Saturday, June 23, 2007

Device Etiquette

I really like Judith Kallos and her writing on etiquette. Occasionally, with her permission, I repost her articles. Here is something she posted on June 20th on "Blackberry Etiquette" where she reminds us, etiquette is the same no matter which mobile technology we’re using.

Thanks Judith!

TK

Blackberry Etiquette

“Is Blackberry Etiquette any different than E-mail Etiquette? Nope. However, for some reason I get e-mails daily asking about Blackberry Etiquette as though by virtue of the device, courtesy doesn't apply. Mainly the checking and responding to e-mails while in a meeting.

If you think about it, Etiquette in general is just a way to behave when taking into consideration how your actions (or lack thereof) could have an affect on others. Technology use, whether it be e-mail, Blackberrys, IMs or even cell phones does not mean you do what you want, how you want or when you want without consideration for proper practices and for others. Sadly, all too many think that with technology anything goes. Wrong.

Regardless of what tool you are using, you simply need to be aware of how to use it properly with consideration for others. This means not answering e-mails on your Blackberry when in a meeting. Or talking loudly on your cell phone where others are privy to your conversation whether they like it or not (movies, restaurants, etc.). Or sending/forwarding e-mails exposing all your contact's addresses to strangers.

To hide behind technology as an excuse to not be courteous because the other side isn't there for you to be accountable to, is self-serving at best. To reply to e-mails on your Blackberry while in a meeting clearly reflects your lack of business savvy and professionalism. Your full attention should be on the meeting.

Courtesy and perception go hand in hand. Without courtesy, the perceptions you leave in your wake will tell people exactly what they need to know about you -- and it probably won't be positive.”

Check out Judith's Tech Etiquette Blog at http://www.netmannersblog.com/.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

iPhone Prepares for Debut

June came quickly and the iPhone is ready to debut at AT&T and Apple stores all over the country. The 29th is "iDay" and we'll see how high Apple, Inc. stock can go!

There is no doubt that this phone is a huge technological achievement and like all Apple products... a work of art. Functional art. I'm not sure how many people will be buying the iPhone on the 29th or what sales will look like in December, but the smart phone market will never be the same with Apple in the mix.

The main challenge the iPhone faces will be it's hard drive capacity. It may have some bugs, and there may be some minor design modifications in the first six months (I'll wait for those before purchasing one), but the major challenge is the lack of storage space.

If I'm going to spend $599.00 on a phone that's supposed to take the place of my iPod - it better have more than 8 gigs of storage.

TK

Friday, June 08, 2007

Live Phone Help

One of the most frustrating experiences in dealing with technology is not having access to live human beings to assist with challenges.

PC Magazine gave out a few phone numbers that I wanted to pass along including a website that details phone numbers for 500 different companies. The site lets you search a number of different categories. Here's a few of my favorites:

Apple - 800-275-2273
Dell - 800-624-9896
Toshiba - 800-457-7777
Amazon - 800-201-7575
eBay - 800-322-9266
Netflix - 888-638-3549
PayPal - 888-221-1161
Sprint Mobile - 877-349-4413

Check out the Get Human 500 Database for a list of companies, their phone numbers and prompts that get you to a living, breathing English speaking humanoid!

TK