5. Cingular

Cingular Wireless Go Phone

Over a number of weeks, corporate communications representatives at Cingular repeatedly failed to return calls, so we have only what we could glean from the Web and the sales line. We don't know, for example, why a test shopping cart said we would have an activation fee added, but didn't reveal how much it would be. A huge area on the Cingular map is bare of network coverage. There are also warnings that coverage is not guaranteed on the map and deeper inside the site. This all made the old "Saturday Night Live" routine about Happy Fun Ball seem less comedic. Because of many unanswered questions, we only list the first couple of Cingular plans here.

Cingular warns: "Service is not available at all times in all places. View Map and Coverage Limitations."

Two Cingular Phones (phones And Prices Are As Of Mid-January 2006)

Samsung C207: mobile instant messaging using AOL Instant Messenger, color display, calendar, calculator, to-do list, voice memo. Price: $39.99 after $10 online discount.

Motorola RAZR V3: video and camera phone with 4x zoom, ultra-thin form-factor. Price: $249.99.