Update: I went back and purchased a different netbook, this time from Sony. You will notice that I deleted the reference to the previous one. The original screen size was just 1 inch too small. The 11″ Vaio is much better for my production needs!

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Well, I finally caved in and purchased a netbook this week. Hence, I am downsizing, at least for the days that I am working away from my home office.

I have been working on a contract for the past several months and my laptop, an iBook (oldie but goodie), doesn’t have the software I need on-site. Thus, I have been at the mercy of the client’s PCs. This week I received a laptop from them to be able to work in different offices. Yes, the same week that I received my netbook. Great timing, eh?

The XXX that I purchased is pretty standard and runs on Windows 7. The keyboard is large enough for a full day or production, in my opinion. However, considering that I spend a great deal of time on my mobile phone keyboard (a nice LG phone) using Word and Excel, anything larger will seem almost full-size. So, check it out for yourself to see whether you agree.

The price was decent for the specs (under $300) so I’m pretty happy with my decision (i.e., I’m not likely to have second thoughts and send it back!).

I’m already looking for options to upgrade the memory from 1 to 2 GB. I’m not so much concerned with the storage since I store most of my files online but speed is always important. I will post again after I complete the upgrade.

Any other late adapters out there like me? Anyone still “holding out” for a big sale?

Let me know what you’re thinking. Let’s share ideas!

Wireless phone service companies, phone manufacturers, operating system providers and apps providers (i.e., Skype.)—four entities that are part of the greater mobile phone industry, a.k.a. the players that can wreak havoc in the lives of an end-user consumer. How, might you ask? Well, if your technology provider has ever performed an update without informing you (and if you haven’t been reading the news…), perhaps you can relate. Here’s the story:

When I get a cell phone that I like to use, I don’t believe that I should get a new one just because my two-year contract has ended. New phones do NOT excite me nor inspire me to rush out and upgrade. As such, I am very happy with my phone of two years, though it had to be replaced a year ago for problems, and also last week. The replacement of last week has been the source of my angst.

First of all, I needed to get my contacts from the old phone (that had to be reset) and get them in the new phone.  I learned that though I was still able to use the web-based synchronizing software, it would be expiring at the end of this year (now < 3 months). The wireless phone company offers a different solution but of course it is not available for my phone because (drum roll, please)… it uses an operating system that is not compatible with the backup program. (What?!) Okay, fine, I will use this phone and keep getting replacements until the last phone on the shelf is gone. But though my needs are few, there is just one more thing I need: Skype.

By now most of you will have figured out that Windows Mobile is my operating system. Apparently, ten months ago (while I was sleeping), an announcement was made that Skype would no longer support Windows Mobile.  After diligently searching the web to find a Skype Mobile download (one WITH a valid digital certificate, and might I add that I learned quite a bit about digital signatures in my search—another upcoming topic!), one very astute blogger wrote that I could run the SkypeMobile download on my computer and then grab the cabinet (.cab) file and install it on my phone. It worked and had I written that man’s name down  I would laud and extol him to no end! So, I’ve got Skype again. Whew!

I consider myself to be a proactive individual so facing the ultimate demise of my phone model, I decided to start shopping for phones now. So what’s available?  Had enough of the Android commercials? I certainly have but it seems that Android has become, virtually overnight, the operating system of choice for my provider and others. My husband has an Android based phone built by Motorola. The phone is nice and slick but it’s really the operating system that has all the tech junkies (my hubby) excited.

I’ve tinkered with his phone and the multiple apps are nice. The phone is a time vacuum—more apps than I would ever need and the time just flies by unnoticed.  I suppose that’s why I’ve observed that my husband and other Android users spend a lot more time on their phones “tinkering” than they probably should. You can probably guess that I was not impressed.

At any rate, Microsoft Office Mobile 2010 was released earlier this year and the company will be releasing its Windows 7 phone on October 11.So perhaps there will be a wireless service provider–phone manufacturer–operating system combination that will meet my needs as my current phone becomes obsolete. So, no matter what, I will have to upgrade at some point, against my will.

Well, I assert that it’s time for a mobile phone revolution! Fellow consumers, let’s stand up and confront these various companies and let them know that we, the consumers, are in charge here and that we are not going to accept their lack of regard for our needs anymore. Enough is enough! …Oh wait, my cell is ringing. I have to take this call.(:-P)

Let’s share ideas!

I’m sure some of the readers opted to skip this article after reading the title but if you’ve made it this far, enjoy!

I survived six days without use of my land line telephone service. After that shock, I am going to be a bit more appreciative of this older technology that many of us in the wireless communication age often take for granted.

Five years ago, squirrels chewed through the protective casing of the telephone lines and as I suspected, the same thing happened this past weekend. Despite the promises that I would be back in service yesterday, the repair technician did not arrive until late this afternoon. By that time I was just grateful to be back in service. I even looked forward to the next telemarketing call!  But back to the purpose of this post.

Dependency on the line

In the past, I relied on my land line telephone for DSL service but thankfully, I am using cable now. Otherwise, without the line in service, my DSL and my primary back-up internet connection (dial-up service) would have both been out for six days. As someone who can barely survive without her checking email every hour, that would have been a truly life-changing experience. Fortunately, I do have broadband service through my cell phone company and in the event that service failed, I will head off to the library to make a wireless connection!

In addition to providing a back-up internet connection, my land line is also my fax line. Whoa! Did I use that word? Well, although I have scanners, there have been occasions where I still need a fax machine. After this week, I have decided to search for good online fax services, which will be the subject of my next post. Let me know what you’re using!

In the meantime, if you are still using a land line telephone like me, I hope that your local squirrel population finds something else to chew.

Have a story about an odd technology failure! Let’s share ideas!

It has been a while since my last post because of my busy schedule….and a busy schedule is great for at home professionals!

I will start the post today with a question: how much time do you have to sit down and read these days?

I do not have enough time to spend reading the financial and international news and other materials essential to being a successful trainer, translator, and investor. In addition, some days I do not have enough time to sit and study the Bible the way that I would like (at least 1 hour), or read books that I enjoy (except when I’m exercising and even then I may have to take work with me).

As I begin to receive more projects (thank GOD!) I am making an effort to utilize the technology available to me to be able to dual-task (something like multitasking except I limit myself to two activities!). Lately, I have gotten more use out of my iPod, a gift from my husband. I have downloaded books, news recordings, an audio Bible and study lessons, and language reviews (Spanish, French, Portuguese, German)

Last week, I traveled out-of-state to visit family and I took my iPod with me. During the day, I was helping out with food preparation, decorations (*for a surprise birthday party) and cleaning, so I turned the iPod on for several hours during several days (it has a great battery life!) to catch up on some of my “reading” and studying.

Eventually, I hope to seek transcription projects and I am planning to use the iPod as a tool to work remotely, i.e., while sitting in the waiting room of my dentist’s office, shopping, at the fitness center, or working in the yard at home.

How do you use your iPod in your work? Let’s share ideas!