31 July 2007

Hello Helio

A few weeks ago, the 7 key on my cell phone stopped working so well. I could dial a 7 but not without REALLY meaning to and making six or eight attempts. It was ok, though - I could still dial numbers easily out of the contacts list and who needs to delete old voicemail messages?

Trouble was suggested when 3 also decided to play hard to get. My work extension has a 3 in it, so I need that 3 key to get into my office voicemail. Still, who am I kidding? I always forget to check my office voicemail anyhow (note to yourself: call my cell if you want something resembling a timely response).

When 6 and 9 joined the party, I got ticked - almost enough to seriously research a good replacement. The 3-in-1 device I've been holding out for the last year finally came out and it just doesn't live up to my hopes. I spent so much time identifying that device that I was just not looking forward to another round of technical reading.

Chris, however, delights in any excuse to spend time at Gizmodo or the tech blogs. So, in the background of my despair, he was industriously working for my cause and I came home one day to find a stack of information on a device I'd never heard of.

Following a minimal amount of my own reading, we went over to the Helio place in the mall and I blog before you today, the proud owner of a Helio Ocean!

After learning the basics and getting all my contacts squared away, the first thing I did was figure out how to add my own .mp3 ringtones and am in the process of assigning signature rings to everyone I know. While this could potentially win me a few cool points, it doesn't as I am so amused by the novelty that I forget to answer the call. If this happens to you, I'm sorry! Leave a message, though...all my number keys work (two sides!) so I can - and will - call you back.

9 comments:

Chaotic Joy said...

How fun! This is a sign that you are much cooler than I. That thing looks quite intimidating to me.

Anonymous said...

That looks so cool. Very high tech! I placed my order yesterday for a new cell phone after having mine for over two years. I'm so excited to receive it! Silly, isn't it? :)

Fraukow said...

I feel so tech UN - savvy! I felt lucky when I finally figured out how to send an e-mail with an attachment!I may turn into my mother yet! She still refuses to use a cordless phone or a microwave!

Anonymous said...

My constant wonder is how you get the device you want to be compatiblew with the wireless service you have? I never see anything like that in the Verizon store! BTW Fraukow: MY mother, whose best use for the microwave imposed on her was to prop up the t.v. to watch baseball from the kitchen, finally learned to poach an egg in it. All hope is not lost.

Ginger Johnson said...

Wow. Really. That's so flipping cool. I want one... :)

What else does it do? You said 3-in-1? phone/photo/mp3?

karen said...

My last phone (the one with the non-working number keys...) was about to have its' fourth birthday. It was $60 very well spent but also high time for a new model!

The 3-in-1 I wanted would do cellular, GPRS blackberry, and 802.11 wireless internet. I wanted to go from carrying three devices (phone, blackberry, ipaq) to one. I also needed bluetooth technology for my wireless headset. When the new HP iPaq came out, though, I didn't like it and the data plans to use all three services were $$$.

While the Helio isn't what I planned for, I can use it for voice, e-mail, and internet. It has a micro-SD storage card (so I can share files between the Helio and my PC) and stereo bluetooth. Best of all, the service plan is compellingly affordable. So far, I'm a fan!

karen said...

P.S. If anyone wants to get one, please let me know - they also have a great referral bonus. :)

Anonymous said...

Ok, so what is the service company for it? That is the part of this that I don't see. And do you get to keep your number??

karen said...

Helio offers the service. They have their own service towers but wherever they don't have service, they use Verizon towers. So far, I'm very happy with it. I did port my number - it's the same as ever, so call me!

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