ChaCha is a free service that allows you to call a toll-free number, ask a question, and receive a text message response on your cell phone in minutes!  No need for an Internet browser!

I tried it at lunch as soon as I read about it.  Dialed 800.224.2242 (or 800.2chacha) and asked a simple question:  "What is the time and date of the next Lakers playoff game?"  I hung up and within a minute received a text message that confirmed my question and told me I would receive an answer soon.

A minute later the next text message said the "L.A. Lakers play Denver 5:30 p.m. EDT on TNT.  Lakers lead series 2-0."  So they gave me even more than I asked!

After lunch I tried one more:  "Who was the 5th President of the U.S. and how old was he when he died?"  (I'm embarassed to say I don't know either answer off the top of my head.)  After the initial reply confirming the question, I heard back:  "James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States (1817-1825).  He dies in New York at the age of 73."  So once again, not only did they respond quickly, but with even more than what I asked!  Kind of fun!  Maybe I'll have a more pressing question for my next call, like what will the winning lotto numbers be or something like that.

You can also type and text your questions to them at "ChaCha" or 242242. 

What's also cool is that they send you a link to the ChaCha website (www.ChaCha.com) with the answer, along with a link to the source website and information about the person who did the search for you.

Huh?  A real live person?  Yes, ChaCha uses 10,000 people who provides answers for 20 cents apiece.  Wow, a possible Google search competitor?  Well, I think this service is fun with simple questions but not quite ready to replace more complex search engine queries.

How will ChaCha make money if it is free (other than the cost of receiving text messages) and they pay people 20 cents to research your question.  I don't have the answer but I'm sure advertising would be part of it.  Check it out and enjoy!