Besides this online column, I write "Hassle-Free PC" for the print version of PC World. The June issue is online, and with it, my column, "Smart Ways to Use Your Cell Phone." (I know it's still May, but that's how the magazine publishing biz works.)

As usual, I have some leftovers--useful products that I couldn't squeeze into the 550-word column.

For instance, Bones in Motion has a clever way for you to turn your GPS-enabled cell phone into an ersatz personal trainer. Download the software, pony up $10 a month, and keep track of distance, route, speed, and calories burned.

Back Up Your Contacts

In the column I also mentioned a couple of gadgets that will back up the data on your cell phone. My favorite is DataPilot, a cable and software combo that not only saves data to your PC, but it also lets you sync your phone with Microsoft Outlook and upload videos and MP3s.

But there are other ways you can back up your contact info. Read Grace Aquino's April "Dialed In" column for several more options.

Dig This: The latest version of Linux--with new packaging--is now available at your local 99 Cents store.

Emergency Power

If you're on the road and need an emergency charge for your cell phone, I have a couple of gadgets for you to choose from. Charge 2 Go's charger uses a single AA battery and looks very cool--but at $25, it's expensive.

APC's USB Battery Extender connects to your cell phone or PDA via USB. The device uses three AAA batteries and costs a little over $8. On the downside, you need to fork out another $10 for a cable that matches your gadget. Or you could just pop over to HackaDay and make your own battery charger.

But seriously, take a look at PC World's "Battery Boosters." It's got a page of tips on how to save cell phone juice, plus a couple more chargers to check out.

Dig This: Are cell phones flammable? These guys decided to find out.

Dig This, Too: Okay, so you know you can set your phone to ring, play you a song, or vibrate when a call comes in. But here's one that does a little dance.

A Super Signal (Maybe)

I received an e-mail from a reader, David J. He said, "I want to give up my landline and use my cell phone exclusively in my home, both for personal and home office business use. Unfortunately, I can never get a strong enough signal."

I figured I could find something to help this guy out, so I started looking around.

The first thing I came across was the CellAntenna Patch Glass Mount Antenna with Suction Cups. The $25 gadget has two suction cups to mount on a window. The antenna connects to your cell phone with a 4-foot cable. It's made to be used in a car, though the PR flak, as well as an engineer from the company, suggested I try it at home. I did, and it didn't do much good--I had the same terrible reception.

While I had the ear of the CellAntenna company representative, who was an engineer, I also complained that the Cell Antenna didn't increase the signal strength bars on my phone. The guy said, "the antenna is not a high-gain antenna. The signal bar meter is sort of deceptive. It's there to give the cell phone user a good feeling if it has 3, 4, or 5 bars. When you plug in the antenna, is the quality of the call any better? If not, it's possible that the antenna is just not powerful enough for the signal in the area and a higher-gain, perhaps mag-mount style, antenna might do a better job for you."

Spotwave's Zen has lots more potential (and don't you love the name?). The Zen has two components. You mount the first part, the antenna, in say, a closet, attic, or drop ceiling--or even outdoors. Then you use a cable to connect the antenna to the second part, known as the "coverage unit," in the location you'll be calling from the most. The company claims the Zen boosts the signal indoors, covering a 2500-square-foot area.

Unfortunately, the Zen's not cheap: The kit sells for $400. Even more unfortunately, I haven't tried it yet. The company continues to promise me an evaluation unit.

Quick Aside: If you're experiencing a strong feeling of déjà vu, don't worry, you're not going nuts. A few months ago I did a column on cool cell-phone gear that I found at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Steve Bass writes PC World's monthly "Hassle-Free PC" column and is the author of PC Annoyances, 2nd Edition: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer, available from O'Reilly. He also writes PC World's daily Tips & Tweaks blog. Sign up to have Steve's newsletter e-mailed to you each week. Comments or questions? Send Steve e-mail.