One thing us geeks tend to have: Gadgets.
In such a digital world, how do we reduce the number of gadgets we need to carry around? There are book readers, MP3 players, portable DVD players, cell phones, laptops... an endless array of devices to cater to our every whim...
For instance; I need a device to read books, play music and the occasional video, show off photos and help me keep track of life in general.
I tried using a smartphone for this but it was kinda hard reading a book on such a tiny screen--and hooking it up to the car stereo was not a fun experience...
I ended up going back to my Lifedrive. I hadn't totally retired the device because it makes an excellent Mp3/Ogg player and portable video device using TCPMP, besides being ready to surf the internet when bored at a restaurant that happens to have wifi (and small enough to be discreet).
Basically I went back to a bare-bones cellphone and my Lifedrive for everything else.
What does this eliminate?
- ebook reader and physical books
- portable music player
- portable video player
- portable usb thumb drive (has a built-in 4 GB hard drive for transferring files)
- laptop for surfing the internet when out and about
- paper planner
- notepad
- sound recorder
- paper address book
- alarm clock
It has a small built-in speaker, so I use it instead of a stereo to play music in the house when I'm cleaning, and connect it to my van to listen to it while traveling. Katie and I sometimes go through the drive thru then park and watch a movie in the van. Yes, it has a small screen but my kid has yet to complain about being able to actually watch a show on the move...
I use it to transfer files when needed, and can even keep some portable applications on it for use on other people's computers.
I still carry two devices when you add the cell phone, but that is better than some. It is definitely better than I used to do. I would carry a paper planner, cell phone, notepads, books, mp3 player--you name it. I have even been able to eliminate the alarm clock in my bedroom--and save electricity as a result!
Have you been able to simplify your gadgets?