Every once in a while you have to celebrate simplicity.

Maybe it's just because I'm getting older, but I've come to appreciate finding a gadget that does one thing very well.

The new Jitterbug J wireless phone ($147, www .jitterbug.com) is aimed squarely at people who value simplicity, but it packs some features valued by the more adventurous.

I reviewed the first Jitterbug phone in 2006, and I thought it was the perfect phone for my mom. My mom uses the Internet and e-mail on her Mac but has absolutely no interest in reading e-mail on her cellphone. The same goes for listening to music or watching movies – she just wants a phone that's easy to use and does its job well.

The Jitterbug J is one of the simplest and easy-to-learn phones I've ever used.

At its heart, the Jitterbug J is a Samsung clamshell-type phone. It's a little larger than some phones, and the earpiece is padded for comfort. The buttons are large and round and backlit for easy reading. If you open the phone and put it to your ear, you'll hear an old-fashioned dial tone.

New in this model: speakerphone, the ability to send and receive text messages and Bluetooth. Voice dialing and call waiting also are included.

One nice thing about the Jitterbug is the ability to hide unused functions so menus seem less confusing.

The Jitterbug J interface is a model of simplicity. Bright, easy-to-read screens ask yes or no questions. When you buy a phone, you can specify up to three phone numbers to come preloaded in the address book. Adding other numbers is as simple as calling Jitterbug customer service and telling them the names and numbers, which they can transfer wirelessly to the phone. You also can enter numbers through the keypad or the Jitterbug Web site.

Jitterbug service includes operators who can be reached by dialing 0 and are ready to add numbers to the address book, look up phone numbers and place calls.

Optional services include handset replacement for any reason ($4 a month), roadside assistance ($4 a month) and LiveNurse ($4 a month), which enables you to speak to a registered nurse. Voice mail ($3 a month) and text messaging are also optional.

Text messages are available for 10 cents each, and you can store pre-written messages.

A new calendar option combines a Web calendar with phone reminders.

A $9 a month bundle includes LiveNurse, handset replacement and roadside assistance.

Plans start at $14.99 per month for 50 minutes and top out at $79.99 a month for 1,000 anytime/500 night and weekend minutes.

It'd be easy to peg this as the phone for older users, but that would not be fair or accurate. There are plenty of users of all ages who don't pine for a smart phone or aren't very tech-savvy.

Those people should take a close look at the Jitterbug.Jitterbug

Pros: Easiest. Interface. Ever.

Cons: Rate plans and service can add up to serious money.

Bottom line: It's a great simple phone with simple service, but you're paying a bit more.