We find reasons to do what we want. We eat desert, we invade Iraq, we change a spouse. My yoga teacher tells us to cast off that which doesn't serve us. Sounds convenient to me.
I've wanted a smart phone, specifically an Android, and when they showed up for $160 at NewEgg, I couldn't resist. Unfortunately, or fortunately as it turned out, my phone was defective, and NewEgg was out so I got my money back. A week later the same model showed up for $100. at Radio Shack. It was to be.
Perfect toy for the inner geek.
Coming back from N.C. I used Navigation, a built in Google App, for directions. The phone has GPS. It took us home on the Turnpike, used downtown exit (14C) by the tunnel, and guided us through the broken 1 way streets of JCNJ to Avis car return. Awesome. I'll never be lost again.
I bought an Android App for my phone: NavDroyd. It stores maps and uses GPS and can give directions. I just had it take me from home to Chinatown. Awesome. I am full of smiles. No art there but I love technology. It drives Janet a bit crazy but I control myself and only play when she sees a bargain. It doesn't need a data plan - which I am too cheap to buy.
I've added maps for Spain and Vietnam and New York and California. I'll never be lost again. It is a man's toy although, strangely, I like asking directions much more than Janet. I enjoy being asked and return the favor. People are very nice and often help and go out of their ways. I don't want to loose that part of the trip and must resist the call of the phone.
Without a data plan what can you do?
ReplyDeleteUse apps?
Make calls?
Surf the web?
Do email?
When I have wi-fi I don't need the data plan (and NavDroyd downloads maps in advance and uses GPS so it works great without a data plan). Google apps (like Navigation or voice reco) do need data connections but, so far, I live without them when I'm not in a wifi zone. (Data connection can be purchased by the day from T-mobile.) Not perfect but works for me (within my constraints).
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