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.

Keep Your Car and Mind in Gear

Hardly a day passes without some new report or study being released about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. While texting seems to get most of the headlines, just talking on the phone while driving can be quite distracting. In the spirit of not throwing the first stone, I will admit to taking a call now and then while behind the wheel. I do try to make them brief but that is really not much of an excuse.

Many phones today have what is called “Bluetooth” technology. This allows for hands free operation either by using a wireless earpiece or an interface with your car’s radio. Both allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and at least potentially keep your mind on driving. Unfortunately, you can keep your hands on the wheel but your mind still is distracted.

I give a wide berth to drivers I observe to be deep in conversation. Several times I have followed cars from downtown Cincinnati all the way to Harrison with the driver deep in conversation, hands gesturing, head bobbing, car drifting right and left.

It is not just the highway where the danger lurks. I regularly jog over the lunch hour in downtown Cincinnati and Over the Rhine. I have lost count of the times that I have the right of way with the walk signal at an intersection only to have a driver look right through me and make a right turn into my path. Cell phone in hand, mouth in gear, brain somewhere else.

It is most likely not practical to think that all of us will check our phones at the front car door. There are some things that you can do to lessen the distraction.

Keep the conversation short. “Let me call you back” is an OK response. Never reach for that pen. Most phones record the number of the incoming caller. I won’t even mention texting. If you find yourself sending or reading text messages while driving, consider having your head examined by a professional ASAP.

Remember, just because you are not holding the phone in your hand does not mean that you are not distracted. Remember that thought the next time you are driving home from Cincinnati to Harrison on I-74 and you find that your next exit is Batesville-Oldenberg. “Let me call you back!”

Keep Your Car and Mind in Gear

Hardly a day passes without some new report or study being released about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. While texting seems to get most of the headlines, just talking on the phone while driving can be quite distracting. In the spirit of not throwing the first stone, I will admit to taking a call now and then while behind the wheel. I do try to make them brief but that is really not much of an excuse.

Many phones today have what is called “Bluetooth” technology. This allows for hands free operation either by using a wireless earpiece or an interface with your car’s radio. Both allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and at least potentially keep your mind on driving. Unfortunately, you can keep your hands on the wheel but your mind still is distracted.

I give a wide berth to drivers I observe to be deep in conversation. Several times I have followed cars from downtown Cincinnati all the way to Harrison with the driver deep in conversation, hands gesturing, head bobbing, car drifting right and left.

It is not just the highway where the danger lurks. I regularly jog over the lunch hour in downtown Cincinnati and Over the Rhine. I have lost count of the times that I have the right of way with the walk signal at an intersection only to have a driver look right through me and make a right turn into my path. Cell phone in hand, mouth in gear, brain somewhere else.

It is most likely not practical to think that all of us will check our phones at the front car door. There are some things that you can do to lessen the distraction.

Keep the conversation short. “Let me call you back” is an OK response. Never reach for that pen. Most phones record the number of the incoming caller. I won’t even mention texting. If you find yourself sending or reading text messages while driving, consider having your head examined by a professional ASAP.

Remember, just because you are not holding the phone in your hand does not mean that you are not distracted. Remember that thought the next time you are driving home from Cincinnati to Harrison on I-74 and you find that your next exit is Batesville-Oldenberg. “Let me call you back!”

Europeans Can Teach Us A Few Things

OK, look in that junk drawer in the kitchen. Mixed in among the dead AA batteries, a 1998 calendar and several pens …all of which will not write more than two words without skipping … I bet you will find more than one cell phone charger that is no longer compatible with your current phone. You are not alone.

Not only do models from the same manufacturer use different chargers, essentially no common charger and interconnecting plug design is available for any two phones from different manufacturers. In light of the fact that most phones, no matter the style or maker use the same basic innards and operate on the same voltages, this is crazy. In fact, most any cell phone charger in your drawer would work if only the plug was compatible.

Well, the people across the pond are doing something about it. Beginning in 2010 several major mobile manufacturers in Europe, including Nokia, Apple and Research in Motion, have signed up for the universal charger initiative. The goal of this decision is to adopt the use of the Micro USB plug as the charging standard for all cell phones by 2012. Some of the major brands are getting a head start and have agreed to implement Micro USB in their phones next year.
What a great idea! As a rule, even chargers in your drawer can last ten or more years. They are simple devices. The only problem is they don’t fit your new phone. Planned obsolescence.

According to an industry press release, it is estimated that in Europe alone the universal charger initiative will cut down on the energy and materials required to produce chargers by 51,000 tons annually, reducing the overall amount of chargers produced by 50 percent. This would also decrease the amount of waste created by discarded, useless cell phone chargers.

When will this great idea come to our shores? Who knows? The last time I bought a new phone the sales person mentioned that they were thinking about it. That was almost two years ago.

Of course it is not just cell phones that have non-compatible chargers. In any home today there are most likely five or more little chargers plugged in and energizing that iPod, GPS, portable radio, flashlight, camera, etc, etc, etc. Since most of these devices require different battery voltage and amperage, a universal charger is a bit more of a problem to design. Not so with the cell phone. So, let’s get on with it. I don’t know about you, but my drawer is getting too full already.

Europeans Can Teach Us A Few Things

OK, look in that junk drawer in the kitchen. Mixed in among the dead AA batteries, a 1998 calendar and several pens …all of which will not write more than two words without skipping … I bet you will find more than one cell phone charger that is no longer compatible with your current phone. You are not alone.

Not only do models from the same manufacturer use different chargers, essentially no common charger and interconnecting plug design is available for any two phones from different manufacturers. In light of the fact that most phones, no matter the style or maker use the same basic innards and operate on the same voltages, this is crazy. In fact, most any cell phone charger in your drawer would work if only the plug was compatible.

Well, the people across the pond are doing something about it. Beginning in 2010 several major mobile manufacturers in Europe, including Nokia, Apple and Research in Motion, have signed up for the universal charger initiative. The goal of this decision is to adopt the use of the Micro USB plug as the charging standard for all cell phones by 2012. Some of the major brands are getting a head start and have agreed to implement Micro USB in their phones next year.
What a great idea! As a rule, even chargers in your drawer can last ten or more years. They are simple devices. The only problem is they don’t fit your new phone. Planned obsolescence.

According to an industry press release, it is estimated that in Europe alone the universal charger initiative will cut down on the energy and materials required to produce chargers by 51,000 tons annually, reducing the overall amount of chargers produced by 50 percent. This would also decrease the amount of waste created by discarded, useless cell phone chargers.

When will this great idea come to our shores? Who knows? The last time I bought a new phone the sales person mentioned that they were thinking about it. That was almost two years ago.

Of course it is not just cell phones that have non-compatible chargers. In any home today there are most likely five or more little chargers plugged in and energizing that iPod, GPS, portable radio, flashlight, camera, etc, etc, etc. Since most of these devices require different battery voltage and amperage, a universal charger is a bit more of a problem to design. Not so with the cell phone. So, let’s get on with it. I don’t know about you, but my drawer is getting too full already.

Just Don't Use It!

I don’t often use this column to express my personal gripes. After all, what do you care what I like or don’t like? The purpose of these weekly missives has and will continue to be to provide straight forward information about technology. Once in a while a personal gripe and some helpful technology hints come together. This is one of those times.

The proliferation of communication technologies over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. Cell phones are everywhere. Some would say they surface in too many places. Email is now as much a part of the daily routine for the occupant of the college dorm room as it is at the retirement community.

For many people these tools are used wisely and effectively. However, there is a small group of people who drive me nuts, not because they use the technology too much but because they don’t use it.

For sure, I think everyone has the right to refuse to use email or a cell phone. Hey, this is the USA isn’t it. I respect these people, whatever their reasons might be. In fact, I applaud those who think a hand written note or a personal visit is better than a … “How r u? I b hm @ 5. lov j” email or instant message.

My gripe is that some people will tell you that they have email or a cell phone and give you the address or number. The presumption is that if they give you this information, they actually use it. WRONG!

A minority for sure, there are people who check their email once a month at the most. Others still haven’t figured out how to retrieve voice mail from their cell phone account. Again this is their prerogative. The problem is that the person who left the email or voice mail doesn’t know this. So that invite to dinner or the movies goes unanswered. The sender is in a quandary as to whether they are being ignored or forgotten.

My suggestion is that there is no reason to feel compelled to use these technologies. No one will feel that you are less intelligent or un-American. When someone asks if you have email or a cell, just say no!

Just Don't Use It!

I don’t often use this column to express my personal gripes. After all, what do you care what I like or don’t like? The purpose of these weekly missives has and will continue to be to provide straight forward information about technology. Once in a while a personal gripe and some helpful technology hints come together. This is one of those times.

The proliferation of communication technologies over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. Cell phones are everywhere. Some would say they surface in too many places. Email is now as much a part of the daily routine for the occupant of the college dorm room as it is at the retirement community.

For many people these tools are used wisely and effectively. However, there is a small group of people who drive me nuts, not because they use the technology too much but because they don’t use it.

For sure, I think everyone has the right to refuse to use email or a cell phone. Hey, this is the USA isn’t it. I respect these people, whatever their reasons might be. In fact, I applaud those who think a hand written note or a personal visit is better than a … “How r u? I b hm @ 5. lov j” email or instant message.

My gripe is that some people will tell you that they have email or a cell phone and give you the address or number. The presumption is that if they give you this information, they actually use it. WRONG!

A minority for sure, there are people who check their email once a month at the most. Others still haven’t figured out how to retrieve voice mail from their cell phone account. Again this is their prerogative. The problem is that the person who left the email or voice mail doesn’t know this. So that invite to dinner or the movies goes unanswered. The sender is in a quandary as to whether they are being ignored or forgotten.

My suggestion is that there is no reason to feel compelled to use these technologies. No one will feel that you are less intelligent or un-American. When someone asks if you have email or a cell, just say no!

Just Turn It Off!

The minister has been preaching for ten minutes and is just getting to the main point of the sermon. The actors have woven a captivating story that is just now coming to a resolution. The violinist is just getting to the most beautiful passage of the entire symphony. BEEP…BEEP…Ta…Da! A cell phone peals out of the silence.

How many times has this happened to you? A very special moment corrupted by the modern Siren’s Song of technology. More and more the desire for continuous connectivity is running up against our peace and quiet and just plain good manners.

It is almost de rigueur at business meetings and conferences to have half of the participants texting or surfing the net on their Blackberries while someone else is speaking. Some call it multitasking. Others think that their importance is magnified by their obvious need to be in constant connection. Who knows when the President of the United States might want their advice?

Not long ago doctors and public safety personnel were the only ones with pagers, and even then, many checked them at the door. Today, there are more phones in the Sunday morning church services than exist in many Third World countries.

Even outside of the church or concert hall, many fail to abide by the most basic tenants of common courtesy. While at the local Kroger store shopping at the deli counter do we really need to discuss our latest treatment for hemorrhoids with our best telephonic friend? The most intimate of details of loves lost play out in the stores and on our streets.

There are those who think that Bluetooth® technology requires them to never be out of touch. Not long ago if you were walking along a city street and passed a single pedestrian carrying on an animated conversation with themselves you may have thought that they were a “few fries short of a happy meal.” Today it is common place to see people walking along, a Borg-like earpiece protruding from one ear. The conversations can be about what to cook for dinner or some details of what they did last night on that hot date. Neither of these topics should be forced on those who just happen to be passing by.

I am a jogger and many of my running routes take me though downtown Cincinnati during the noon hour. Crossing streets, even in cross walks and with the light, can be deadly if the driver at the light is carrying on a conversation on his cell phone. I have lost count of how many times I have narrowly missed being run over by a driver with on hand on the cell phone and the other on the steering wheel. Their eyes just look right though you while they are in rapt conversation.

I am a big fan of modern technology and I think the cell phone and laptops are nothing short of marvelous. But there is a time and place for these and other technologies. Sometimes you should just turn it all off.

Just Turn It Off!

The minister has been preaching for ten minutes and is just getting to the main point of the sermon. The actors have woven a captivating story that is just now coming to a resolution. The violinist is just getting to the most beautiful passage of the entire symphony. BEEP…BEEP…Ta…Da! A cell phone peals out of the silence.

How many times has this happened to you? A very special moment corrupted by the modern Siren’s Song of technology. More and more the desire for continuous connectivity is running up against our peace and quiet and just plain good manners.

It is almost de rigueur at business meetings and conferences to have half of the participants texting or surfing the net on their Blackberries while someone else is speaking. Some call it multitasking. Others think that their importance is magnified by their obvious need to be in constant connection. Who knows when the President of the United States might want their advice?

Not long ago doctors and public safety personnel were the only ones with pagers, and even then, many checked them at the door. Today, there are more phones in the Sunday morning church services than exist in many Third World countries.

Even outside of the church or concert hall, many fail to abide by the most basic tenants of common courtesy. While at the local Kroger store shopping at the deli counter do we really need to discuss our latest treatment for hemorrhoids with our best telephonic friend? The most intimate of details of loves lost play out in the stores and on our streets.

There are those who think that Bluetooth® technology requires them to never be out of touch. Not long ago if you were walking along a city street and passed a single pedestrian carrying on an animated conversation with themselves you may have thought that they were a “few fries short of a happy meal.” Today it is common place to see people walking along, a Borg-like earpiece protruding from one ear. The conversations can be about what to cook for dinner or some details of what they did last night on that hot date. Neither of these topics should be forced on those who just happen to be passing by.

I am a jogger and many of my running routes take me though downtown Cincinnati during the noon hour. Crossing streets, even in cross walks and with the light, can be deadly if the driver at the light is carrying on a conversation on his cell phone. I have lost count of how many times I have narrowly missed being run over by a driver with on hand on the cell phone and the other on the steering wheel. Their eyes just look right though you while they are in rapt conversation.

I am a big fan of modern technology and I think the cell phone and laptops are nothing short of marvelous. But there is a time and place for these and other technologies. Sometimes you should just turn it all off.