So, most people who know me, know that I use every technological tool I can to help grow my business. My aim is to be more efficient and helpful to my clients without having to work quite as hard. No running around to deliver documents that I can email, for instance. Well, we've taken the next step in technology and added it as a funciton of our business.
 | First, Linda and I both now have new computers. These tiny, "mini-notes" are awesome to carry around and travel with. Weighing in at less than 2 pounds, my shoulder loves my new computer over my older 7 pound laptop. Sure the screen is smaller, and my fingers had to get used to the keyboard, but everything is starting to come together. I'm including a picture of my new laptop sitting on top of our office laptop which has a 14 or 15" screen to give you an sample of the size. |
 | Next, since my computer doesn't already have bluetooth built in, I purchased a bluetooth dongle. The tiny Belkin nub on this next picture shows the usb bluetooth connector. (The larger usb device is my 8Gb thumb drive). This allows my Palm powered cell phone to connect wirelessly to my computer. No more plugging and unplugging cables to sync my phone's data to my Outlook database. But it get's even better. |
Since, on my Verizon Wireless plan I pay for unlimited internet access on my phone, I can also use my phone as a cellular modem for my computer to get internet access. This also takes place through the wireless bluetooth connection. Now, no matter where I am, if I have cell coverage I have internet access. There are a couple of programs that do this. I'm using USB Modem by Mobile Stream. But there's also a product called PDA Net made by June Fabrics that works with different devices.
For those of you who don't know the terminology, this enables you to use your cell phone through a "bluetooth tether" to connect your computer to the internet. You'll have to check with your wireless carrier to see if they'll let you do it. Some carriers want you to buy the cellular modem instead. But I checked the Verizon site and they do allow you to tether your cell to your computer if you are paying for the unlimited wireless plan. (Or at least they did as of a few days ago when I looked it up!)
See ya'll next time... and Happy Tethering!
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