Battery cellular panasonic phone

With more than 30 million cellular phone users in the United States, its no wonder cellular phones have come so far in such a short time. Lean, light and yet more powerful, cellular phone technology has exploded so fast that some of the latest models are virtually multifunctional machines - but still fit into a shirt pocket without wrinkling it.

A myriad of new features and functions enable you to use a cell phone as a pager, to fax and input data, switch automatically from a weakening signal to a stronger one, store up to 100 phone numbers, and recharge the battery in your car's cigarette lighter. Key locks guard agains unauthorized use, voice mail alerts let you know someone called while you were away, and Any Key Answer means you can press any key to answer a call.

While sophisticated cell phones retail for $200 and up, street prices differ dramatically, often as much as 60 percent - so shop around. Some models are available only through service carriers that offer a bonus cell phone if you sign up with their company. If you go this route, be careful: Some of these "free" units are discontinued models and offer restricted features.

Accessories add a hefty chunk to your total cost. Hands-free kits can average $350; adapters for the cigarette lighter, $80; battery chargers, $100. Most new models offer a variety of battery options so you can talk longer before the battery runs out. And most cell phones are now digital, providing higher-quality sound and cheaper service than the analog models that once dominated the market. Here's a look at the latest.

* Audiovox. The MVX-800 is one of the world's slimmest and lightest cell phones. Features include a three-line screen for the name and number you're calling, an anti-fraud personal ID number, speed dialing, an LED call indicator light that flashes rather than rings, and a keypad you can lock to prevent others from using the phone. Options include a handsfree car kit, cigarette lighter adaptor and longer-life battery.

* Ericsson. Three tiny digital models provide something for everyone. The DH 318, DH 258 and DF 388 fit into your palm and weigh just over 6 ounces. The major difference between the three models is storage and price (see the chart on page 50).

All three have a built-in pager with a message-received feature; indicators let you know if you have voice mail. The phones have one-button menu access and message retrieval, automatic redial, keypad locks and volume settings.

* Mitsubishi. This company's AH-5000 measures 6.1 inches and weighs just over 6 ounces. A rubber earpiece offers a soft surface; the name-and-number memory capacity is 99. For travelers, the AH-5000's clock display and alarm are welcome features, as are the calculator and pager. Jampacked with technology, this model has some 19 convenience features, 10 memory features, eight display features and five security features. Accessories include a fax-link cable, PCMCIA data/fax modem, cigarette lighter adaptor and quick charger kit.

Mitsubishi's AH-129 cell phone incorporates many of the above features plus offers a hands-free headset and can store phone numbers.

* Motorola: A leader in cellular phones, Motorola claims its Star-TAC is the world's first wearable phone. It fits the smallest of pockets and can even hang around your neck on a chain. The StarTAC weighs in at 3.1 ounces; the secret to its size is two miniaturized batteries - one a backup - that provide as much talk time as larger competitors. Other popular features include a security lock, a button for one-hand use, VibraCall that alerts you to an incoming call by vibration rather than ringing, and hands-free capability. The buttons are a bit small, but the two-line display screen is easy to read.

Motorola's other models range from lightweight personal flip phones to some of the most powerful, heavyduty cellular phones available. The MicroTAC Lite II Interfaces with laptops and fax machines, the Power PAK phone features a customized case and a separate base and handset, and the TX400 Attache tucks into a snazzy Day-Timer-style portfolio case.

* NEC: The TalkTime 800 series has three models, each offering 135 minutes of continuous talking or 36 hours of standby time (the time during which the phone is in receive mode). Included are a single-port desktop charger, retractable antenna and rechargeable battery. You can answer incoming calls by pressing any key. A call-in-absence display on the screen tells you what calls came in while you weren't around; a call timer tracks how long you've been on the line. The differences between the three are cosmetic. The 840,s buttons are oval, and each model has a different-shaped screen.

Nokia: Another microportable cell phone is the Nokia 232. Hook it up to and receive faxes a multiple battery options allow talk times ranging from 40 minutes to two and a half hours. Features include volume control, locking codes, call restrictions and reminder messages.

First-time analog cellular buyers should check out the Nokia 638. The screen is easy to read, the buttons are large and well-marked, and you can talk for two hours without recharging. Features include fraud security, easy-to-use menu and scroll keys, and one-touch function keys to store 40 names and phone numbers, charge calls with a calling card and set the electronic lock. Nokia's accessories include desktop charging stands and waterproof carrying pouches.

* Oki: Oki's LibertyLine 1400 is a corded phone for your office that doubles as a cellular unit on the road. The base includes a built-in charger so away from the office, the handset can function as a cell phone complete with its own phone number, display screen, call forwarding button, and authentication button to guard against fraud.

Oki's 1415 cell phone is small with a one-line display screen. Press one key, and the display is backlit; enter a password, and you can lock or unlock the phone. The unit can also be hands-free, thanks to its earpiece, microphone and plugin jack.

* Panasonic: Two of Panasonic's newest low-cost models are among the world's smallest. the basic EB-H63 and the higher-grade EB-H65. Both feature one-touch dialing, redial, signal and battery strength indicators, a built-in authentication system to prevent fraud and an optional high-capacity battery. The EB-H63 has a one-line display screen; the EB-H10 has a two-line screen, more memory and an optional car mount kit.

Panasonic's entry-level cellular phones, the EB-H10 and EB-H20, offer basic functions and ease of use. Power and performance differentiate the two; the upgraded EB-H20 can operate with two different phone numbers on two different cellular systems, each with its own distinctive ring.

The EB-H70S is Panasonic's most expensive and sophisticated model. Palm-sized with all the bells and whistles, it records voice memos up to 20 seconds long so you can tape notes or reminders while driving. The phone can also be set to receive only or allow outgoing calls only.

* Sony: As small as a pager, the CM-RX100 has a folding microphone ann that doubles as a send/end key. A Dial Shuttle on the side of the phone eliminates the. need to use keypad buttons to retrieve stored numbers. With an optional handsfree kit, the phone is automatically answered after two rings.

The slightly larger CM-D700 has a dual-mode feature kit works on both analog and digital systems), a retractable antenna, an internal system that allows you the option to avoid extra roaming charges, voicemail alert, redial, any-key answer and a four-line display screen. Sony's CM-D500 dual-mode phone has four-line display-screen and lets you talk for up to five hours.

The most elegant analog, cellular phone from Sony is the sleek CM-H888. With curved edges and circular buttons, it has the latest hightech features plus a retractable antenna. It's sold with a free handstrap, battery pack and adapter.