It seems, sadly, that my days of using a “regular” cell phone have come to an end.  Considering it's less than two years old (the refurbished replacement I received when it recently broke is less than three months old), I held out on buying a smartphone because the flip phone I’ve had worked and served its purpose—until now--and beyond that, I wasn't and still am not sure I actually need one. So, when it came time to decide if my phone was worth holding together with a rubberband—which I’ve been doing for a few days—or looking into something new and recommitting myself to another two years with Verizon, I started asking around and doing some research.  Ultimately, if I had my way I’d have gotten an iPhone when the 3GS debuted.  But truth be told, I’m stuck with Verizon, for better or worse, and I am prepared to sign another two-year contract ie. selling my soul for a half-decent mail-in-rebate.

 
Not that I have any real problem with Verizon, but what the heck is this exclusivity all about?  Just a few years ago, wireless providers started allowing customers to hold onto their number when they moved to another company.  In fact, I was one of the first—the guy had trouble getting everything setup in the store—when I made the move from AT&T to Verizon some years ago.  What was I thinking?  I should have stuck with AT&T—which became Cingular for a time—and I wouldn’t be in the predicament I’m in right now, right?  Probably not.  AT&T was sucking when I left (hence they fell apart and gotten eaten by Cingular).  Phones, services offered, coverage, everything always seems to be changing with one major provider trying to catch up with the next each and every step of the way.  Some of those catch-ups can take time, sometimes lots of time.  All in all, everyone seems to be moving in the same direction.  Competition—in most circumstances—is a good thing typically leading to further innovation.


As it goes, an article in today’s New York Times (which can be found here) touched upon the hearings currently taking place among the Senate Commerce Committee regarding cell phone exclusivity.  Not surprisingly, as is made clear from the start, the real buzz is about the iPhone and how long it might take to get to Verizon.  And the main message of the article: that there are probably better things—even having to do with cellular phones—the government could be worrying about.  Whatever the final decision they come to regarding exclusivity, my only hope is that it will set a president henceforth and next time I walk into the Verizon store with questions—not just about the new Blackberry Tour which I must say looks pretty good and I’ll likely pick up myself—but about "what else there might be that I'm not seeing just yet," they might have answers to the one question I heard most from customers while recently in a store: “Is Verizon getting the iPhone anytime soon?”

The buzz is really picking up following the rumors that Apple’s touchscreen tablet is on its way.  With many sites saying that its debut will arrive as soon as October, I’m sure their competitors are beginning to get anxious.  Apple, who has yet to offer their competition in the current touchscreen netbook market--computers designed for wireless communication that tend to rely mostly on web-based applications because of their limited capacity in comparison to traditional laptops--is likely to produce yet another cutting edge tech device.  You can read an article from MacRumors here.

When Apple entered the touchscreen market with the release of the iPhone in June 2007, it was common speculation that Apple had decided to hold off on developing a large-scale device until after it was satisfied with the iPhone.  Considering how far the iPhone has advanced in what feels like a rather short two-years, I don’t think anyone will be surprised when Apple eventually rolls out the next “big thing” with clear sings that they didn’t want to waste anybody’s time with a gadget that would fall short of its hype.  Considering its rumored to be starting at a price of about $800, Apple is clearly not looking to enter the low-end market and compete with companies like Acer that offer laptops in the $300 range.  Still, it seems that Apple’s Tablet (as its being referred) is going to cost less than their current MacBooks and will provide an interesting alternative in the ever-changing market for on-the-go technology.  I don’t have an iPhone yet, but I want one.  More and more, I’ve had the opportunity to mess around with my friends iPhones and they are definitely as fun as they are productive.  Bearing that in mind, Apple’s Touchscreen Netbook is sure to be fun and in all likelihood will be infinitely more productive, especially considering it will have a ten (or so) inch screen.

Stay patient though.  Even if Apple officially reveals the new device in the fall, it probably won’t be released until sometime in 2010.  But who knows?  Apple knows how to keep a secret more than anyone. So, to be completely honest, this entire post is speculation.  That being said, it doesn’t mean we definitely won’t see the new device on shelves by this holiday season.

As University of Missouri’s School of Journalism students create their school supplies list, the basic pencils, notebooks and calculator will no longer be enough. Incoming freshman are now required to purchase an iPod or iPhone as well. You can read an article about this here.

According to their Associate Dean, Brian S. Brooks, the music player, cell phone, Internet browser etc. will now be used as a learning device to play back class lectures. Brooks claims that lectures are not an effective learning format and research has shown that students retain three times as much of a lecture after hearing it a second time. By using an iPhone or iPod to replay the lectures on one’s own time, he or she will increase retained information, further benefiting them in the classroom. While the price of these electronic devices has been an issue as some students may not be able to afford it, the school has decided to make it required, but not enforced. Requiring something will include it in students financial aid estimate. Also, in previous years, Apple has offered a back-to-school deal where students who purchased a Mac laptop received a free iPod touch. Apparently, there are 50 other schools in the country that are also using iPods as a new study alternative.

As a college student entering my junior year, I believe that there will be pro’s and con’s to the use of iPods in the classroom. After sitting in lecture classes for two years, I can agree with Brooks that lectures are not quite the best learning format. Many professors speak for fifty minutes or longer while students hide in an auditorium filled with 300 other students, most of which sitting on their laptops or cell phones. I think that, in general, there are good students and bad students. Many will take advantage of the required iPod using it to take notes and playback lectures, while others will simply use it for the luxuries of surfing the Internet during class and listening to music during free time.

How often do students carry their textbooks with them other than to the classroom? I personally carry my iPod with me at all times using it for various reasons including surfing the web, playing games, updating my calendar or simply listening to music. I find myself using my iPod often to pass time whether I’m on my commute to work, waiting at an appointment etc. Having class lectures on your iPod allows you to listen to them and study in the time that you normally would be carrying your large textbooks and study guides with you. The convenience of studying through a handheld device and in one’s spare time as opposed to setting time aside to get to the library may encourage students to squeeze in extra lecture reviews throughout their busy days. In addition to listening to lectures, they can also be used to review notes. I think that while traditional teachers may be skeptical about the use of iPods/iPhones in the classroom, they will prove to be beneficial.
 
By Lexie Sperduto