But for retrieving basic information, checking stock quotes, and so on, the phones are adequate Web surfers. They are not especially fast surfers, however. Most support caller ID, call waiting, and call logging. The Cidco, Philips, and Uniden models have calendars and phone directories as well. Only the Casio model has a built-in answering machine, but most support voice mail notification if you subscribe to your local phone company's voice mail service.
More phones are on the way.
In particular, electronic banking and shopping services are expected to be a part of that expanded menu of options. Certainly, many of these models cost more than we're used to spending on phones, and they offer something less than the kind of full e-mail and Web browsing capabilities we're used to with computers. But the notion of a universal message center has at least been spawned into the real world, and the kitchen may never quite be the same again. Terms and Conditions of Use.