Finally, the Apple iPhone

Q: I'm a huge Apple fan and am tremendously excited about the iPhone. I use Verizon Wireless and cannot change carriers because my company pays for my phone and the service. How long will the iPhone be on Cingular only? Will Verizon (or any other carrier for that matter) ever get it?
--Tony

A: Unfortunately, Tony, you know as much I do. Apple and Cingular have said only that they signed a "multiyear" contract for Cingular exclusivity. Neither party would say just how long that contract will last, which I know is disappointing to Applephiles who aren't Cingular customers. We also don't know how the two companies will be sharing the profits from sales of the iPhone nor how much they shared the research and development. But this is Apple, and it likes to keep secrets, so I wouldn't be surprised if Apple kept Cingular in the dark on most details until shortly before the iPhone announcement.

Exclusivity contracts like this are common in the world of cell phones, especially for high-profile devices like the Apple iPhone. While they're great for carriers (Cingular must be ecstatic to have a lock on this device) I'm not a big fan because they sharply limit customer choice.

Q: Are any cell phones available that offer both FM and AM bands? I know that some phones are FM-capable, but I listen to AM radio a lot and would love to have that feature on a phone (and I have a feeling I'm the only one who wants that!).
--Erik

A: Sorry, Erik, but I haven't seen a phone that includes an AM radio. As you know, there are a lot of phones with FM receivers out there, but I have to admit that you are the first person ever to ask me such a question. I don't know the exact reasons why AM receivers have been left off of phones, but I'm sure the costs associated with adding both kinds of radio to a phone are a concern. In addition, because AM radio waves can be more susceptible to interference from electronic devices, I'd wager that the signal you'd receive would not be too strong in the first place.

Q: Is it worth getting mobile phone insurance? I just joined Verizon Wireless, and to me it seems dumb paying $6 a month for two years with a $50 deductible.
--Felipe

A: I wouldn't recommend cell phone insurance for everybody. As you note, it can be an expensive proposition over time. But if you're prone to losing things or tend to be rough on your gadgets, it can be a good idea. I haven't heard of any viable third-party options for insuring your phone through a company other than your carrier, but you may be able to add your phone to your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or you can insure it through your credit card.

If you do choose to use pay for Verizon's insurance, be sure to read the fine print. First, the carrier limits how many times a year you can replace a lost or damaged phone. Second, you don't always get the same model in return, so if you're loyal to a specific phone, make sure you're going to get what you want if you have to file a claim. Keep in mind that there's also no guarantee that you'll be getting a brand-new phone; instead, you could end up with a refurbished model.