. This application checks your account every 3 hours and notifies you by SMS or email when you run out of minutes.

You will never have to worry about pesky overage charges again.

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