I know cell phones have become essential to daily life, but I still have a few beefs with the whole industry. Here is what I think is still wrong with the current state of mobile phones:

• Moving Info to Phone and Back - First of all, it should be a snap to move data & content to and from the cell phone. I know some of the newer Palm- and Pocket PC-based phones bring PDA-like synchronization to the mobile phone world, but these are still very much in the minority. I am betting more than 75% of cell phone users have access to a computer that could store information captured on the phone (like photos or new incoming phone numbers) and transfer useful data to the phone (like upcoming calendar events or musical ringtones). It is ridiculous that these two important machines are so disconnected.
• One Power Charger - Is it too much to ask to be able to use a single charger for more than one phone? I am sure there is a good reason why different phone batteries have to operate on different voltages and therefore require different battery chargers, but we are living in the 21st century now. Seems like this is a solvable problem. If I promise to spend more on other accessories for each phone I buy, can I opt out of the whole power charger thing? And, while we are at it, what happened to external battery chargers? If I buy a second battery, I want to be able to charge it without it being connected the phone. I know I used to be able to do that back in the 90s! This too seems to be a
  reasonable request.
• Different Phones for Different Occasions - Why can't I have multiple phones that I use for different purposes? I should be able to keep the same phone number as I switch among the one I take one to the pool (camera, water resistant, basic call features), one I carry to work (speakerphone, PDA, web access), and one I take along on dates (silent mode, SMS, GPS). I'm not talking about changing faceplates that match my outfit but owning completely distinct devices. The sporty phone might be easily replaceable if lost, the business phone would become an extension of my computer on the go, and the date phone could help me while out on the town.
• WiFi Antenna - I have to admit that I have gone back and forth on this one, but it's so simple to miniaturize these antennas that it should just become a standard feature on all phones with reasonably-sized color screens, just like cameras and voice-dialing. WiFi hot spots are becoming increasingly popular and will continue to offer dramatically faster Internet browsing for the foreseeable future,
• Try Before You Buy - My biggest beef. For as much time we spend with cell phones, it is remarkable that the vendors will not let you try a device before you buy it. In my own house, I have had completely different experiences with phone reception using different phones on different cellular networks, and even on the same network! Before I sign the 2-year contract, can't I at least make sure the thing will work in the two or more places I spend most of my time?!?