Are swivel phones durable?

Q: I'm considering the Sony Ericsson S710a, which has a swivel design. However, after seeing some of the display models, I'm concerned that if I buy one, the swivel mechanism will become too loose. One of the display models could not even remain in the closed position. I really like the phone, but I'm torn. Please advise.
--Dan

A: Nearly every cell phone will suffer wear and tear over time, simply because we use them continuously for months on end. Unless you purchase a candy bar-style mobile, whichever phone you buy is liable to get loose at some point. Yet you pose a good question. Personally, I've used the S710a for a few months and have experienced no problems with the swivel mechanism becoming loose or the phone not staying closed. You should also understand that display models in a carrier store aren't the best examples of how the phone will look and feel if you buy it. In many cases, they're not even built from the same production materials. T-Mobile, for instance, has nonworking display models in its stores, so you should always ask to see an actual handset. And more importantly, remember that these display models are handled each day by a lot of people who won't treat them with as much care as you would your own cell phone.

Seeing your phone's screen
Q: I'm 48, and along with millions of other baby boomers, my eyes are not what they used to be. For the life of me, I cannot find a Sprint phone that has font sizes that are large enough to read without my glasses. It's especially problematic when driving as I have to hold the phone in my hands in order to see the display. This has to be an issue with millions of folks. What's the solution?
--Kevin

A: You have a couple of options, Kevin. The first is to look for a cell phone that lets you change the font size for the display. This isn't an extremely common feature, so you'll have to do some research, but CNET indicates in our phone reviews whether it's possible. An example of a Sprint phone with this feature is the LG PM-225. Besides changing the font size, you can adjust the contrast, which may also help increase visibility. The drawback of the PM-225 is that it's a relatively small phone, with a screen that measures 1.75 inches diagonally. Another option is to choose a phone with a large display. These mobiles tend to be bigger overall, but the increased screen size can make it easier to read the text.

No pictures, please
Q: Why can't I get a state-of-the-art phone without a camera? In my professional life, most of the clients I visit--government facilities and manufacturing plants--do not allow cell phones with cameras.
--Saul

A: You're correct, Saul, most high-end phones on the market include a camera. This can create a dilemma for people such as yourself who need a business-friendly phone that you can bring to work. I hope that mobile manufacturers will consider people like you when designing new models, but in the meantime, you have some options. Verizon Wireless offers the Samsung SCH-i730 and the Audiovox XV6000, neither of which has a camera. Additionally, all BlackBerry devices, such as the RIM BlackBerry 7290 (available with Cingular and T-Mobile), come without cameras.

Texting trustworthiness
Q: How safe is text messaging?
--Johanne

A: Text-messaging security is becoming a controversial subject. Just last month, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich signed a bill authorizing Chicago police to start intercepting text messages as part of investigations. Also, the BBC reported last year that the Chinese government was censoring text messages for pornographic or fraudulent content.

Though the industry insists that text messages are safe because they are encrypted by an algorithm, no security system is perfect, and a hacker could potentially break into your carrier's computers to access messages, as someone did with Paris Hilton's T-Mobile Sidekick II. Still, I don't think there is any cause for worry. Even with all the hubbub regarding text-messaging security, the chances that someone will intercept your messages are slim. But if you're worried, refrain from sending anything in a text message that you wouldn't want prying eyes to see.