Donna,
The phone's wattage rating is only the transmission power - your ability to
reach your calling party. The only thing that effects the ability to
receive is the antenna. Those dinky antennas on most midget cell phones are
barely adequate. When I had a bag phone, the cell phone company gave me a
"rubber duck" antenna which was convenient but pretty crummy for reception
in many areas. They also gave me a magnetic mount antenna to use in the
poor coverage areas, which I promptly lost in the wilderness areas of my
garage because I didn't want anything scratching up my paint. I bought
another antenna which attached to a window via suction cups which worked
great. Have you looked at the prepaid cell phones? I think you'll find them
for around  $75 in many truck stops. Use them until the time's up, no long
term committment. Try to get an auxillary antenna with it to boost your
range. Good luck on your trip!

Frank Miller
Manager, SFA/CRM Systems

Alternative Business Systems
"Leaders in Customer Relationship Management Solutions"
4216 Indianola Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43214

Tel: (614) 447-0060
Fax: (614) 263-9086
URL: www.altbussys.com
ICQ: 40808804