In addition to being the travel blogger for Spirited Woman, I am proud to announce, I will be incorporating a new subject into my blog posts as well. One that is near and dear to my heart. I have worked in the world of technology for over ten years. Who would have thought that a Spirited Woman like myself – who loves fashion, bags, shoes, makeup, you know girly stuff – would fall in Love with technology. I will tell you why I did – because I love to travel and I need new tech things on the road, I'm always curious about what's new, and technology connects us together. Think about it – if it was not for technology, The Spirited Woman website and blog team would not exist. No one would know what a blogger is and they'd probably think it was a very weird word.
So, I will kick-off my first post on technology and how it can impact any Spirited Woman (on the road or not) with a few key technologies that I just love!
1. Wireless Connectivity – Being able to connect to the internet wirelessly is the best invention since sliced bread (in my opinion). I am always on the road or working from various locations and because of wireless technology I am able to turn my computer on, connect to an available wireless connection, and instantly be able to receive all of my e-mail and surf the web for anything I may need from anywhere. If you are already not using wireless connections on your laptop, you may want to invest in a new one that has the capability. Create a T-Mobile Hotspot and get ready to connect from almost anywhere you may find yourself in the world. Note: many wireless service offerings come with a cost – check your local city websites to see if you get free wireless capability in your hometown.
2. The Cellphone: Did you know that the first cellphone call was made in 1973? And the first cellular phone was sold in 1983? Motorola – a US based company out of Chicago - was the first company to build and design a cellular telephone. Car phones already existed, but no one had ever had a phone without wires....The first one – the Dyna TAC (commonly referred to as the “brick phone”) first sold for over $3000 and was a high-end product that was not very pretty. Today, exactly 25 years to the day from the first cellphone sold, the world of mobile phones is vastly different. We have the options of cellphones in every color, shape and with every function we may want, including the ability to listen to music, take pictures and video, make podcasts, pay for products and read and respond to e-mail….all on the same device that we call people on. The mobile phone world continues to grow, but it will always be a device that allows us to connect to the people that matter the most to us. Check out the latest devices from big hitters like Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Blackberry and of course Apple! It is the one device you will never leave home without.
3. Bluetooth: Most people probably know that Bluetooth is a short range wireless technology that connects devices like mobile phones and headsets. What you may not realize is that Bluetooth’s capabilities expand beyond just headsets. It's an innovative technology that is being used in cars, homes, MP3 players, clothing and more. It is a technology that will continue to grow and expand and create capabilities that we never thought possible. While the name may seem funny and a little confusing, the technology is a key driver for connectivity today and into the future.
4. Tivo: Before I started dating my fiancé, I refused to get Tivo. I did not watch much TV and I did not understand the value of recording TV shows when I could just watch them whenever I was interested in watching TV. But now I am addicted, I love the ability to record shows that inspire and excite me when I am traveling and/or out and about. It has become my sanctuary when I am ready to shut down for the day. I can pop on the latest episode of Project Runway, Friends or Sex and the City whenever I am available. When I am working out at home, I can turn on a show I have Tivo’d and stay entertained while getting a great work out. It is my latest obsession and a must for anyone who wants to keep in touch with her favorite shows and movies.
5. Digital Photography: I have always wanted to be an artist, but I cannot draw or paint. I realized in my early adult life that one of my creative outlets was photography. I have this amazing Canon Rebel – 10 megapixels – that allows me to capture the images and people that make life the beautiful dance it is. The quality is amazing, the features are expansive and the ability to share with my friends via Flickr, Kodak, Shutterfly and other services is my gift to them. It is my creative outlet and I am honored to be able to share it with others I care about. And, not only can I share it with friends, it becomes a piece of art in my home when I share my digital photos via wireless digital picture frames like PhotoVu!
So, I ask all spirited women to celebrate technology for all the richness and pleasure it brings to our lives. And I encourage you to learn more about technology, become more comfortable with it, and to encourage the young women of today to study it. We need more women to drive the future of technological advancements in our country and across the globe!
Ladies, grab your iPhone/RAZR/Bluetooth headset/Blackberry/Bose Headset/Digital camera, head-out the door and take advantage of these amazing technologies to live life to the fullest. They are there to enhance your life, not take it over!
- Monica Rohleder
Click here for more of Monica's posts.
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