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So Technology Dependent! It's scary!

By Don Wixom

Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID

February 12, 2008 02:59 PM

Today, my touch-screen phone (Treo 650) gave up it's ability to "touch screen"... The rest of the buttons worked ok, but the touch screen was not responding.

I rebooted several times & then called Verizon tech support. They had me do a hard reset & through the rebooting process it asked to calibrate the touch screen... It no respondy! So, now the phone doesn't function at all!

I'm going somewhat crazy without the ability to call, text & check my schedule on the go....not to mention all the data and reference stuff I had saved in there. That phone is my brains!

Yes, I do have it backed up via "Hot Sync" to my computer, so not ALL is lost, but I have to wait for another phone (hopefully tomorrow) and then go through the entire set up process with MLS, ACT, Palm Desktop, etc. etc..

So, I just had to vent and realize how scary it is that we are so dependent upon the simplest technology. Thank God I have my lap top! Whew! what would I do...

Of course, this weekend I'm getting out of here & going FISHING!

Send me an e-mail about Idaho Real Estate or Homes for sale in Nampa, because my phone no worky! ;)

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Lane Bailey

Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA

Realtor & Car Guy

Did you mean "Technology Dependant"? But seriously, at least you have everything backed up. That is my favorite thing about my MDA... It is always up to date, and when it gets replaced, the next one will be too.

Feb 12, 2008 03:12 PM

Tony & Darcy Cannon

Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT

The C Team

Don, I have been there with my Blackberry, it is amazing how dependent we are. I agree, I can't remember what we did without them.

Feb 12, 2008 03:15 PM

Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop

NextHome Experience - Chelan, WA

A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!

Don, I can't wait to get rid of my Treo. I just haven't decided what to get next. It's given me nothing but problems from day one. If it's too cold out, it shuts off. The touch screen quits working, it freezes on my in the middle of calls.....And they've replaced it twice. Horrible!

Feb 12, 2008 03:19 PM

Don Wixom

RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID

"Looking out for your next move..."tm

Derek: I used an independent Palm since 1995 & just went to this Tre combo unit a couple years ago... I'm wondering about separating them again....?

Jonelle: It's a pain..but I'm thankful for overnight delivery (I hope!)

Lane: Thanks! I fixed that... I love the device when it works properly & for the most part it does (did)... I'll keep on trying. Thank you!

Feb 12, 2008 03:27 PM

Don Wixom

RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID

"Looking out for your next move..."tm

Tony & Darcy: Which Blackberry do you have... Do you like it? Which service provider do you use?

Colleen: I have considered getting rid of it too, but I too, don't know what else to use. I have loved the simple Palm software since 1995...

Feb 12, 2008 03:29 PM

Daniel Seider

BTRE Big Trees Real Estate - Arnold, CA

I hl and ave never had a blackberry, but I just got an Iphone. I find it very helpful when i am away from my office

Feb 12, 2008 04:22 PM

Don Wixom

RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID

"Looking out for your next move..."tm

Daniel: Does it operate on a pc format or what?

Feb 12, 2008 04:32 PM

Jason Crouch

Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX

Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Don - I have the exact same phone and this happened to me once. I was able to fix it by cleaning the edges of the screen with a credit card because something was stuck there (clump of dirt/dust/whatever). You might try it just in case.

Feb 12, 2008 05:04 PM

Charlottesville Solutions

Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

Don, I understand. I actually gave up and went back to a blackberry (never been happier)! of course I have to carry the second lockbox device, but at least my phone works now.

Your Friend in Charlottesville

Feb 12, 2008 11:10 PM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Don, I feel the same way when I lose an Internet connection. I'm flying in the dark even though I have backups like dial up and WiFi spots. Hey, fishing sounds great. I need something "low tech."

Feb 12, 2008 11:42 PM

Hank Roeters

Platinum Partners Realtors - Darien, IL

It always scares me when one device does many things.

Feb 13, 2008 02:10 AM

Goomzee Corporation

Goomzee Corporation - Missoula, MT

www.goomzee.com

Don, I feel your pain! If my phone is not in my sights at all times...my heart stops. Just to be safe, I think there is a way to download all your contacts through the Verizon site. I should probably do that JUST IN CASE!!! I"m sure you have a lot of valuable contacts in there as well!

Feb 13, 2008 02:20 AM

Don Wixom

RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID

"Looking out for your next move..."tm

Jason: Thank you, dude! That totally worked! Where were you when I was pulling my hair out? Thia amazes me! I found the answer from YOU on the Rain! Thanks!

Charles: Thanks Charles... I'm sure I'm not done changing yet...

Gary: I'm looking forward to the "Low Tech"! I'll send pics of the fish!

Feb 13, 2008 04:20 AM

Don Wixom

RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID

"Looking out for your next move..."tm

Hank: I know! Too many whistles and bells... It scares me!

Erika: Yes, fortunately I have it all backed up on my ACT database, but I feel "naked" without my phone..

Feb 13, 2008 04:25 AM

Jason Crouch

Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX

Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Don - That is awesome! I am so happy that it actually worked for you, too! That happened to me about two years ago, but I figured it was worth sharing just in case. I left you a voice mail on your cell phone a few minutes ago.

Feb 13, 2008 08:02 AM

Don Wixom

RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID

"Looking out for your next move..."tm

Jason: Thanks so much for the advice AND for the phone call today! It was nice to chat with yoU! Now I must decide which phone I want to keep; the old 650 or the new Tre 700? Any thoughts?

Feb 13, 2008 11:13 AM

Colton Daines

Sage Financial Services, Inc. - Menlo Park, CA

try taking the battery out for a minute and re boot it. I had the same problem and it worked.

Feb 14, 2008 05:24 AM

Don Wixom

RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID

"Looking out for your next move..."tm

Colton: Jason's credit card trick worked! Now I have to choose which phone to keep; mine or the new replacement (will require set up)... Thanks for reading!

Feb 15, 2008 04:14 AM

Goomzee Corporation

Goomzee Corporation - Missoula, MT

www.goomzee.com

Can you imagine if you would have had to send the darn thing in and pay to get it fixed!!!! Good thinking, Jason! It's not good when something as simple as that can ruin your phone!!!

Feb 15, 2008 04:18 AM

Don Wixom

RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID

"Looking out for your next move..."tm

Erika: I have to say, at least I had the insurance on the phone & this would have been the 2nd time this year that something has happened to it... There is a $50 deductible (per year)... They were quick & had another phone to me the next day...even though I didn't need it, thanks to Jason!

Feb 18, 2008 08:40 PM