Aaaaand back to the smartphone idea.
I've decided to get one.
Sure, there are fanciful reasons to get one. RIFT. Cineplex. Map of the Dead.
But it occurred to me that my 'system' for keeping track of work is terrible right now. I use a hard copy binder, YouTube channel, Rainlendar and the RCM's system to keep track of my students. I lost a lot of files to a virus. I am pretty sure there is an app - or a basic Notepad that's much more accessible - that will allow me to make notes on the fly and keep track of my students more reliably.
What I need:
* A camera, but it does not need to be great.
* Minimal but reliable Internet access. I'm home most of the time.
* An alternative to the touchscreen for typing. I'm just way too finicky and don't know if I can adjust.
* Apps.
* Affordability. I understand that it's minimum $50/month, but I don't want to spend much higher, especially when I don't need that much more.
Now here's what I'm looking at:
* iPhone: Everyone else has one. It's less peer pressure and more "if something breaks, someone will know how to fix it". It's honestly looking like the best option because there's a lot of stuff customized for them, but I'm leery about using the OS.
* Droid RAZR: Great battery life. Affordable.
* Nexus: Middle of the road.
I'm going to go to the store sometime and ask about their recommendations, and follow up heero's suggestion about a refurbished phone. While I'd love to get the latest and newest, it isn't a need.
http://smartphones.findthebest.com/
http://www.gizmag.com/smartphone-comparison-2012/24901/
http://www.pcworld.com/product/collection/11826/top-10-smartphones-with-physical-keyboards.html
Sure, there are fanciful reasons to get one. RIFT. Cineplex. Map of the Dead.
But it occurred to me that my 'system' for keeping track of work is terrible right now. I use a hard copy binder, YouTube channel, Rainlendar and the RCM's system to keep track of my students. I lost a lot of files to a virus. I am pretty sure there is an app - or a basic Notepad that's much more accessible - that will allow me to make notes on the fly and keep track of my students more reliably.
What I need:
* A camera, but it does not need to be great.
* Minimal but reliable Internet access. I'm home most of the time.
* An alternative to the touchscreen for typing. I'm just way too finicky and don't know if I can adjust.
* Apps.
* Affordability. I understand that it's minimum $50/month, but I don't want to spend much higher, especially when I don't need that much more.
Now here's what I'm looking at:
* iPhone: Everyone else has one. It's less peer pressure and more "if something breaks, someone will know how to fix it". It's honestly looking like the best option because there's a lot of stuff customized for them, but I'm leery about using the OS.
* Droid RAZR: Great battery life. Affordable.
* Nexus: Middle of the road.
I'm going to go to the store sometime and ask about their recommendations, and follow up heero's suggestion about a refurbished phone. While I'd love to get the latest and newest, it isn't a need.
http://smartphones.findthebest.com/
http://www.gizmag.com/smartphone-comparison-2012/24901/
http://www.pcworld.com/product/collection/11826/top-10-smartphones-with-physical-keyboards.html