I never used to understand why people were so attached to their iPhones and Blackberries, constantly hunched over their small screens, punching away at tiny keys. I have since eaten humble pie though and concede that for anyone juggling freelance work as part of their portfolio careers like I am, mobile technology is a great time saver (at least it is once you've managed to work it out and get it set up).
My mobile tool of choice is the Blackberry. As writing and editing is very much a part of what I do, a querty keyboard was a must. I don't have chunky fingers but trying out, and then wanting to stamp on, the various touchscreen options at my local Carphone Warehouse proved the point. I'm significantly faster at typing without a touchscreen confusing me with it's lack of reassuring tangible, pressure-induced clicks. I fear the popularity of the iPhone may mean a touchscreen-only future for mobile phones though.
From my mobile friend I can now synch my Gmail-powered business email, calendar and contacts with two way push reconciliation by using the Gmail and Google Synch apps. I can keep up to date with Twitter, Google Reader and get free voicemail (to avoid my network provider's cheeky voicemail charges) with Hullomail. This great, free visual voicemail service allows you to personalise your greeting and use it from your phone just like normal voicemail but with the added benefit that if, like me you have a tendency to leave your mobile in your coat pocket on silent, it will send you an email which you can listen to from your PC.
For those of us working on the go, needing to make the most of train journeys, there are also built in tools to allow you to view and edit Microsoft Office documents. You can even get yourself things like a yoga app to help you relax in those precious work-free moments. Of course there is oodles more besides but for the freelancer portfolio careerist, the Blackberry gets a thumbs up from me.
Sent from my mobile device (well this post had to be really didn't it?)
I may be convinced to go to the dark side myself. I expect it's one of those things that you don't think you need and then can't live without.
ReplyDeleteGo for it Martin - I was a total sceptic but am now convinced!
ReplyDeleteWell I am a convert! Having just got my iphone this weekend, I have become totally addicted to it. I have found I really do 'need' to check my emails whilst out walking the dog, look up recipes online while shopping at the supermarket and downloading meditation apps while juicing the fruit in the morning.
ReplyDeleteI'm a blackberry convert too. My children however, aged 8 and 3 are used to looking at their father's iphone and so now, if they see my laptop, want to touch the screen to make things work. How quickly they have adapted to this technology.
ReplyDeleteIndeed - my best friend's 7 year old has her own laptop!
ReplyDelete