Mobile and Wired Phones Can Work Togehter

Last week we discussed the option of giving up a hard wired telephone line for your home or small business and installing a system that uses a cellular network.  That system uses a special device that connects all your existing wired and cordless phones with the cellular network.  The big difference is that your connection to the outside world is through a wireless carrier rather than hard wired through Ma Bell.  You maintain a separate telephone number for your home.

There is another similar system that might be a good choice for some.  This system uses a special docking device that allows your existing mobile phone to serve as the outside connection for home phones.  It allows your mobile phone to be charged while at the same time providing an outside connection for all your existing phones located throughout the house.  So when you come home you just dock your mobile phone and any calls incoming or outgoing are handled by the traditional wired phones.  

The system described last week allowed you to keep both a mobile number and a “home” number.  This system uses only one number, your mobile number, no matter if you are at home or on the road.  The benefit of one number is reduced monthly cost.   One number is less expensive than two.

There are other advantages such as using the free long distance offered by most mobile carriers.  Also, if you are on a protracted call, the old style handset on a wired phone is more comfortable to hold to your ear than a cell phone.

Before you make the switch you need to know that there are some drawbacks to going with only a cellular service for your home or small business.  You can’t use a fax or credit card terminal with this service.  Some emergency notification services like those for the elderly or disabled are not supported.  Home security alarms also can’t be connected to the system. And, of course, you must get a good signal from the cellular carrier.

Perhaps one of the biggest disadvantages is that with only one telephone number you can’t, as many of us do, keep your mobile number somewhat protected.  For example I don’t freely give out my mobile number so I don’t get unwanted calls.  Even as careful as I am, I still get robocalls and solicitations for vacations on my mobile.  I don’t want more.

Since you are using an existing mobile account there is no incremental monthly cost unless you go over your allotted minutes.  There is a one-time purchase of the interface device.  These begin at about $30 and go up to about $150 depending on the features.  The more expensive models have battery back up, separate internal voice mail and caller ID displays.  You can find various models at local electronic stores and on line.

Again these options are not for everyone.  For those who have already jettisoned their land line, this option might be worth a second look.

Mobile and Wired Phones Can Work Togehter

Last week we discussed the option of giving up a hard wired telephone line for your home or small business and installing a system that uses a cellular network.  That system uses a special device that connects all your existing wired and cordless phones with the cellular network.  The big difference is that your connection to the outside world is through a wireless carrier rather than hard wired through Ma Bell.  You maintain a separate telephone number for your home.

There is another similar system that might be a good choice for some.  This system uses a special docking device that allows your existing mobile phone to serve as the outside connection for home phones.  It allows your mobile phone to be charged while at the same time providing an outside connection for all your existing phones located throughout the house.  So when you come home you just dock your mobile phone and any calls incoming or outgoing are handled by the traditional wired phones.  

The system described last week allowed you to keep both a mobile number and a “home” number.  This system uses only one number, your mobile number, no matter if you are at home or on the road.  The benefit of one number is reduced monthly cost.   One number is less expensive than two.

There are other advantages such as using the free long distance offered by most mobile carriers.  Also, if you are on a protracted call, the old style handset on a wired phone is more comfortable to hold to your ear than a cell phone.

Before you make the switch you need to know that there are some drawbacks to going with only a cellular service for your home or small business.  You can’t use a fax or credit card terminal with this service.  Some emergency notification services like those for the elderly or disabled are not supported.  Home security alarms also can’t be connected to the system. And, of course, you must get a good signal from the cellular carrier.

Perhaps one of the biggest disadvantages is that with only one telephone number you can’t, as many of us do, keep your mobile number somewhat protected.  For example I don’t freely give out my mobile number so I don’t get unwanted calls.  Even as careful as I am, I still get robocalls and solicitations for vacations on my mobile.  I don’t want more.

Since you are using an existing mobile account there is no incremental monthly cost unless you go over your allotted minutes.  There is a one-time purchase of the interface device.  These begin at about $30 and go up to about $150 depending on the features.  The more expensive models have battery back up, separate internal voice mail and caller ID displays.  You can find various models at local electronic stores and on line.

Again these options are not for everyone.  For those who have already jettisoned their land line, this option might be worth a second look.

Cutting Ma Bell's Apron Strings

As more and more of us are using our mobile phones not only for business and emergencies but for most all of our calling, many are questioning whether they also really need a land line from the phone company. Everyday, people are disconnecting the land lines to both save money and to simplify getting in touch with friends and family. After all, how many phone numbers and voice mail boxes do we really need?

If you are among those considering severing your tether to Ma Bell’s apron strings there are some great devices that will make it easier and convenient when you are at home or at the office.

Several companies offer devices that serve as a docking/charging station for your cell phone and allow all of the phones now connected to the regular phone company lines in your home to use the cell phone connection instead. When you come home for the evening you connect the cell phone to the docking station and when you receive a call or wish to place a call you use any of the hard wired or cordless phones already in your house. Your calls are routed through your cell phone telephone number.

There are several different versions offered by companies like Panasonic, Sony and AT&T. Some require an iPhone but most will accommodate any phone that has Bluetooth connectivity. They are priced from about $75 to as much as several hundred dollars.

Over and above convenience, there are other advantages to using the cell line for your regular line. Many mobile phone plans offer free long distance and special free “family” calling discounts. Also, I find that for long calls a standard telephone handset is more comfortable to use than the cigarette-size smartphone.

Most of these systems are not capable of sending or receiving faxes, so if you have a home office you may wish to keep a land line as well. Some of the devices, like models from Panasonic, allow you to have two lines connected: one cell phone line and one regular land line. You can choose what line to use.

Some more words of caution. If you decide to cut the cord, your calls to 911 may not allow the dispatcher to pin point your location so be sure to tell them the exact address when you call. Since you will be using your mobile phone more make certain you’re your mobile service plan allows for the extra minutes. Most plans offer “free evenings and weekends” and since that is when you are most likely to be home it shouldn’t be problem.

Cutting Ma Bell's Apron Strings

As more and more of us are using our mobile phones not only for business and emergencies but for most all of our calling, many are questioning whether they also really need a land line from the phone company. Everyday, people are disconnecting the land lines to both save money and to simplify getting in touch with friends and family. After all, how many phone numbers and voice mail boxes do we really need?

If you are among those considering severing your tether to Ma Bell’s apron strings there are some great devices that will make it easier and convenient when you are at home or at the office.

Several companies offer devices that serve as a docking/charging station for your cell phone and allow all of the phones now connected to the regular phone company lines in your home to use the cell phone connection instead. When you come home for the evening you connect the cell phone to the docking station and when you receive a call or wish to place a call you use any of the hard wired or cordless phones already in your house. Your calls are routed through your cell phone telephone number.

There are several different versions offered by companies like Panasonic, Sony and AT&T. Some require an iPhone but most will accommodate any phone that has Bluetooth connectivity. They are priced from about $75 to as much as several hundred dollars.

Over and above convenience, there are other advantages to using the cell line for your regular line. Many mobile phone plans offer free long distance and special free “family” calling discounts. Also, I find that for long calls a standard telephone handset is more comfortable to use than the cigarette-size smartphone.

Most of these systems are not capable of sending or receiving faxes, so if you have a home office you may wish to keep a land line as well. Some of the devices, like models from Panasonic, allow you to have two lines connected: one cell phone line and one regular land line. You can choose what line to use.

Some more words of caution. If you decide to cut the cord, your calls to 911 may not allow the dispatcher to pin point your location so be sure to tell them the exact address when you call. Since you will be using your mobile phone more make certain you’re your mobile service plan allows for the extra minutes. Most plans offer “free evenings and weekends” and since that is when you are most likely to be home it shouldn’t be problem.

Leave Some Technology At Home This Summer

It’s that time of year again. Fireworks are sounding, the sun is shinning and vacations are on our mind. Even with $4 plus fuel, many of us will take some time off and go away on vacation. Technology is a blessing and a curse for those who want to get away from it all.

For sure the convenience of booking travel and accommodations on the Internet can take some of the hassle out of vacations. Web services like travelocity.com® and priceline.com® can provide some deep discounts. Most airlines offer online boarding passes cutting the time you need to spend in lines at CVG. You can even prepare your baggage tags on line.

If you are driving, MapQuest.com® can provide very good directions as well as travel time. You can plan a trip based on a variety of preferences. For example, if you don’t want to travel on Interstate highways, MapQuest will take that into consideration. If you don’t care about tolls or Interstates, but only want the quickest way to your destination, you can ask MapQuest to plan accordingly.

The proliferation of GPS devices is almost unbelievable. Some of the hand-held models have more navigation power than the first Space Shuttle. While I have found some strange routing for certain trips, for the most part they are very accurate. I am not a fan of that ever-patient little women inside the GPS that absolutely can’t get upset no matter what knucklehead mistake I make when driving. Wouldn’t it be neat if she muttered few expletives after you passed the exit for the fifth time. No one is that patient!

I am going to recommend that you not use some technologies on that next get away. I saw a new term recently in a blog authored by Robert Roy Britt that I though was very indicative of the downside of all this technology. His term is “technotether.” He defines technotether as our inability to ignore that ringing cell phone. Our addiction to the BlackBerry® and other electronic personal assistants is another example of this affliction. Perhaps the most egregious is our need to check our email. These technologies have expanded the work day and the work place. The addition of wifi service on some commercial flights has penetrated the one place that you could not get email. Britt contends that we are “tethered” to these technologies and in many ways it is not healthy.

Let me make a suggestion. Don’t check email while on vacation. Bring your cell phone but don’t call back home or to the office. Don’t check office voice mail. Leave a message telling callers that you will not be checking it. I figure if the President of the United States is looking for me he won’t leave a voice message anyway. His minions will find me. For heavens sake leave the blackberry in its charging cradle for a week.

For the first day or so you will experience withdrawal. After that you will be amazed how much more restful vacation turns out to be.

Leave Some Technology At Home This Summer

It’s that time of year again. Fireworks are sounding, the sun is shinning and vacations are on our mind. Even with $4 plus fuel, many of us will take some time off and go away on vacation. Technology is a blessing and a curse for those who want to get away from it all.

For sure the convenience of booking travel and accommodations on the Internet can take some of the hassle out of vacations. Web services like travelocity.com® and priceline.com® can provide some deep discounts. Most airlines offer online boarding passes cutting the time you need to spend in lines at CVG. You can even prepare your baggage tags on line.

If you are driving, MapQuest.com® can provide very good directions as well as travel time. You can plan a trip based on a variety of preferences. For example, if you don’t want to travel on Interstate highways, MapQuest will take that into consideration. If you don’t care about tolls or Interstates, but only want the quickest way to your destination, you can ask MapQuest to plan accordingly.

The proliferation of GPS devices is almost unbelievable. Some of the hand-held models have more navigation power than the first Space Shuttle. While I have found some strange routing for certain trips, for the most part they are very accurate. I am not a fan of that ever-patient little women inside the GPS that absolutely can’t get upset no matter what knucklehead mistake I make when driving. Wouldn’t it be neat if she muttered few expletives after you passed the exit for the fifth time. No one is that patient!

I am going to recommend that you not use some technologies on that next get away. I saw a new term recently in a blog authored by Robert Roy Britt that I though was very indicative of the downside of all this technology. His term is “technotether.” He defines technotether as our inability to ignore that ringing cell phone. Our addiction to the BlackBerry® and other electronic personal assistants is another example of this affliction. Perhaps the most egregious is our need to check our email. These technologies have expanded the work day and the work place. The addition of wifi service on some commercial flights has penetrated the one place that you could not get email. Britt contends that we are “tethered” to these technologies and in many ways it is not healthy.

Let me make a suggestion. Don’t check email while on vacation. Bring your cell phone but don’t call back home or to the office. Don’t check office voice mail. Leave a message telling callers that you will not be checking it. I figure if the President of the United States is looking for me he won’t leave a voice message anyway. His minions will find me. For heavens sake leave the blackberry in its charging cradle for a week.

For the first day or so you will experience withdrawal. After that you will be amazed how much more restful vacation turns out to be.