Dagnabbit, it's turning out to be useful.

[vakkotaur]

Recently jmaynard got a new cell phone provider and a new phone (actually, what he got is more of a computer that happens to have a phone in it) and also got a low-end phone for me to use on a second line with shared minutes. We've had a similar arrangement for about a year with the last provider. The change is that the basic phone isn't a basic phone any more.

I really didn't use the last phone that much. I had it with me when I traveled and that was about it. If it did more than be a phone with a list of numbers, I didn't take advantage of that. Heck, I doubt I even added or changed any of the numbers as it was Jay's old phone and I got it when he upgraded before.

The new phone, the Nokia 6010, is considered pretty low-end nowadays. Low end includes a phone and number list, of course. And text messaging, which is no surprise. And a simple calculator, a calendar that can hold notes, an AIM client, an alarm clock, I think there might be web browser if that was enabled but I'm not sure. There's also the ability to have voice-activated dialing for some numbers. That is somewhat useful. Rather than fiddle around with the contact list to find the right name and the right number, I can hold a button for a bit and say, "Jay - cellular" for example and have it dial.

I've been carrying the phone around with me recently as Jay is traveling and the mobile-to-mobile calls don't burn connection minutes. Last night when I did laundry I used the alarm clock function as a reminder of when things would need attention. I've found that the LCD backlight throws just enough light for just long enough that it illuminates where I put my glasses down before going to sleep. Sure, both of those aren't that much, but I'm starting to see why folks would want to have a phone or PDA with them.

That bothers me a bit. Carrying a phone with me at almost all times is something I've been avoiding. Granted, only a few folks have the number and I intend to keep it that way. I prefer the house line when I'm at home and so I don't want the cell number considered my primary number. I also don't want to get to the point where I'll really want to get something fancier.

I did go and get a couple accessories to make using the phone a bit easier. I now have a belt pouch and a sort of drop-in charger which is just a stand that uses the wall-charger that comes with the phone. When Jay got the phone he also got the mobile charger and a small travel charger. The 6010 also seems to have a fairly long standby time. But I still have a 3x5 card in my wallet with a few important numbers written down. I don't have to recharge that.

Comments

[khirmoonclaw.livejournal.com]

Grats on the new phone.. Im a former Cingular Wireless employee and I love phones and gadgets. When I first started carrying a cell phone I was the same way, Only had it for emergencies and to carry with me but now its pretty much my main phone / camera / mp3 player / aol /.. I love it ^_^ There so useful that they can do so many things in one device! :)

Enjoy it!

[malterre.livejournal.com]

I didn't really want my phoen when I got it but it sure has saved some hassle having a phone nearby on road trips and trying to stop people en route if plans changed suddenly.

[vakkotaur.livejournal.com]

When traveling, I have no problem with it. I've been an amateur radio operator for some time and I actually feel a bit awkward if I drive a vehicle without a transceiver, so a phone is no problem there. It's using the cellphone around the house that bothers me.

[malterre.livejournal.com]

It's using the cellphone around the house that bothers me.
Hi It's Vakkotaur and I'm talking to you only wearing a towel and eating a sandwich!

Sorry, that image clung to my mind reading that sentence. ;-)

[vakkotaur.livejournal.com]

If you got the full impact of that image, I'm sorry!

Gadgets

[(Anonymous)]

I carry a Pocket PC PDA with me as well as a cel phone and I have been dying to get a single device that incorporates both. I just bought the Siemens SX66 PocketPC which has the PDA and cel phone built in. It's also got a nifty drop down keyboard, WiFi and Bluetooth. It's pretty much everything I wanted. I can't wait for it to get here! One device, so many option! Imagine!