With so many wireless personal communications options available, you can struggle to decide which handheld communication device is right for you. Amazingly, some still resist the lure of wireless personal communication devices like cell phones and BlackBerrys.

Whether you think you already own the right wireless personal communications device or you've never even held one, you should see what's available now. Manufacturers build them to sell, so they do include features that enhance your life. Besides, you can still turn off handheld communication devices any time you choose. When shopping for personal communication devices:

1. Approach wireless personal communications service plans with caution, and make sure the one you choose won't result in extra charges for excessive minutes, texting, Internet access or downloads.

2. Find handheld communication devices with as many or as few features as you need, so don't spend money on an Apple iPod Phone if you don't intend to use a wireless personal communication device to frequently download and listen to music and browse the Internet.

3. Iron out any compatibility issues before you buy handheld personal communications devices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start simple with wireless personal communication devices like pagers

Pagers, like other personal wireless telecommunications devices, keep you connected to the world, but at your own discretion. They don't demand your immediate attention like ringing cell phones and other wireless personal communications. You can find pagers that only work within your office environment, or you can shop for pagers that work for both your business and personal life.

I recommend: Use the chart at American Messaging to determine what type of pager most suits you; while there, check out their current promotions. If you only need your pager to reach someone who works in your company, consider the NetPage PC Paging System by Long Range Systems. With voice mail, email, a range of one mile and quicker working than cell phones, the pager lets you send a text page to anyone in your company from your own computer.

Choose a cell phone if you need more than a pager

Selecting the right cell phone can quickly burden you because of the range of choices. Some of the cheapest cell phones today let you text, send/receive voice mails, take pictures and connect to the Internet. Consider starting your research by visiting several providers of wireless telecommunications devices so you can hold the different models to get a feel for the overall size of the phones. Then, shop online to compare phones for size, features and pricing.

I recommend: Start comparing cell phones at PhoneDog. You can also answer a few questions at CNET about what you're looking for and then compare phones. If you're thinking of ordering cell phones instead of traditional phones for your business, check out the small business phones and plans at Sprint.

Research handheld personal communications devices like PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant)/Smartphones

Some people carry 2 or 3 devices to conduct wireless personal communications -- their cell phone, MP3 player and a notebook -- when they only need to carry one handheld communication device to perform the same functions. A PDA/Smartphone today can provide you with a cell phone, camera, email access, music, Internet access and even GPS. Getting rid of all your other devices just might simplify your life.

I recommend: Begin your research with the PC World chart containing their ranking of the top 10 personal wireless telecommunications solutions. You can also check providers of wireless telecommunications devices like Verizon and AT&T for their PDA/Smartphones and service plans.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you compare prices and features of wireless personal communication devices; make sure you understand the battery life of each one, so you don't end up disappointed in the talk time for the phone you buy.