If, two years ago, you told me I would one day see a cell phone as an essential writing tool, I would have chewed you out. In fact, up until a few years ago, I saw cellphones as pretentious status symbols that made everyday people forget common sense and etiquette. But, the reality is that in 2009, smartphones have become equipment every freelancer should have.
They are expensive, especially if you're buying one from your cell phone provider and need it before a couple years into your current plan.
Data plans cost more than regular phone plans, which is another expense you will have to incur.
But, smartphones have too many necessary features to ignore.
- You can use a smartphone as a cellular modem in a pinch, if you're facing a tight deadline.
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You can access your email accounts from smartphones, which means can write articles directly into the phone if you're facing a dead computer battery or other glitches.
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You can usually move files from your computer to your phone, giving you another option if you need to email an editor an article on deadline.
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With some phones, you can create, open, and edit Word documents from the phone, which is a good feature if you need to work on a story.
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You can keep in touch with sources and networks while you're away from your desk.
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Some smartphones have special apps that connect you to your social networking, blogging, email, and photo album accounts.
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Most smartphones also include cameras that can capture pictures and video.
The hard question I have is which phone to buy. Right now, it's between the G1 and the Blackberry Curve. I'm going to test out the G1 this week, and if it works with my Mac, I should have my answer and move towards the next step.
What phone would you suggest I buy?
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