The mobile app train

Mobile applications are not a new thing. The technology has existed in some form or another ever since PCs planted themselves into our daily life back in the early 80’s. Then laptop computers were introduced. They quickly found a waiting home on the laps of movers and shakers who needed to get things done while on the go. This served the tech community well for many years. Lately, the advent of more sophisticated cell phones has given rise to mobile apps, which by my definition are ‘watered-down on the surface yet powerful under the hood’ applications you can take with you on the go.

Today’s smart phones (i.e. phones with an OS capable of email and more) supplant the need to lug your laptop with you during your travels. If you simply need to read and respond to emails, surf the web, or stay in touch via Twitter, Facebook, or other social networks you’d do well to consider a smart phone. There are literally thousands of apps out there designed to help you do the things that interest you while you’re on the go. You’ve got mobile banking, blogging, and GPS apps that happily connect you in more ways than ever. Simply put mobile apps allow you to get things done sans laptop.

Anyway, like many others I made do with my existing phone despite its limited capabilities. We’ll call them cute quirks. Like your significant other’s little habits that you once found so adorable! That was me and my previous phone. She was happy to road trip with me and be there when I needed to make a call or even take a quick photo or two. Then, when I arrived at my destination, she didn’t mind as I’d hop onto the closest available Wi-Fi. Life was simple and good.

This setup had served me well for quite some time. That is until a recent 10 hour road trip. I discovered that the downfall to my previous method was the time spent in the car while you got from point A to point B. In terms of productivity it was nil. Mind you I enjoyed the ride and the company, but, nevertheless I was out of touch for all intents and purposes. I wasn’t like a junkie looking for a fix by the time I got to the hotel, but I’m guessing my needs were close to that, if not worse.

I’m happy to say that those days are far behind me now. Me and my shiny new iPhone scoff our noses at the thought of searching for hotspots. Sure, we can connect to them with ease, but we’re happy to ride on the coattails of our 3G data plan as we hop about. And before you mention it, yes, I do incur a monthly charge for said data plan. But would you go back to using an antenna on your TV to save a few bucks?

Let’s just say I consider my data plan a luxury tax that allows me to enjoy my newfound freedom and productive pleasures!