Broadband Lemons to Mobile Lemonade
Originally uploaded by shainelee.
You don’t necessarily have to have a big fat Internet pipe to stay connected with the world. Your phone can do plenty to keep you in touch.A few posts ago, I was lamenting the fact that I now live in an area where there is no broadband. There was supposed to be DSL on the way, but it may be a much longer time than originally expected. I got handed broadband lemons.I have since been learning how to turn my broadband lemon into mobile lemonade. Lack of broadband has actually liberated me and made my Internet use more efficient. I have, since buying my Windows Mobile phone, always looked for ways to connect. I have never, until now, completely relied on my phone for my Internet. Let me share with you some examples of how this is working out.
Efficiency
I have a laptop that I use for work. I batch my uploads and other broadband-necessary tasks for those moments when I have a wifi connection. At home, through my phone’s Internet Conection Sharing, I access light services like email and bill paying. This cuts back on unnecessary Youtube viewing, stats checking, and fantasy shopping.
Mobile Connections
Many websites are turning to the mobile phone as another screen to connect with you. More people have mobile phones than have computers. Even the most basic phones have some WAP functionality. You can use your phone for Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Pownce, Netflix, Vitalist, Google Reader, Grand Central, Amazon, Brightkite, Clipmarks, ebay, Flickr, Kyte, Wapedia, Utterz, Tumblr, and many more. Sure, they are stripped down versions, but the core functionality, connecting with people, is still there. SMS adds even another layer of connection to your mobile phone.
Voice Still Works
You’d be surprised to learn that your voice can still do quite a bit in terms of productivity. Phone calls are still quite effective. Your voice can keep notes with Jott. You can schedule Blog Talk Radio shows to create podcasts from anywhere with phone service. Finally, before there was widespread email, there was voice mail. Leave your message instead of playing phone tag. Personally, I prefer you tell me what you want in your message rather than having me call you to find out what you want. Chances are, I won’t.
To help illustrate how lack of broadband has been more of a blessing than a curse, I wrote this post while walking laps around the park. I’m free!
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