It is 2010 and I want the Matrix — I want a central line to Technology, one port. Because the debate over gadgets is driving us crazy.
Undisputed Need: A new computer proper with the latest souped-up hard drive and OS with wireless router/backup drive. Our current desktop is sloooow and Internet access is tethered.
Yet many wants have somehow come to seem more urgent, even as the pace of change manages to threaten the whole pile with obsolescence as soon as they’ve burst their bubble wrap. To wit:
The iPhone/Droid/Tablet Conundrum
Pro: Even though AdAge says only 17 percent of us own smartphones, they seem somehow to have become indispensable, if for no other reason than to be able to text your every thought to your friends. When I’m at my computer, I’m working (like now, obviously!), and I’m not nearly as in the loop with what my friends are up to on Facebook as I’d like to be. I wish I were kidding. Mock me if you will, but you know I’m right. The Web is going (has gone) mobile, and I don’t want to be left behind.
Major Con: Who wants to pony up hundreds of dollars for iPhones, plus about $100 a month to actually use them on AT&T, which already can’t handle the load? Or buy a Droid whose “support” staff is a Google e-mail address? Or a Blackberry that can’t do all the fun stuff? With Kindle trying to get Smart with apps, and the fabled Tablet that had better replace our cars for all the hype it’s getting, it’s a scary time to commit.
The Cable/Phone/DSL/DirecTV Conundrum
There are no pros here, only one big con by an industry whose consolidation prevents real competition, and thus price drops, and also the kinds of packages/services we’d like to see. For instance, DSL is so slow (just heard the U.S. ranks 18th worldwide in Internet speed) that it should not properly be called broadband. We have DirecTV, which requires a phone line and thus DSL for Internet, because we heard such terrible things about Comcast. And we like DirecTV.
(Could we ditch DSL Internet service, get cable Internet, and keep DirecTV for what we’re paying now? I have no idea, but I suspect no. My husband tried researching some of this the other day, but it’s like trying to win a shell game.)
The barrier to switching just to get better Internet speed through cable is high, being unable to reliably compare apples to apples in monthly costs, and we’d have to start over by buying another receiver box.
“Maybe we should just get rid of DirecTV,” I said, picturing us Netflixing or downloading any TV shows we’d miss. Not only is this unrealistic, of course, but also would shut off another channel to the world, and one of the few these days that offers any modicum of shared experience.
It’s not just me who feels the strain. Josh Bernoff (AdAge DigitalNEXT) succinctly captures the growing pain moment we’re in, waiting for the long-heralded convergence of technologies and instead getting what he calls the Splinternet, where, he says, proprietary technology will separate us more than ever.
Meanwhile, as Prince said: “‘Til I find the righteous one, computer blues.”
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Tags: Cable · DirecTV · Droid · DSL · iPad · iPhone · technology7 Comments
give qwest a call and ask them if fiber-optic is in your hood yet? i has gotten to us in the midway and lord know’s we’re the last to get nearly everything.
also, the trick to getting value out of the iphone is to buy service packages in bulk. you can get 5 iphones on the same bill and it works out to be about $65/month/phone for service. so maybe get some family together and go mobile. ‘beep beep’ – p. townshend
We are getting rid of DirecTv this week. I think it is because Hubby got a large (52″) TV that can do HD (but isn’t currently doing so). With DirecTV for an HD reciever is $90. Apparently Comcast is cheaper AND we get some free premium channels for 3 or 6 months. We will cancel these premiums after the gift period. From previous experience our cable with premium and internet was costing $200/month. Hopefully we are getting a “bundling” package discount because we already have high speed internet and basic cable with Comcast. (The basic cable @ $9.99/month gets us $25 discount on internet, thus saving us $15). Often I wonder, is the savings or convenience all worth all of the trouble? Can I go back to smoke signals and still do less harm to the environment if my cell battery isn’t de-homing my favorite low-land Gorillas?
Thank you, thank you Dan and Jan — we will check out your tips. I rely on the wisdom of people who have already put this stuff into action. JC, I hear you on the smoke signals.
Have you thought about Roku?
Ro-what? Oh wow, Krisy, I had never heard of a Roku but I see it’s a real thing! Do you use it?
Thanks for the great post!
Sara,
I spaced out there for a minute and then finally came back to the blog. I loved your post on Tax Day–it was my first year “contracting” and we did not do such a great job with saving for taxes. Boo.
Yes, we love Roku. It has made our TV watching more intentional and more “smart.” I still hook up my computer to the TV to watch some of my favored trashy tv shows, but mostly we Roku. It has saved us so much money!
I am just dreaming for Roku to add Hulu and then I am golden.
Kristy