From the clunky, ugly things used mainly by businesspeople a couple of decades ago, cell phones have shrunk, and at the same time risen, to tiny little things that can fit in the palm of your hand, and yet possess an array of convenient and entertaining features. Cell phone subscription in the United States is now estimated to be over 190 million, out of a population of about 225 million. Even kindergarteners these days are flipping open those cell phones on the playgrounds to call their mommies.

Now that cell phones are increasingly pushing land lines off the market, the populace that remains without a cell phone, or that owns one but never delves deeper than the address book, must come to terms with this wonderful invention and learn to use it to the full extent of its possibilities.

Although the features that the most users are the most familiar with are the games (snake and pong?) and the address book, there are many other helpful features that most cell phones include. To make the most of your phone, you must ferret out these features and take them for what they're worth. To know what's going on with your phone, though, you have to know the basics first. Of primary importance is reading your cell phone's manual.

This may seem like a dreary job, but cell phone manuals tend to be very accessible, with features divided into categories and easy to understand (not to mention quick to read) instructions. You should also look around the cell phone provider's website. Companies like Nokia have websites that contain constantly updated information on their products, and surfing such sites is a great way to learn more about your phone. And always have the 1-800 number for your cell phone's tech support line hanging around. You never know when you might need it.

Now to the features