Watching TV on your cell phone is the perfect time-waster--or time-saver--depending on what you're watching. You can generally expect smooth video quality, if you're within range of the carrier's broadband-like network connection. Cingular, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless offer snippets of network TV from channels such as ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, plus cable channels including CNN, ESPN, HBO, Nickelodeon, and The Weather Channel. You can also watch live TV, although it includes commercials.
 
For music, the latest phones can download songs and music videos. A few carriers also offer streaming music from XM Radio, Sirius Music, or MobiRadio. To sweeten the deal, carriers sell phones for under $100 with a contract and after rebate. Still, people aren't jumping in. Why? Monthly fees for the video services cost $15 to $25 per month on top of your voice plan. In other words, it ain't cheap.
 
The good news: You can find a few real deals, especially if you use an inexpensive handset. We tested the latest services from Cingular, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless using a sub-$100 handset from each carrier. Here's how they fared.