May 03 2008
Connected; cell phones
You will soon see a common thread throughout my posts here. Staying connected is both necessary and fun. What do I mean by staying connected? Just that - connected to my email, to my blogs, to my favorite TV and radio shows and to my eBay.
Cell phones add alot to our lives. Many people consider them a distraction - I disagree. Of course there are times that cell phone use is abused such as in the workplace and when driving down the highway. These situations can be controlled and that is what excites me. Whatever the issue is there will eventually be a fix.
Wireless - Bluetooth headsets solve many problems. We all know the benefits of handsfree driving and in some states the absolute necessity to stay legal. I also like them at work.
In my other life - my husband and I own a small business. Our employees are allowed to keep their cell phones during the day. It is important to stay in touch with family - especially children. It is much less time consuming for them to talk while they work instead of walking over to the wall (customer) phone. Cell phones create a win win situation.
Personally I do not enjoy talking on the phone. When it is necessary to communicate with an employee (during their time off) about the next day it is easiest to either text or email them. A quick reply lets me know they received the message. Same goes when they need to contact me. It’s best to know when someone is sick and can not work as early as possible.
Life is not all work - thank goodness. I also use my cell phone for limited surfing. The cost of unlimited data plans has to be balanced with usage and so far it has been worth it. Now that my AT&T 8525 has been upgraded to Windows Mobile 6 my surfing has been greatly improved.
A PDA phone is great when typing is needed. A Smartphone is OK but touch screens are my preference. I once purchased a Motorola MX220 Smartphone and did not find it nearly as useful as my PDA phone with a QWERTY keyboard and the onscreen keyboard. My documents can be created and updated right from my phone. I do not use this function often - but it sure is nice to have the ability in a pinch.
Music is not high on my list - but TV is. I could subscribe to MobiTV or some other service but I plan to use Slingbox software instead. That will not have a subscription fee and I will have access to all channels from anywhere - just like at home!
There are so many reasons to carry a great cell phone. I have not even mentioned the camera and video features. But there will be time for that later. 
