I'll admit it-I'm a cell phone addict. What I love most is the efficiency my phone affords me; I can take advantage of idle time to check messages or return calls. Now, I can WAP my phone for even greater productivity.

What is WAP? Short for Wireless Access Protocol, WAP is a standard that allows wireless devices to access a "lite" version of the Internet. Using WAP, you can receive e-mail, check the latest news, even surf Web sites.

Although WAP has been around for some time with personal digital assistants, only recently have cell phones have been WAP-enabled. Naturally, I was interested to learn more about WAP cell phones.

Surfing takes some getting used to

Specifically, I wondered if surfing the Internet through a two-inch LCD screen was anything like surfing on a full-size computer. Overall, I found WAP phones both fun and impressive. But I also discovered some severe limitations.

First off, like other WAP devices, these phones can only access sites written for WAP devices. (To see which sites have WAP versions, use popular search engines such as Yahoo! and Google for listings.)

Also, navigating a browser on a WAP phone is rather different than using a regular browser on your PC. You choose from a list of options by pushing buttons on your phone pad.

And how is typing and email with a phone pad? Actually, if you keep your answers short, it's not that bad. Many models use software that do a nice job of anticipating the word you're typing based on its common usage. You can also program your phone with canned responses like "Will call you later."

Choosing a plan

When comparing service plans, keep some questions in mind:

• Does the plan's carrier work with the phone model you prefer?
• Does your time spent on the Web count toward your regular phone call minutes?
• Does the plan allow you to surf the Web while simultaneously making a regular call?

Also look into special WAP offerings that the carrier has assembled. With various carriers you will find services such as sending and receiving faxes. Or do you have to send tasks to offsite employees often? Dispatching and tracking work orders through your WAP phone may become a regular part of your business.

Costs

The phones themselves retail from $99 to $299. Not surprisingly, the smaller and lighter the phone, the higher the price. Some carriers will sell phones at reduced rates if you buy service through them.

Internet access is generally priced as a separate plan in addition to your cellular service. I've seen rates start from $10-$15 per month. Since structures can vary quite a bit, and per minute charges are de rigueur, read the fine print to make sure you understand exactly how you will be charged.

So is it worth it to WAP? At this point, I only recommend it if you need wireless Internet access for your computer or if you want to access e-mail even without a computer. Although WAP will no doubt emerge with stronger offerings, right now I don't think it quite packs the punch.

Quick tips

Usability testing. Look for a big screen and an easy-to-use keyboard when comparing phones. Is it WAP-ed? Don't buy a WAP phone just to get on your favorite Web site when you're away from your desk. If it hasn't been WAP-enabled yet, you won't be able to access it. True WAP. Different flavors of Internet access for wireless devices exist. Check the details to learn what you are getting.