• WHAT: A simple, easy-to-use reminder service for your cell phone or Blackberry
• WHY: Sometimes you don't want to set up an account, remember logins, etc., you just want it to work
• COST: Free (carrier text message charges apply)

There's little that annoys me more than having to go through an entire setup and login process to perform simple web-based functions.  Sometimes you just want to get a small, but important, thing done without a lot of the fuss that surrounds most "personalized" services in today's web 2.0 world.  I mean, should you really have to login and give your life history just to get a weather report or reminder sent to you?  I think not - and the folks at ToTheCell.com agree. 

I'm probably (well, definitely) a little geekier than most cell phone users and have figured out ways of having the calendar on my Mac sync with the calendar on my phone.  This lets me set up reminders for various events that will create an alarm-type alert on my phone making it handy to remember incoming conference calls and the like.  However, there are some things that just aren't worth putting on the calendar - they're too small, too trivial or just not worth the effort - that I still want to be reminded about.  For instances like that, ToTheCell.com is just what the Wireless Wizard ordered.  

ToTheCell.com allows you to set up an account one time using just your mobile phone number - no need for logins, passwords or anything else.  Then, when you return to the site the cookie in your browser (if you don't know what that is there's a good explanation HERE) recognizes the site, enters your phone number and you're done.  Once you're there you can set a simple alarm to be sent to your cell phone on a one-time or repeating basis.  The repeating options are daily, weekly, monthly or yearly so you can imagine all the possibilities.  There's no charge for the service no matter how frequently you use it, but you do get charged by your carrier for receiving the text message. 

ToTheCell.com also provides stock reports and weather forecasts, as do many other providers, but if you're a surfer there's an extra bonus here - you can get a surf report for hundreds of different areas as simply as pulling a drop-down menu and clicking the area you want.  I'm not a surfer (I'm a cyclist - see some of my exploits HERE) but I can imagine the fun - and help - it would be to get a surf report for 5PM during the summer months when you're on your way home (or need a break from) work.  Very cool stuff. 

It's easy, it's free, it works.  My very favorite criteria for a great wireless/web-based service.