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With my (almost) 3 year old Moto RAZR on the fritz, it was time for me to look into a new cell phone. I checked the offerings of most of the major carriers, but eventually succumbed to the Apple/AT&T iPhone. I admit, I was sucked in by the sleek interface, digital media capabilities, and various applications. My major reason for the purchase, however, being able to combine a iPod-like device with a phone.

After 2 weeks of using the iPhone, I have mixed feelings about it (most are positive). First the positives: My initial fear was that the “phone” portion wouldn’t be that great. I’ve been a AT&T customer for several years, and the reception on my RAZR was ok, but not great.  I’m pleased to report the “phone” in the iPhone has actually been very good thus far. Zero dropped calls and some people telling me that they hear a “major” improvement” in voice quality when they are talking to me on my iPhone.

Another positive is the “all in one” capabilities. It is now my iPod, PDA, GPS, etc. I really like having all these features in one device. I’ve also found that the iPhone is actually helping me become a more organized person (something I desperately need!).

Now for for the negatives: Being constantly “connected” at all times.  I can now check my email, facebook, etc. wherever and whenever. Do I really need access to these things at all times? No. And what’s worse, I can longer use the “I didn’t get you message until now” excuse when tardy on replying to messages (ha-ha).

At this point, I’ve used my iPhone as a iPod first. Followed by a messaging device, phone, www, and (lastly) apps. I’ve only scratched the surface with “apps” and I will blog some reviews as I discover and use more of them. I will also blog on the camera and video capture capabilities at a later time. Thus far, these features are quite impressive.

If anyone else has an iPhone, Blackberry, or any other “smart” phone, please feel free to comment on your experiences.

CNN recently published this article suggesting digital alternatives to the business card:

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/01/digital.business.cards/

Are we seeing the last generation of paper business cards?  Or is this just a fad?  CNN seems to suggest that the business card is yet another casualty of the conversion to all-digital media.

Each of the digital suggestions in this article have their own unique merit – the ability to record where you met someone along with their contact information, and endless customization possibilities, for example.  Certainly for someone in a fast paced, technology centered industry, any of these would make a great addition to her virtual identity.

However, I don’t see how digital business cards can render the paper version obsolete.  There’s always merit to something tangible.  I believe it creates a lasting impression where a digital substitute cannot.  It gives the feel of exclusivity – a personal invitation to contact someone again.  If I were told to simply “Google” someone, this would not make me feel special.  Anyone can find that information.  However, if you hand me your business card with 3 different contact phone numbers, I feel like you’re making that extra effort to ensure that I get a hold of you again.

Sometimes the newest, flashiest product isn’t always the best choice for every situation.  At least that’s my opinion.  Feel free to disagree