Actual business thread...

[Dravyk]

Originally Posted by Peaches

It takes me 30 seconds to type out a text message for a conversation that would seriously be 5 minutes from start to finish.

I haven't tried it, but I'd think for me it would be the exact opposite -- take five mintues to type out what I can say in 30 seconds.

JR, not to put all of your very good post into a few words -- appreciate everything you said -- but to hone in: the lack of walkie-talkie feature and the higher cost per minute. That's what I thought was probably the difference.

As for "there is a number to call to get the ringtone, sms to vote on the song etc etc" absolute fascinating! I appreciate that insight!

[JR]

Originally Posted by Dravyk

I haven't tried it, but I'd think for me it would be the exact opposite -- take five mintues to type out what I can say in 30 seconds.

JR, not to put all of your very good post into a few words -- appreciate everything you said -- but to hone in: the lack of walkie-talkie feature and the higher cost per minute. That's what I thought was probably the difference.

As for "there is a number to call to get the ringtone, sms to vote on the song etc etc" absolute fascinating! I appreciate that insight!

i think price and technology are factors. i think that the EU and Asia are also consistently ahead on the technology curve as well. phones have also been more effectively marketed as fashion accessories and personal fashion statements outside the US, while we are still excited that our phone actually has a camera. i noticed this in Korea in the mid-late 90's when everyone had little phones around their necks, countless colors and designs and all the cool accessories. if you want a mobile phone in the US, the options are really limited from any provider.

as far as technology... the 3G stuff for example, has been happening in EU and Asia for a few years now... like always, it will hit critical mass outside the US probably before it is being used in the US... and it will seem like something that came comepletely out of nowhere, when in reality, it has been on the market and gaining steam for years outside the US.

[The Other Steve]

Originally Posted by Dravyk

I haven't tried it, but I'd think for me it would be the exact opposite -- take five mintues to type out what I can say in 30 seconds.

JR, not to put all of your very good post into a few words -- appreciate everything you said -- but to hone in: the lack of walkie-talkie feature and the higher cost per minute. That's what I thought was probably the difference.

As for "there is a number to call to get the ringtone, sms to vote on the song etc etc" absolute fascinating! I appreciate that insight!

There is another point to this too - they can be having 5 or 6 sms conversations all at the same time. It can't be done if they're using voice communications.

[The Other Steve]

Dravyk - there's a tollway down in Melbourne where you can pay your toll online or via your cellphone.

I'm sure it won't be long before your car can talk to you via SMS to remind you that it needs a service - or you'll be able to quiz your car via SMS to check on possible problems that that might arise in the days ahead.

The level of AI in cars today is amazing and it's only a matter of time before we will be communicating with them.

There is already a degree of that happening with modern railroad locos. The maintentance department can look into the computer files of a loco that's out on the road and have it tell them what things they need to look at at the next service.

[Dravyk]

Originally Posted by The Other Steve

There is another point to this too - they can be having 5 or 6 sms conversations all at the same time. It can't be done if they're using voice communications.

Hand held ICQ, in other words.

Yeah, I agree with you about the car. So does MicroSoft unfortunately. So help me if Windows ever gets into autos like they want -- well the Blue Screen of Death could become all too real.