If you use a computer just for e-mail or if you want to try using e-mailfor the first time, the Cidco MailStation may be the product for you. The sizeand shape of a small keyboard (10.25 by 7.125 by 1.625 inches), the MailStationworks without the need of a PC or extra phone line. Just plug it in, turn it on,and begin typing e-mail. View your message on the 6-by-2.5-inch LCD screen.

The MailStation sends and receives data through a standard telephone line butdoes not monopolize the line--it dials in at set times that you can program andautomatically hangs up when you want to use the phone. It also disconnects uponthe retrieval of e-mail or when the sending of e-mail is completed. The averagelength of time to send or receive e-mail is approximately 30 seconds, keepingtelephone charges low.

The MailStation is designed to work with its own e-mail service(MyMailstation.com). Service costs $9.95 per month, and local dial-up phonenumbers are available throughout the United States. While you cannot access e-mailfrom another Internet service provider (ISP), you can forward e-mail fromother ISPs to your MyMailStation account.

You can store up to 400 typical e-mail messages in the MailStation's memory,which holds up to the equivalent of 100 pages of text. E-mail messages arelimited to 8 KB, which is approximately 66 lines per message. Keep in mind thatif you reply to an e-mail, the original message, including the headers androuting information, is considered part of the 66 lines of allowable space. TheMailStation does not allow you to read attachments or view photos attached to e-mail, but you can view photos and attachments from your PC via a Web mailaccount at no additional cost.

You can also use the MailStation as a calculator or calendar and clean up textwith the 20,000-word spellchecker. There is also room for about 1,000 contactsin the address book. The MailStation also automatically downloads selected content from Cidco.

You can hook the MailStation up to a parallel-port compatible printer (such as the HP 648C or HP Apollo P2250) to print your e-mail or Web content.