One word UBUNTU!

Ok actually two, Ubuntu and Linux.
Did you know there is a option beyond Microsofts Windows and its well crafted, works very well and its in many cases just plain FREE!
Well lots of folks have been swearing by Linux based operating systems for a long time. I have finally found one that keeps it so darn simple it's time to see for yourself.
See the Ubuntu linux distro its well rounded and includes Open Office a free office suite thats compatible & just like MS OFFICE.
Bottom line, If you want Internet, E-mail, a good office package then you can actually make a CD from a download or get one or more for FREE sent to your home. Visit my link. Even older PC's will run it and when you see a "LIVE" cd that means you can run it without changing anything on your PC directly off the CD itself.

My Pre-paid Cell phone guide.

So many choices.
The point here is currently a post-paid or contract monthly plan for one line runs about $52 with taxes each month. Although you get great features and typically more minutes, most people can save real money with a pre-paid cell phone.
Many pre-paid phones let you roll minutes over as long as you add more airtime before the last minutes expire and typically don't require any commitment or activation fees finally no suprises!

Ok here are some questions.
1, Do you know how many minutes you will use per month?
can you answer less than 30 min or less than 150 per month?

2, Will the phone be off when your not calling?
Lets face it, If you call a friends phone a couple times and they don't answer or they tell you that they keep it off will you ever call them on that line again?
That alone may put you in the 30 minutes or less category.

3, Where will you use it?
Coverage. This is tough one don't waste time listening to those folks that complain about any certain brand, instead ask about return policys Wal-Mart is a good place to buy one they actually give you 90days on pre-paid phone returnsnote: keep everything and the reciept. Be aware that airtime cards you buy are impossible or at least difficult to return so consider this before buying the larger or one year cards with your first phone.

Here we go.
If you can say 30 minutes or less monthly use I recommend, Tracfone, buy a 20 dollar phone and 60min card at less than 20 bucks every 60 days and you end up paying $10 bucks a month to have a working cellphone and here's the best part, anytime you don't use all your minutes you get to keep them!

If you just can't live with less them 100 min per month or up to 150 minutes average then I recommend NET10 phones. Here's the deal, you pay about $15 a month and you can buy one for just 50 bucks you get 300 minutes that last 60 days and a nice phone. Ten cents a minute ALL THE TIME same deal as above the minutes rollover as long as you buy more airtime.

Now lets cover some other brands.
T-mobile to Go
Nice phones, Samsung & Nokia models reasonable rates and if you buy $100 dollars of minutes you get one year of service and possibly the best pre-paid rates the next $100 dollar card you get 15% more minutes 8.5 cents a minute imagine that. If you are deaf you can get a Sidekick keyboard phone even.

Cingular Go-Phone
Good phones here too currently Sony-Ericsson bars phones and other models starting at 40 bucks. Go-phones offer plans like a typical post paid plans even offering nights and weekends for a price. More money than a post-paid but no contracts visit the link above.

Verizon Inpulse
If your people are Verizon you get "in-calling" Verizon free mobile to mobile thats a good thing, 10 cents a minutes also a good thing, 99 cents a day if you use it or not everyday hmmmm, take a look anyway link above.

Virgin Mobile
We're on MTV! whoops lost me already!
No seriously kids will love some of the OPTIONS here, penny text messages free "Primetime 7pm to 7am" minutes cool phones on the Sprint network. Virgin sells a messaging phone with a keyboard for $129 its a cool deal. Look carefully at what they offer you may just love the plans! Sadly my suburban Sprint coverage is poor here otherwise I would consider them as the best overall carrier.
Go see the link above I don't get it but your kid might.

Alltelu
Well I'm not going to try to describe Alltel's plan offerings but they are different and you can get any 2 features like unlimited text or night and weekends included even in pre-paid plans, go visit the link above.

Boost Mobile
Booost Mobile, let it roll off your tongue baby we are all about the urban groove.
I have a Boost phone Boost is a pre-paid Nextel phone that means national Walkie-Talkie if you friend or business associates use Nextel you just have to get one of these. I can tell you I love push to talk but hate charging it everyday. Bottom line once again go visit the site.

Summery,
Yup, there are lots of choices and more pre-paid companies out there.
But I like simple practical options and even though Tracfone & NET10 are the same company they still keep it simple and cheap. By the way I don't invest in any one company I've mentioned and I welcome comments on this subject but once again remind you try one even if someone tells you they don't like a certain brand I have found mileage varies.

Also, Expect customer service issues with ALL pre & post-paid carriers. You are speaking to real people just like you, sometimes in other places. Be polite and if things get off track then try telling them you need to call back for some reason, the next person you reach may be more helpful. Many pre-paid carriers will ask for a zip code this is because they want to know where you will be using the phone. Cell phone companies consider their costs in each market if you use that companies product in a typically suburban area said company may not let you activate your new phone at YOUR SUBURBAN "hint, hint" address/zipcode.

Good luck, don't call us we'll can you.

How to save a wet cellphone

This one rocks! Go to WikiHow they have the whole thing in a easy read.
However, always remember battery out ASAP and the longer u wait to start drying the less apt it can be saved. Soda and saltwater are really bad things to dip your phone in, find a pro with the right tools for disassembly if you can for those.