The 282 is a flip phone that measures 4.6 by 2.2 by 1 inches, and it weighs just over 4 ounces. It offers an oversized display with a large, chunky font (three lines of text, one line of status indicators), 75-entry phone book, 12 different ringers, voice-mail support, incoming call screening, call mute, speed-dialing capability, and three call logs (outgoing, incoming, and missed) that store 15 entries each. The 282 also incorporates a built-in vibrating ringer, any-key answer, call timers, scratch-pad memory, and plenty of other standard features.

It's important to note that TracFone's analog network won't provide the same thrills as digital service; for example, you can't sign up for caller ID or wireless Internet access. However, you gain nationwide service (TracFone is available in approximately 90 percent of the country) with included domestic long distance.

A unique thing about TracFone service is that every time you turn the phone on, the screen displays how much airtime you've used and how much is left, so you control your costs and always make sure you have enough minutes.

Another advantage of choosing TracFone is the fact that you can purchase minutes from convenience stores and other retailers, allowing you to buy airtime as you need it. Airtime units must be purchased every 30, 60, or 365 days (depending on which card denomination is redeemed) to keep your service active and ensure your phone number will remain yours. TracFone has several refill card prices, starting as low as $7.99 with per-minute rates as low as $0.33 cents per minute. For more information, read our TracFone Prepaid Plan review.

Over-the-air phone activation requires several steps, but it's relatively straightforward. And, if you're feeling adventurous, you can activate your phone online--a process we found incredibly easy to use. Either way, you will receive 10 free minutes of airtime upon activation.

Analog battery life is usually pretty minimal, and the 282 is rated for up to 100 minutes' talk time and 36 hours' standby time. We were able to hold a call for a little over 90 minutes, and the phone lasted for almost two days in standby mode.

We liked the call from TracFone's Customer Service to remind us, as a first-time customer, that our minutes were about to expire. And, overall, we found the Nokia 282 (and TracFone, for that matter) to be a sound prepaid option. --Thom Arno

Pros:

• Airtime balance display
• Inexpensive prepaid option
• Easy activation

Cons:

• Short on advanced features