Technology keeping folks connected

For years I had a cell phone from 1995 that didn't do SMS, have a camera, have a vibration option, and was monochrome. Seriously, I upgraded to the Razor in May 2006.

Now I can SMS, take photos (albeit, not clear ones), set the phone on vibration so as not to disturb others when in the theater and it's in color. I believe Verizon even offers web access for an additional charge.

My primary reason for a cell phone is for an emergency. I have a plain vanilla plan that allows me 250 minutes monthly and I never exceed my minutes. I'm lucky if I have 30 minutes talk time per month. Seriously.

I thought the most used feature of the new cell would be the camera, since I've always carried a digital camera with me. Boy, was I wrong.

I use SMS a lot. It has made a difference in the quality of my relationship with friends and coworkers. We maintain contact after work hours and on weekends, somthing that had not happened before. It seems the ease and unobtrusiveness of SMS makes us feel free to connect without feeling that we're intruding as with a voice call.

I do use the camera, especially when I want to post to this blog. My standard digital camera requires me to first download my photos to a computer, then upload them to the site. By then hours may have passed! Whereas with one press of the button, the camera phone photos are emailed here - instantaneous, sweet and easy!

I love the ease with which I can upload photos to this blog, the VOX team did a fantastic job! Other blogs I've tried don't have photo uploads from camphones this easy and seamless. Okay, I'm off track...

I didn't realize what a relationship enhancement a new cell phone would be. It's technology that helps me stay connected and reinforce my relationships. I should have upgraded years ago!