I have begun using my cell phone for more than just voice calls. Virtually every cell phone sold today has the capability to send and receive text messages. I know what you are thinking; text messaging on cell phones is for kids, not me. Yet I have discovered there is useful information available via text message.

4INFO (44636) is an example. That number is not a zip code, it is the number you text to tap into for info, a killer SMS (Short Message Service) service that provides quick access to movie times, sports scores, flight times, business directories, and other handy info-for your area. To find the nearest pizza joint, for example, just text “pizza Franklin, TN.” For movies, punch in the name of the flick or just enter “movies” in the name of the city or theater. Looking for Starbucks? You can text “Starbucks” and your zip. Within 30 seconds or so, you’ll receive an SMS containing the requested info.

While the service is great it can’t do everything. Missing from the query pool are white page listings and driving directions. On the other hand, it can deliver jokes, drink recipes, pickup lines, and WiFi hotspots — everything you need for getting around town.

Google SMS – If you can’t get the info you need from 4INFO, try Google SMS. It works the same way (you send your queries via SMS to 46645, aka “GOOGL”) and retrieves even more kinds of handy data, including driving directions, word definitions, residential listings, and reverse phone lookups. It’s short on fun stuff, long on practical information. Go to Google.com and you can print the wallet-sized tip sheet if you have trouble remembering query syntax.