It’s been a while since I’ve updated, but the winter months are usually slow for me anyway. So today, I’m going to talk about a couple of my recent technology purchases.
Almost two months ago, my cell phone broke, so I was in the market for a new one. I decided to take the leap and sprung for a BlackBerry after researching them online. I already have an iPod touch, so an iPhone is unnecessary.
Now that I’ve been using it for a while, I’m very impressed with the design of the device and its level of features. An interesting feature is that it uses magnets to detect when it is in its holster so it can disable the keyboard and turn off the screen. Even more interesting is how there’s many features of the BlackBerry that aren’t really promoted at all because so many people trust the brand for quality anyway. When Apple revises its iPods and iPhones, it usually adds 1 or 2 new features and markets them like crazy.
I also switched from Bell Mobility to Telus Mobility. I was very unimpressed with Bell’s lack of professionalism with store clerks that know nothing and have no power to help me, and a web site that’s forever malfunctioning.
At any rate, I sent my Samsung M500 back to Saint John so my parents could send it in for repairs and use it for themselves. It’s almost two months after I moved my number to Telus, and Bell still won’t release control of the old phone so my parents can activate it on their own Bell plan. Idiots. I wasn’t on a contract, either.
Just today, I also bought an Acer Aspire One netbook. This is one of those tiny laptops, which I plan to use when travelling and at school.
I got a good deal on a model nearly identical to this stock picture from a local classified listing. It features a 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM, 2 SD card slots, 2 hour battery, and integrated webcam/mic. So far, I’m pretty impressed with how well it runs Windows XP. It also only weighs 2 pounds and is smaller than most textbooks.
For me, technology is fun, a hobby and also a necessity. It’s very convenient to be in a grocery store, see something, and be able to Google a recipe from my BlackBerry so I get all the things I need. I also like to travel with a computer so I can update my blog and post pictures, but my regular laptop is a bit overqualified for that job, and adds unnecessary weight.
Hey Paul,
I just got the Blackberry Curve in Nov, and am loving it. Like you, I also LOATHE Bell, with their idiotic release policies, etc. I was so thrilled to pay out what I owed and cancel that contract with them and move to Telus. All three of my children and I are with Telus now and the customer service, both in-store and on the phone far exceed what Bell provides. I am happy to be “Bell-free” now, don’t even have my home phone with them anymore!
Glad to hear you’re working on your Master’s in Alberta, hope you’re loving it. I just applied to grad school the end of January – fingers crossed.
Have fun out there,
Lisa