Free 411

If you've ever had to pay $1 or even $1.50 for directory assistance on your cell phone, you'll want to know about two new services — 800-FREE-411 and 800-411-METRO — that offer directory assistance free of charge, though users have to listen to advertisements. The New York Times gives details. I haven't tried it yet, but I have paid several extra dollars in fees to Verizon for directory assistance over the last few years. This alternative seems worth it to me unless the ads are really long or annoying.