Bluetooth jam

Q: If I have two Bluetooth phones (the Sony Ericsson T68 and the new Motorola Razr V3), can I transfer my contacts from one phone to another?
--Rick

A: In theory, this should be no problem. But if you encounter difficulties, try a software program such as Motorola's Mobile Tools. If you have a Bluetooth- or IR-enabled computer, you won't need any cables. Though this will take a while, you can try syncing the T68 contacts via Bluetooth or IR to the computer, then sync them with the Razr once you've deleted any extra or duplicate contact info. If you have trouble getting Mobile Tools to work initially (that is, if the computer won't recognize the phone), an uninstall/reinstall will typically solve the problem. Also consider that when syncing with Outlook, only fields that your phone supports will show up; see CNET's review of the Motorola V600 for more information.

Beyond Bluetooth, you also can try third-party syncing software such as Mobile Action Handset Manager 9.0, Susteen's DataPilot, and FutureDial suite.

Cells for seniors
Q: My Mom lives near Boston and wants to get a basic cell phone for her personal use. She would use it both locally and traveling to see us in Connecticut (I use T-Mobile). I would like your opinion on the three basics: (1) best carrier, (2) most efficient plan, and (3) best phone. She is 88 and would use the phone for only the basics (certainly no text messaging/camera). She would like a handset that is very easy to understand and straightforward to use, and it would be nice if it had GSM so that we could know her location in any emergency.
--Bob

A: To be sure, one of the prime advantages of owning a cell phone is that it's great for emergencies; you'll be able to reach your mother, and she'll be able to reach you at almost any time. And don't let the thought of securing a phone, a carrier, and a plan concern you. There's a suitable mobile for almost anyone--even someone who's unfamiliar with technology and has never used a cell phone before.

As far as a carrier and a plan, let me begin by saying I can't tell you which operator will have the best coverage for the Boston area. Service varies sharply by geographic location, so your best bet is to ask your mom's neighbors which carrier they use. Plans are another matter, and as I see it, you have a couple of options. For many of its normal plans, T-Mobile (which uses GSM) offers free minutes between T-Mobile phones, so you could talk to your mom for free when she calls from her cell phone. The cheapest applicable plan is $19.99 for 60 anytime minutes and 500 night and weekend minutes. Of course, you have to sign a contract, and you're subject to taxes and other fees. It's my guess, however, that 560 minutes might be more than your mom will need, so you might want to consider a prepay plan. The advantage here is that you don't sign a contract, and you pay for only what you use. T-Mobile is one of a few carriers to offer prepay plans, but keep in mind that restrictions vary. For a full rundown on prepay plans, check back in a couple weeks for CNET's quick guide to prepay cell phone plans. Also be sure to take a look at our cell phone buying guide.

Of course, your next step is choosing a phone. I would look for a basic handset without a camera that's designed only to make calls. While carriers tend to emphasize their flashiest mobiles, you have quite a few choices for a simple cell. In fact, we keep a list of our favorite basic phones, and we update it regularly. On the upside, basic phones are easy to use and affordably priced. On the downside, they tend to be smaller in size, so be sure to look for something that has large numbers on the keys, an easy-to-read screen, and an option to change text font size. LG usually does a good job making basic phones that fit this description, and the VX3200 for Verizon is a good example. You also might want to take a look at devices such as the new Wherifone. Though it lacks a traditional keypad, thee keys dial five programmed numbers, and an emergency panic button immediately rings 911. It also comes with a GPS locator, which can pinpoint the user's location up to a few feet. You can access location information over the Internet for an additional fee.

Cell phone viruses
Q: There are e-mails/rumors circulating about not answering calls from so-and-so, as upon answering the call, your cell will immediately be attacked by some virus that will erase all information from the phone and the SIM card. Is this a real threat or just a hoax (the way all virus-alert chain e-mails always are)?
--Juliana

A: I'm not familiar with the exact e-mail you're referring to, but I'd be very skeptical of any kind of virus coming over a phone call. A virus could, however, come through as an attachment to a data transmission or a multimedia message. But remember that cell phone viruses tend to function largely like e-mail viruses, in that "catching" one takes a little effort. In the case of the Lasco virus that afflicted some Symbian phones, the virus arrived as an attachment to a message that you had to open. So you'll want to refrain from opening unknown cell phone messages, just as you should with strange e-mail attachments. And if you're worried about a virus arriving over Bluetooth, turn off the "discoverable" feature on your phone. That way, no one can connect to your phone without your knowledge.