My previous posting highlighted several "good enough" technologies that have become very
popular -- MP3, YouTube, Skype, Flip video camera, and Google Apps. I
talked about the challenge of lecture capture and how simple tools such
as a webcam and Camtasia might be all you need to deliver "good enough"
video to students.
Yesterday I came across an editorial
by Jim Rapoza who makes the case for another "good enough" device, his
multi-function smart phone. In Rapoza's words: "I do own a nice MP3
player, a very good digital point-and-shoot camera and a Flip
camcorder, and, while I don't own an e-book reader, I've had the chance
to try out several. But I find that I'm leaving these devices at home
more and more and just sticking with one multifunction device. All of
these single-purpose devices are excellent and in pretty much every
case they are superior to the functionality in my smartphone. But it's
also true that in most cases my smartphone is good enough."
Jim was referring to his Blackberry. For me it would be my iPhone which I've been greatly enjoying the past four months. Now that I have my iPhone I don't need another phone, camera, video camera, GPS, calculator, MP3 player, calendar, email reader, voice recorder, notepad, compass, alarm clock, Bible, e-book reader, or web browser. With a few exceptions*, all of these functions are "good enough" for me. Amazing what one little pocket device can deliver.
*for web browsing and emailing I definitely prefer my laptop. Every now and then I wish the iPhone camera had a zoom and a flash. The AT&T phone service isn't the greatest here in Upland -- my reception fluctuates from one bar to five bars, even sitting in the same room.
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