The following post is from the Deal Seeking Mom Project Administrator, Mandi Ehman:
Two weeks ago, I told you how I was using the Palm Pre Plus to get organized.
When I first started reviewing the Palm Pre Plus, I wasn’t sure I would keep it once the review was done since there is an additional monthly fee compared to a regular cell phone. However, so many of the features — browsing the internet, accessing my Google contacts & calendars and scheduling our DVR to record a show even when we’re not home — have made everyday tasks more convenient, and while it’s certainly not a necessity, it’s a splurge that we think is worth the cost.
I’ve found myself using these features the most:
:: Camera. I’ve taken a ton of pictures with my phone, and I think my mom appreciates the chance to see more everyday moments with our baby girl — cuddling with momma while I work, her first time in the exersaucer, her first taste of banana, and so on. And the best part is most of these pictures are great quality, so I don’t feel guilty about not pulling out my nicer camera!
:: Internet browsing. Even though we live in the boonies and don’t get a strong enough cell signal to browse the internet at home, my husband has been enabling the WiFi feature to be able to keep tabs on the NFL Scouting Combine and the start of free agency.
:: Calendars & schedules. Last week we unveiled the Deal Seeking Mom calendar to help you keep track of when deals and roundups are posted. I’ve added these calendars to the personal and business calendars I already have synced with my phone so that I can quickly access my entire schedule wherever I am.
:: Music. I mentioned on Twitter that I’ve never had an MP3 before, and it’s true. Two of my girls have MP3 players and my husband has one, but I’ve never had one or even used theirs. However, I do love music, and I always have a music station playing on the TV or my computer. But with the Pandora app, I’m able to listen to the music I want to listen to right from my phone. And unlike an MP3player, I don’t even need speakers!
Verizon Wireless wants to hear from you too! Enter for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card just for answering any of the following questions or responding to someone else’s comment. Enter as many times as you’d like as long as all of your comments are relevant to the conversation:
- Which feature of the Palm Pre Plus most appeals to you?
- How would you use it to get or stay organized?
- How do you use technology for streamlining and organizing your life?
The giveaway will be open until Wednesday, 3/10 at 4 p.m. EST and is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older. I’ll use Random.org to select the winning comment. Winners will be notified by email and listed on my Giveaway Winners page. Winners must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize. Good luck!
Verizon provided me with a Palm Pre Plus at no charge so that I could review its features for the Deal Seeking Mom readers.
Jennifer H
Yep, I do too Jennifer. :) Saves money and time paying bills online. Hey that rhymed. LOL
Summer
I use my cell phone to check my bank account but it’s hard to read details… having internet would be great for that.
Amanda Y.
I would use the calendar/scheduling feature to get more organized and I would also be able to check email more often, which would keep me from getting so backed up which is usually what leads to my disorganization!
Kate
I’d love to have a phone that can take usable pictures
Amanda Y.
Calendars and schedules most appeal to me, but internet is a close second!
Jennifer H
Isn’t that the truth Kate!
Diana R
I’d like to use the features on the palm pre to help keep my bills organized (and set reminders!)
Kimberly
I would also appreciate being back on Verizon’s network – the ATT dropped calls are getting to me. I had been planning to hold out for the Pre but I didn’t quite make it.
Amanda Y.
To streamline my life with technology? I use cell phone and email calendars and reminders and it’s great to be able to keep a grocery list or check a recipe online at the store!
Christina
The callender feature is where it’s at for me. I could keep track of everybody’s schedule and then some. I also like the camera feature, but that would be my second choice.
Summer
Oh, comparing prices while you’re in a store would be such a great money saver! I don’t know how many times I’ve bought something only to find it cheaper somewhere else! Good idea Crissy!
MrsK
Keeping my shopping lists on this would be helpful (so I won’t keep losing my list). :)
Diana R
I think it would be great to have my email, phone and music all in one place. That way I could have everything with me while I work out to my favorite tunes!
Diana R
I like the cute design and slim size of the palm pre.
Summer
So people who just HAVE to have an iPhone get tons of dropped calls then…I’ve never used anyone but T-Mobile. I’d have to switch to Verizon to get the Palm Pre?
Jennifer H
lol yes it sure does stink to misplace your shopping list. Esp when you put all the coupon matchups on it and have to think what websites you need to go back to!
Diana R
At work, I use technology all day long. Everything I do is either email or web-based, and now most of our client programs are run on internet applications. Technology is everywhere! When people want to do things the “hard” way, it’s hard for me to even wrap my head around what that means!
Diana R
@ Summer- I have no idea what the ATT service is like. I’ve always had Verizon and have had great coverage and reception. But I have to admit, I do want an iPhone really badly! I’d be interested in checking out the palm pre to see how it compares.
Mandy
I love the picture feature–you can catch all the fun stuff with your kiddos. The calendar is a fantastic plus, and I just need a cell phone that will text. I am in the dark ages.
Diana R
my concern with a data phone in general (including the palm pre) is that you have to have a certain data plan. on top of the monthly bill, this can be a pretty hefty amount. I’m hoping carriers either start reducing the rates on this, or offer a smaller data package. I don’t want to pay $20 or $30 more each month for something I dont HAVE to have. just my two cents!
Jennifer H
I have At&t and love it. Although, I am a bit rural so I get the occasional “have a I lost you” and then I just need to move a bit and wha-la!
Brandy
The feature that appeals to me the most is definitely Internet Browsing. :)
Jennifer H
I totally agree Diana! Us SAHM’s just can’t afford it!
Abigail
I keep buying those little pocket calenders, year after year. All they do is clutter up my purse. I don’t know why but I’ve never written in one. I’d be game for trying something new, as it is I’m not organized at all!
Brandy
I would use it to help me keep in touch with people by email.
Summer
That’s true about the price for the data plan. Since I internet at home, I’m already paying and while at work, I have access. One more device isn’t really necessary for me…I get all the internet I need all day long.
Tasha T
I would love to win this phone. I am a single work from home mom and it would make my life in one spot. I would love to be able to access the internet from wherever I am. I would love to have an electronic calender to keep everything organized and out of my head.
Jennifer H
Tasha, you’re actually going for a chance to win a $50 gc from Verizon. But it would be nice to win the phone too, huh?! ;)
Stacie
Tasha,
I also have a home based business and a phone like this with internet capability would make sure I’m always up to date with new orders, etc., while I’m away from my “office.”
Tara
I like the idea of being able to access the internet with it!