Phones, mobile phones and now smart phones (check mobile memories for the time line and an ode to my old phone ). Gone are the days when cell phones were primarily used as phones. Now these cell phones are like mobile computers – camera, video, gps tracking, games, apps, 32 GB storage and much more. These mobile devices may even shape the education system in the near future.
Dads primarily use cell phones for taking family pictures and love the ability to instantly upload and share on Facebook. Most of the dads I spoke with have smart phones. I am sure dads are also using cell phones as amusement devices for creative learning. When kids go crazy and we need to eat a meal in peace, I am happy to pull out my cell phone and play Dora, Yo Gabba Gabba or some other games.
Rajesh Mishra
Cell phones are my hobby, I love latest and greatest smart phones. I currently use iPhone 4 and Google Nexus1. I also have various phones in my “phone museum”. I can’t imagine day without my smart phone, I use it to sync my various emails and calendars, listening to online radios, IM, catching up with sports and of course reading about latest gadgets. I love taking family pictures and ability to immediately upload and share it.
I have developer account so often I run beta version of next generation software on my phones. I can’t wait to try new Windows Phone 7 and upcoming android tablets.
Adam Xii
@adamxii, father of two, radio personality.
Two years ago, I lucked into an endorsement deal for the iPhone 3G through my former employer, the now-defunct WBCN-FM. I went through the “honeymoon phase” most iPhone owners go through: downloading every extraneous app, spending every spare moment tap-tap-tapping away. Two years later, the shine has worn off. I don’t even have a data plan anymore: I tweet via text & use the Selective Tweets app to bounce pertinent updates to my Facebook page. I’ve thought about moving on to a simpler phone, but the iPhone’s camera has done such a beautiful job of documenting my kids and their shenanigans. I just can’t let go.
Rob Babiak
I remember when I got my first cell phone around 1992 it was a bag phone and I thought how could this get any better. Fast forward 18 years and phones are everything from your personal assistant to your weather channel to you lifeline to the outside world.
My cell phone is my lifeline. I use the BlackBerry Curve 8530 and I love it. I use it for email, Twitter, Facebook and so much more. I love having access to the Internet right at my finger tips any time of the day or night.
Some things I find cool on new phones is the apps that the phone supports. That is one of the #1 things I look for in a phone. The BlackBerry has what they call BlackBerry App World which has a nice amount of free and paid apps that I find useful. I don’t tend to use a ton of apps but I have ones that are important to me like Allsport GPS for cycling and The Weather Channel, UberTwitter and Facebook. I also look for a phone that is not overly large and not terribly heavy with a decent battery life. Decent battery life is hard to find these days since phones are so app heavy and used non-stop for things like Twitter, Facebook and email (This is what I use my BB for often).
I am looking into a phone that runs on the Android platform for my next phone. I had a chance a while back to review the Motorola Droid and at the time it was a phone I didn’t really think I liked but looking back now this is exactly the kind of phone I want. In my opinion the Andriod platform is going to be bigger then the iPhone one day.
Adam Gertsacov
I’ve got the Palm Pre, with the extended battery. We bought it the first day they came out, my wife was convinced that it would be the next coming of the iphone Needless to say, it is not. I think it’s okay, but I am regretting being on the bleeding edge of technology with everyday appliances, like my phone. I’ll probably be switching to something else when my contract is up. I was a big fan of the Palm Centro, but it’s outmoded now. Maybe an iphone or an android.
I do love being able to set photos and set my ringtones. I can take my bear with me wherever I go.
Dave Miller
I can’t live without my cellphone. Okay I could, but it would be really hard. I have the Droid Incredible by HTC running on Verizon. I was always a Blackberry guy until recently. About 6 months ago I was really unhappy with the Blackberry device selection on Verizon and I decided to make the jump to Android. Let me tell you, I couldn’t be happier.
I primarily use the phone for data purposes – email, social media, browsing the Internet, etc – but the phone (calling) features get some use as well. Also the great Google Navigation feature built into Android provides turn-by-turn directions and has allowed me to forget about buying a second GPS device for my car. The 8-megapixel camera is decent and allows me to only carry my phone for simple (well-lit) shots of the family. Lastly I think the phone has gotten better over time due to the availability of more and more apps from the Android Market. I read an article today that it topped 100,000 apps! It really lets me extend the functionality of the phone into more of a mini-computer and improve the functionality over time. I love it!
Overall I couldn’t be happier with the Droid Incredible and Android – especially since upgrading to Froyo last month. I hope others consider Android as an option – I don’t think they will be disappointed.
Russ Cox
I am a die hard Apple fan so when they announced a cell phone, I already made up my mind to get one. Apple for the most part puts out quality products and always sets the standards. Their products are just designed so well and are works of art in themselves. The iPhone has a large screen when is nice for us older folks. Plus the apps available just enhance what you can do with it. Also having a built in iPod is just an extra bonus. Everything is condensed and basically in one place because I hate having too many things to carry around in my pockets.
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