2torial #0639:
Learn2 Choose a Pager (continued)

Understand pager types

There are three basic kinds of pagers, categorized by the sort of messaging they use:

Numeric. These are what most people imagine when they think of a pager. Numeric pagers can receive only numeric messages of less than 20 characters--usually, the phone number of the person paging you. From a touch-tone phone, callers dial your pager's number and are connected with the pager terminal. They hear a tone, enter their numeric message, and hang up. The pager then displays the number the person enters.

Alphanumeric. These devices can receive both numeric and text messages. Depending on their capacity and features, they can also let you send pages and receive emails, faxes, Internet-based information updates, and even voice messages. There are several means by which people can send you text messages:

• By calling a live operator who transcribes the message and transmits it to your pager

• By email

• By fax

• Through your paging company's website

• Through a modem and paging software on the sender's computer

Two-way. Two-way pagers offer all the options of alphanumeric pages, but also let you send emails and faxes.

Naturally, the more your pager can do, and the more advanced services you buy with it, the more you pay. Some high-end pagers with plush service plans can rival wireless phones and palmtop devices in price. The next few steps should help you decide which kind of pager and plan will serve you best.