The world is changing, technology is driving that change and smartphones like the iPhone and Android are enabling much of that change – or at least people’s ability to keep up with it.
Some that know me might be surprised that I would care, since I have a tendency to march to my own drummer, live in the sticks, and usually pay no attention to what “everyone” is doing other than to perhaps run the other direction so as to avoid any traffic tie-ups, crowds or God forbid, long lines.
Unless you have a very sizable fortune that you know how to protect in uncertain times, or are completely self sustained with no progeny you care about, smartphone technology and keeping up with change in the world can be crucial to your economic survival.
There are few jobs these days that pay a family living wage where you can be a technology ignoramus or noob. And those of us with a little gray hair (or no hair) should pay particular attention to this technology if you want to avoid being in a line 3 blocks long for that Walmart greeter position.
10 Reasons to Buy A Smartphone
- Everyone is doing it. I detailed this surprising reason above. Remember that Dinosaurs are extinct.
- GPS craze. GPS technology is awesome when driving, a good smartphone has the ability to replace your dash GPS. Expect more services that you will want to become available every year. Use it when hiking, biking, even to remember where you parked at the mall.
- Stay connected with your family. Friends come and go, enemies accumulate, family CAN be forever. Few of us have the luxury of being constantly around those we want to be. Forget just free calls, texting and emails. Smartphones do video chat. For older people think grandkids, for younger people, well, this is a family website.
- Save money at the store with coupons & specials, Google what the car dealer just told you, even use it as a calculator or for making notes. Take a quick photo of a product and its price tag with model number for comparing to other stores or even shopping or doing research online.
- Forget that digital camera upgrade you were thinking about. OK, not for photo enthusiasts, but my Droid X has an 8 megapixel camera and takes HD video, how many people really need more than that? Post to the web easily.
- Home security & nanny cam’ing. Home alarms are great, except when they are easily bypassed or false alarm. Network cameras are getting cheaper and easier to install, access it easily with your smartphone and a free IP camera app.
- Entertainment. Take music with you, even HD movies; play those HD movies on an HD TV with a simple cable running from your Droid X. Don’t have the movie you want with you? Connect to your home network storage device over your cell network or WiFi and watch it remotely.
- Personal information repository. Contacts, bank info & pins (probably more secure than where you have it written in your wallet or purse now), task lists, reminders, even set alarms for yourself.
- Flashlight. Bet you don’t carry one on you do you? Most people have already used a cell phone to light the way in a theater or to see the keyhole late at night, but smartphones even have flashlight apps that will let you select the color you want.
- Make money online. If you are in this space at all, you will find creating and posting content of all types to be easier, faster and more likely to get done. If you aren’t making money online, wouldn’t you like to?
- Keep up with your reading. Instead of listening to MP3’s in the doctor’s office or on the train you can read a blog, online newspaper, even a book. Improve yourself.
- Leave the laptop at home. I have already downsized from a laptop to a netbook when traveling, and my back is thanking me even if my eyes aren’t (young eyes wouldn’t care). I can see the day coming when the smartphone will be all I need – most of the time.
Did I say 10 reasons to buy a smartphone? Well giving you 12 is a bonus. When I think of more I will post those too. You like getting more than your money’s worth, don’t you?
iPhone or Android?
Whether you get an iPhone or an Android device I really don’t care, they are going to be like Ford and Chevy, always competing and improving (well, maybe not Chevy!), with hot tempered debates on both sides. That’s a good thing.
Right now, those are the only two. Windows Mobile is dead, and no, I haven’t seen Windows Mobile 7 yet and I really don’t care.
I’m tired of slow performance, limited – wait, NO apps, and lock-ups. Couldn’t even watch YouTube videos, how lame?
BlackBerry; is that a smartphone or just a phone with secure email and a web browser? I hope that people will eventually get a clue about the need for secure email and then expect to see great apps on iPhone and Android.
Why I now have an Android phone you can read about here.
This post will likely grow over time…
Please comment (with civility, Please!)
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