Take care with a lost phone

Q: I want to know if it's possible to unlock an LG VX8500 Chocolate used on Verizon Wireless, then insert a SIM card for use in the United Kingdom.
--Ruth

A: Unfortunately, you won't be able to use the VX8500 in the United Kingdom because it uses a technology called CDMA, which is not used anywhere in Europe. And more to the point, the VX8500 won't even accommodate SIM cards.

Q: If I can get pictures and music and play games on my cell phone, why can't I receive and print faxes?
--Aquagato

A: That's not such a bizarre request, Aquagato. You can use some cell phones as modems when they're connected to a computer. Of course, you won't be able to print anything on your phone--you'll need an actual printer for that--but you can use your handset to surf the Internet from your PC and send and receive faxes and e-mails.

You'll need a few things to make this happen, however. First off, you'll need an ISP for your computer and a data plan for your phone from your wireless operator. The latter isn't completely necessary, but it can help you save money if you're going to be using your phones as a modem frequently. Secondly, you'll need a way to connect your phone to the PC. Typically you accomplish this through a data cable that has a USB connector at one end and a special connector that will fit in your phone at the other. These cables are available from your carrier, though you might have to pay extra for it--usually $20 or so. Alternatively, some phone models will allow you to establish a modem connection via Bluetooth, but that capability will vary sharply depending on your carrier. Verizon Wireless in particular likes to restrict Bluetooth use on its phones, so it's important you verify compatibility first. The last thing you'll need is software on your PC that will let it establish a connection to your phone. Often called "Mobile Tools" or "Mobile Syncing" software, it can come from your carrier, from your phone's manufacturer, or from a third party. For more information on setting up such a process, take a look at CNET's Insider Secret.

It's important to note that unless you have a phone that supports 3G (wireless broadband) data speeds, your connection will be pretty slow. In most cases for phones that support GPRS, EDGE, or 1xRTT networks, your connection won't be much faster than a 56Kbps modem.

Q: If I am replacing a lost phone, how do I program the replacement phone with my number?
--May

A: If you've lost your phone you can program your new handset with your phone number in one of two ways. If you use a GSM carrier such as T-Mobile or Cingular, your phone number will come integrated on your new SIM card. You'll have to order a new SIM card from your carrier--a charge of about $15 is common--but once you insert it into your new handset, you'll be all set. But if you use a CDMA carrier such as Sprint or Verizon Wireless, the process takes a couple extra steps. Because CDMA phones don't use SIM cards, they must be programmed with a series of codes in order to start working with your number. You can have the carrier do this for you, or you can call your carrier and get instructions for doing so yourself.

It's important to note, though, that if you lose your phone, you should report it as lost immediately and get a confirmation that your carrier has received your report. As a rule (just check your contract), carriers will hold you responsible for all calls made from your handset at all times. That's true even if it's lost--and you can prove it was lost later--but you don't call to report it as missing right away. So remember to report it right away, or you could wind up like these unlucky callers.