By definition, an interactive pager allows users to respond to messages without having to pick up a phone. Until relatively recently, though, the options for responding were severely limited. The latest generation of two-way pagers give you a much better ability to craft more detailed responses to complex questions--phone free.

These one-stop message centers can send and receive email and pages as well as transmit faxes; some can even send computerized voice messages. Most have address books for storage of all the numbers and addresses you'll need. Like tiny computers, they have both a keyboard and a display.

Unfortunately, they also resemble a computer in their price. These pagers start at a few hundred dollars each, and can get up to $700 (not including monthly fees, which can run between $25-$50). They're worth buying only if you'll really get value out of all the functionality.

If you find that most of your wireless phone calls can be left as messages, an interactive pager can be a viable alternative to a wireless phone.