In the past two days, we researched new technology. It’s almost overwhelming when all that information comes at you – but I love it! Here is what we’re bringing into our lives & why. I think the reasons are interesting & I’m curious to hear how you arrive at these decisions?

New cell phones

  • primary reason – my daughter’s friends are on Verizon – she wasn’t – interesting, huh?
  • my new job asked me to get one so I can call from my home office – they’re located in Canada so that added a wrinkle (We bought two different plans)
  • priced out data plans – still said no to that (even the air card was ‘spensive)  I will be purchasing the short term web access when I’m in airports
  • cell phone is a plain one – I wanted a blackberry or motorola Q so I was disappointed.  See the previous comment about no data plan, so it doesn” make sense. I will be traveling with my laptop generally. When I go to Europe I may get a wifi portable device (see? I’ll get something irregardless, but the monthly expenditure of $45 was too much)
  • Texting: we blocked it MUCH to my daughter’s chagrin – she’s 18. (After thinking about it, I will be adding that service for her. How can I deny her that interaction & be here promoting all this technology.)
  • GPS Navigation – it’s pretty cool! and it’s free for a month – I’m not sure if I’ll keep it, but I’ll definitely try it. Again we’re very rural, so I’ll put it thru it’s paces. It may be helpful when I travel too for finding restaurants. 

Digital SLR camera

Nikon D80 – As Community Manager I want to understand about the products & attempt to understand what our ACD customer’s needs are. I don’t plan on becoming a prof. photographer, but it has always been a hobby of mine.  This baby will go with me to the home office so I can learn more about using their products by the people who make them. 

Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

One of my co-workers recommended this one & I do have to say it was almost as much as the camera – but it has many great features, so I’m in!

Sony Bravia KDL-52W3000 52" 1080p LCD HDTV

A few weeks ago our oldest one died again. It’s 15 yrs old & had been fixed previously. Technology has really come a LONG ways from our rear projection tv’s.

So we’ll we be waiting on the delivery trucks in the next few days. I think I may need to get a second job? (That’s an inside joke for those that know me – and the answer is no! I’m sticking with one.). It was a fun week of shopping for new technology. What factors drive your decisions on these types of things?