AOL, Yahoo Buddy Up to Wireless Messaging

Put your instant messaging buddy list in your back pocket with new mobile IM services from America Online and Yahoo. Both use the souped-up alphanumeric pager from Research in Motion to let you swap instant missives easily and send and retrieve e-mail messages from anywhere.

There are drawbacks: These gadgets aren't cheap; wireless coverage gets spotty outside major cities; and associated service charges are pricey.

I tested shipping models of the AOL Mobile Communicator--with a base cost of $330, plus a monthly service fee of $20 on top of a required AOL membership ($22 a month)--and the $335 ELink Fortified With Yahoo device from Motient. The ELink runs a flat $35 per month for unlimited wireless access or $15 a month for 100KB of data, plus 15 cents for each additional KB.

The huge AOL Instant Messenger community is one of the Communicator's biggest draws: You can link up with about 61 million users. But the unit can only do instant messaging and e-mail. The ELink, in contrast, offers PDA functionality and the ability to trade messages with Yahoo's community of 10 million Yahoo Messenger users.

The ELink also gives users instant messaging and e-mail; a calendar and address book that synchronize with a desktop PC and any Web-based My Yahoo account; and a mobile Web browser that links to headline news and connects with your choice of wireless-friendly Web sites.

You also get a PC syncing cradle and an AA battery that accepts recharging inside the unit when it's in the cradle. AOL's Communicator ships with a nonrechargeable battery and no cradle.

In tests conducted in the Boston area, I obtained consistently trouble-free connections with the AOL service. I wasn't as fortunate with the Yahoo service--the ELink's coverage was spotty even though I tested it within advertised coverage areas. The AOL Communicator uses the Bell South Wireless Data network (available in 492 U.S. cities). Yahoo's ELink uses the Motient wireless data network (available in 500 U.S. cities).

Both devices automatically sync your buddy lists with corresponding lists stored on central servers, so the same buddy data that shows up when you use the desktop software versions appears on the mobile devices. Both let you conduct simultaneous chats and store e-mail and e-mail addresses.

I especially appreciated the way the ELink handled multiple accounts, letting me use any Yahoo Messenger name. In my tests, the Communicator limited me to using only AOL screen names linked to my AOL account.

SUMMARY

AOL Mobile Communicator PRO: Outstanding coverage in my tests; reaches large AIM community. CON: No PDA functions; pricey. VALUE: Vast reach may be worth it. List price: $330, plus $20 monthly service charge on top of $22 monthly AOL service payment America Online 800/827-6364 www.aol.com/anywhere

SUMMARY

ELink Fortified With Yahoo PRO: Doubles as PDA; good integration of PC and Yahoo portal services. CON: Spotty coverage in my tests. VALUE: Somewhat expensive toy. List price: $335, plus $35 a month for unlimited access or $15-plus a month for limited service Motient 800/494-1727 www.elinkhere.com