Editing Pager (section)

== Categories ==

Pagers themselves vary from very cheap and simple beepers, to more complex personal communications equipment, falling into eight main categories.

; Beepers or tone-only pagers: Beepers or tone-only pagers are the simplest and least expensive form of paging. They were named beepers because they originally made a beeping noise, but current pagers in this category use other forms of alert as well. Some use audio signals, others light up and some vibrate, often used in combination. The majority of restaurant pagers fall into this category.<ref name="restaurant-pagers">{{ citation | last = Tyson | first = Jeff | title = How Restaurant Pagers Work | date = 6 July 2001 | url = http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/restaurant-pager.htm | access-date = 17 January 2010 }}</ref>
; Voice/tone: Voice/Tone pagers enable pager users to listen to a recorded voice message when an alert is received.
; Numeric: Numeric Pagers contain a numeric [[Liquid-crystal display|LCD]] display capable of displaying the calling phone number or other numeric information generally up to 10 digits. The display can also convey pager codes, a set of number codes corresponding to mutually understood pre-defined messages.
; Alphanumeric: Alphanumeric pagers contain a more sophisticated LCD capable of displaying text and icons. These devices receive text messages, often through email or direct connection to the paging system. The sender must enter a message, either numeric and push # or, text & push # or a verbal message. The pager does not automatically record the sender's number; the pager will beep but no message can be seen or heard if none has been entered.
; Response: Response pagers are alphanumeric pagers equipped with built-in transmitters, with the ability to acknowledge/confirm messages. They also allow the user to reply to messages by way of a multiple-choice response list, and to initiate "canned" messages from pre-programmed address and message lists. These devices are sometimes called "1.5-way pagers" or "1.7-way pagers" depending on capabilities.
; Two-way: Two-way pagers are response pagers with built-in [[QWERTY]] keyboards. These pagers allow the user to reply to messages, originate messages and forward messages using free-form text as well as "canned" responses.
; One-way modems: One-way [[modem]]s are controllers with integrated paging receivers, which are capable of taking local action based on messages and data they receive.
; Two-way modems: Two-way modems have capabilities similar to one-way modems. They can also confirm messages and transmit their own messages and data.