Awhile ago, Jayson and I were talking about this slider phone he wanted. I told him I didn't like it, bringing up my want for a smartphone. In rebuttal, he brought up the fact he doesn't want or need a smartphone, that he desires a phone with basic functions: Call, Text, SMS, a little internet. I then brought up my needs for something more. This led to my posting. At this age and time of my life, it is when one realizes their pursuits and futures. Leading to notice what kind of style and gear they would need! Therefore, this post is a list of pieces of technology I want for the future. Of course, by then, technology should be better, but I (and Jayson, who should have a similar post) will use current devices or describe a device we want/need.
Smartphone, namely the iPhone: Often, people tell me: Why you need a smartphone? Its just a computer, just smaller. That's the point! It's a smaller, kinda computer! It fulfills the basics of a phone: calling, text, voicemail, etc. However, my reasons for wanting/needing a smartphone was first brought about after my summer quarter at UCSC. I noticed, as a student, I prefer to have my calendar/agenda close. This brings up the whole: Why not just use a paper agenda dumbass money-wasting noob [fanboy for my iPhone... despite the fact most of my friends know about my love for Linux]?!” I have a list of reason good sir... or dare I say piece of shit, son of a bitch, I hope you burn in hell, sir?
- Paper agenda = pages. Paper pages are prone to wear, tear, and such when its carrier is moving around a lot. I use a messenger bag (since high school) to protect my papers from that, but seeing how much I end up just carry my agenda outside of it, it didn't matter how well protected it would be in my bag, I was too busy writing onto it.
- Updates and outsources. UCSC, like most universities I hope, uses the interweb a lot to inform students on events, activities, exams, and required procedures. Almost, many of these things aren't plan before the quarter starts, but is later put on the school's website. Before my iPhone and something called .cis or feeds, I would normally find out about such a thing the day before or of, which isn't fun. With the wonders of Google calendar and jailbreaking, my iPhone is always updated. Also, it shares the same dates as the calendar on my laptop, making sure that whether in my dorm or on the bus, I have my schedule.
- Being able to read. I'm not going to lie, my handwriting sucks... especially in a hurry and in the rain/walking/on the bus/etc. However, my typing/texting is fast and easy to read! Do I really need to explain the benefit of that?!
Wow... that's a pretty long explanation on just ONE feature of a smartphone. Other reasons I like smartphones are:
Internet: it allows me to lookup on wikipedia to not look stupid, IM friends (on www.meebo.com), read about stuff, check online stuff on the class' website in class while still having room for my notebook (paper or electronic one), and check on my bank accounts.
Documents: A smartphone lets you save documents and such, so I can save maps, pdfs, pictures, and other files to look at when I need to. Also, this allows me to take notes on it.
Applications: Especially with the App Store from Apple with my iPhone, I can buy use/fun applications. From balance sheets to keep my budget to just an application to send stuff to my blog like pictures and entries, applications make the price worth it. When being on the road, close or near house/dorm. I take comfort knowing my friends and family are closer due to the wonders of technology.
Of course, there's other things I like about smartphones, namely my iPhone (a smartphone is one with an OS that has functioning application that allow it to behavior much like a computer, so an iPhone is one you douchebags!). The touchscreen and camera (with applications). I just like the touchscreen since it gives me a better interaction with my media, giving me that feeling of control. Also, I don't have to worry about using a stylus or clicking keys. And I like the camera for the apps packaged with it that allow me to email pics, email pics as postcards, or post them here! Yet, I confess I would love 3G and GPS... but not the new iPhone. I would willing drop my iPhone for a touchscreen smartphone with Android, but that's for the future. Nevertheless, there's some of my points for wanting a smartphone, its a phone and a PDA at the same time... don't tell me no one needs that.
Next, laptop. I someday dream of having a laptop with 3G for internet without wifi. Though, I shall bring up now that I want a ultraportable and/or a netbook. Why? Well, from riding airplanes, metro buses and trains, Greyhound Buses, to just in a friend's car on a roadtrip, a ultraportable laptop is just dandy. Its doesn't weight you down with mass nor lack of functionality. Of course, there's the give of features for gaming... but I doubt I would be gaming while working or studying, that's just me.
What do I have in mind? A Thinkpad from the X-series and the Intel Classmate 3. I shouldn't go into too much detail, but the Thinkpad X(whatever number) is a ultraportable and the Intel Classmate 3 is a Tablet Netbook, meaning a touchscreen that will allow for note-taking and drawing (the Classmate is meant for a classroom environment).
Lastly, an eReader. A device just for reading... but its not just one book... its many! And more! With the Kindle, you can subscribe to magazines, blogs, newspapers, etc. I believe that we should have one device for just reading the paper or a book, for it not only separates us from the internet/computer like a real book, isolation away from other things allows an eReader to have your full attention.
So, let's review the list:
- Smartphone
- Ultraportable Laptop
- Classmate 3
- eReader
All in all, many will say these are the stuff you would find in a Road Warrior's bag, and I am growing to think I might become one. With hopes of med school and traveling, along with friends and family at home, I need to rough out the traveling and stay connected, hence I need devices as tough and smart as me.
