AT&T subscribers can access e-mail using the Nokia 6200 ($49.99 with a contract), a compact phone that is oddly shaped and has an uncomfortable keyboard. While text messaging from the phone interface is fairly seamless, we weren't happy with the online experience offered by mMode (pay as you go, $2.99 per month; 1MB of transfers, $7.99). mMode, which connects you to the "mobile" Web, can be set to access your POP3 and IMAP accounts. Unfortunately, you often must jump through several pages before you can read or reply to e-mails.

We usually recommend that cell-phone users set up their mail via computer, on the service provider's Web site, but AT&T's site doesn't seem to offer all the necessary features. We had to set up our POP3 mail through the phone; through the site, we could set up only from a set list of servers (like AT&T Worldnet and EarthLink).

AT&T also offers the Office Online service ($2.99 a month, or $4.99 a month with file-sharing service). This allows access to Lotus Domino and Microsoft Exchange corporate e-mail.