GPS? Get it on Google! And Sell Your Portable.

Do you have a portable GPS system that you switch from one car to the other?  You know, not the integrated navigation system, but something that cost you roughly $150.  Do you love it?  Can't live without it?  Here's my advice:  Sell it on eBay.  NOW!  (While it's still worth something.)

Here's the thing: your smartphone can get Google Maps (well, not the iPhone) or some other GPS navigation system for a fraction of the price -- or FREE.  Google can even show you real time traffic.  Can even talk in your ear (if you're driving solo).  It's super easy to use.  Go.  Do it.  Before everyone else does and you're stuck with another out of date gadget.  Just like the Kindle (more on that later).

Have fun on your road trip!  Get lost!

Moms With Apps

Last month, we were about to go on a trip (a vacation is something you take without two children) and I wanted to load up on iPhone apps to sooth my savage beasts -- ages 4 and 6.  I found a great website that caters especially to people like me:  Moms With Apps. Aha!

The apps are categorized for easy navigation and take you directly to the webpage that can launch your iTunes program.

There are no reviews on Moms With Apps, but you can see the reviews on the app's iTunes page and make your decision to download from there.

Tablets: Yes, You Will Own One

Why is everyone so amped up about tablets?  What exactly is one to do with a tablet that they're not doing already?  Here's the short version:

Notebooks were about bringing the utility of a computer to a portable device.  Tablets are about bringing the utility if the internet to our "on the go" lifestyles.  Tablets will facilitate everything from interactive children's books to next generation newspapers.  The idea is that a tablet takes the portability of a smartphone and enhances the viewing capabilities.  Combine this with high speed wireless everywhere and an ever-growing (iPhone) app culture and you get a "game changing" device.   

Of course they will be expensive in their first generation ($250-$1000) depending on the features, but within 24 months they will be free with data contracts -- similar to cell phones.  This new hardware platform will have a huge influence on the publishing, education, entertainment and gaming industries.

Some really smart people have a lot to say about the iPad, here, here, here and here.  Well, the last one is clever rather than smart.

I'm giving you Cliffs' Notes!  Take advantage!  Seem knowledgeable.  Watch a short video example.  Impress your friends with your forward looking expertise.

Eco-Travel: Smart Phone Instead of Paper

Other than your boarding pass, there is not much information that really needs to be on paper when you're traveling -- for business or pleasure.

Before you leave, put your reservation numbers (car, hotel, etc.) on your smartphone.  You can use an app like TripIt or you can use your notes from Outlook.  (You could even use a Google Document, if you're on an Android.)

Even driving directions can be added to your phone ahead of time.  Just enter your route and bookmark it in your smartphone's browser so you can pull it up with ease.

Just a little planning ahead of time helps smooth the trip ahead and cuts way down on wasting paper.

Travel with a Small Phone Bill

I'm always interested in never reinventing the wheel. Economy of motion.  In that spirit, I direct you toward a very interesting NY Times article about how to travel, talk on the phone a lot, and not return with a $1500 phone bill.  I've spoken about Skype in other blog posts, but this article is more comprehensive.  Enjoy!