Joni Blecher, a.k.a. the Cell Phone Diva, wants to answer all your questions about cell phones, service plans, and wireless connectivity. Send her a question!

The network dance
Q: I am not having good reception on my AT&T wireless digital phone. I'm not certain if it is the phone or the service. When I went to several AT&T stores, the salesperson said that I should change to the newer GSM system and GSM phones should work better and cost less than my current plan. I was told the networks with GSM national are better. In your industry experience, should I switch to GSM service?

Thanks for your help.
--Alan

A: It's not a question of which network is better but what works best for you. But first, let me translate what the salespeople are saying: The phone you have works on the TDMA network, which is an older technology than GSM. AT&T Wireless and Cingular Wireless have spent the past few years building out digital GSM networks and slowly transitioning existing TDMA users to GSM service by offering more handsets and better-priced plans. At this point, there is more support for GSM networks, and coverage areas are improving.

That said, the bottom line is that if the service works for you where you need it, go ahead and switch. Before signing on the dotted line, however, inquire about the return policy. Find out how long you can try out the new service before you can return it without incurring any penalties. For more information, see our cell phone buying guide.

Wired downloads
Q: If you buy a camera phone, can you download the pictures you take from the phone onto your computer, without having to e-mail it from your phone at an additional cost?
--frenchgirl

A: Absolutely! There's no need for images to be held captive in your handset. Just be prepared to get a couple of accessories to connect your wireless phone with your computer--that is, if you don't have a Bluetooth- or IR-enabled handset. If your mobile does have Bluetooth or an IR port, then you can send images to compatible computers or handhelds and sync up images with the desktop.

If you don't have any extra wireless features on your phone, no worries; just check out your phone manufacturer's Web site for compatible cables and software. Beware that sometimes these products are sold separately. For more information on setting your pictures free from your phone, check out the book How to Do Everything with Your Camera Phone by John Frederick Moore.

KIS phones
Q: Do you have a recommendation for a simple, easy-to-use cell phone for seniors? Large buttons, few functions, turns off when closed?
--Pam

A: As phones shrink in size and add features, finding a handset that's easy to use is not as simple as it might seem. This is not an uncommon request; in fact, my dad asks me the same question often. He fondly refers to them as KIS (keep it simple) products. That said, we've made it easier to find KIS phones by creating a top products list of basic phones.

How would you use a high-speed data network? TalkBack to me below.