I hate cell phones. The main reason for my dislike of them is their ability to act as a contagion responsible for the outbreak of awkward social situations. Symptoms include poorly timed buzzing or beeping, constant glances downward (usually where the phone is attached along the waist line), and sudden interruptions in conversation. I'm sure everyone means well but eventually decency degrades to disrespect. I know if i got one it would happen to me as well, but i figured i would try to avoid it as long as possible. Right now i figure there's nothing that important in my life that can't wait until i'm by a phone. And yet, today, for a few minutes, i entertained the idea of getting a cell phone of my very own.
I didn't go out searching for just any cell phone, specifically i was looking for the Audiovox 5600. Why this phone? Because Robert Scoble, a very active Microsoft technical evangelist \ blogger, can't say enough good things about it. I guess his passion just got me interested. He makes the phone sound like a life changing instrument rather than a device for simply sending and receiving calls. It's fun to get excited about a product like that and a blog can be a good source of inspiration.
However, my excitement quickly turned into frustration when i tried to put together a service plan. The AT&T Wireless site Cingular was pretty lousy. The first task i wanted to accomplish was to find a coverage map. I couldn't find a link anywhere. Finally a site search turned up a knowledge base article titled "where can i find a coverage map." When i clicked that link, i had to choose between a GSM America National Plan, GSM Local Plan, TDMA Digital One Rate, TDMA Local Plan, Data (GPRS/Edge) or Go Phone map. I have do idea what the difference is, being new to cell phones and all, but i clicked on one and it brought up a silly map where i could use a flash magnifying glass to zoom into my part of the country. It looked to me like this part of the state was the correct color. When i went to find the phone i was interested in and assemble a service plan, the site would only allow me to add mobile internet service. I didn't see anything resembling a call service plan. After several angry clicks, i was able to determine that the checkout process thinks i'm not in their coverage area. Grrrr.
Looks like i'll be cell phone free for a while longer. I guess i walk away from this experience with the realization that when someone gets excited about a topic, it can be contagious. And just like Scoble evangelizes, blogs can be a great way to share the excitement. (Though he still hasn't convinced me to get a Tablet PC to replace my Mac. After all, who wants to code with a pen?)
Posted by Matthew at November 1, 2004 11:11 PMI had the same conversation with myself just yesterday. I was reading some of the pro/con fancy cell phone arguments and decided that I might be missing something (Bluetooth?). Let me know if you find anything great. And don't listen to Scoble, tablet schmablet :)
BTW, What I *try* to do when my cell phone rings, I mute it and wait until whatever "real" conversation I'm having is over. Then I call them back. Wish more people would do the same.
I gotta say Bluetooth is one of those features that has me interested. There's that Salling Clicker software that allows Sony Ericson phones to connect and talk to your Mac. Plus the early demos of car and cell phone integration via Bluetooth over at Channel9 look promising. The thought of being able to develop apps for my phone using Visual Studio sounds intriguing as well.
Posted by: MrFlick at November 4, 2004 10:05 PM