The View From Space

Recent events (most notably the impending aquisition of T-Mobile by AT&T) have started me rethinking my strategy regarding smartphones.

The T-Mobile /Android combination was, and still is, Nirvana for Geeks.  Cheap plans with soft data caps, easily rooted Android smartphones (like my Vibrant), and stellar customer service makes for one great environment (they even provided tech support when I ran an iPhone on their network).

Now I’m reading that this may all go away in a year or two.  Step in AT&T with their unfriendly, even hostile attitude towards super-users (if you’ve ever rooted an android phone or jailbroken your iPhone you know what I’m talking about) and even unfriendlier data plans.  If the planned acquisition goes through, all Tmo 3G phone users (except those with the new LG Optimus G2x) will eventually have to switch over to ATT 3G phones to get 3G data access on the ATT network.

So now my dilema, once the transition takes place, do I stay with ATT and live with whatever restrictions they place on my geekiness?  Or do I take a hike and see what Verizon, Sprint or even the smaller carriers have to offer?   I’m even looking at the iPhone again.  If I’m going to be locked down I might as well do it with a device that meets most of my needs/wants (note that no phone met ALL my wants, that’s why I rooted my phone in the first place).  I guess going the iPhone route makes my decision WAY easier, choose 1 of 2 carriers.

The upside to all of this is that the takeover isnt envisioned to happen for 12+ months.  In that time I’ll have a chance to look at all the options provided  by the other carriers. 

Besides in another year it’ll be time for a new phone anyway right?

Based on the recommendations of the highly regarded IT Guru @ryankanno and Social Media maven @GeeWhy I purchased the Yubikey and LastPass security system.

While the added layer of security is well worth the cost ($45  for 2 keys and a 1 year subscription to Lastpass), the biggest benefit for me is the fact that Lastpass encrypts and remembers all my login passwords, so I dont have to!

Will provide a review once I have a few days of use under my belt.

Please check out the @TheHelloBar on the top of this blog to help the victims of the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that recently devastated Japan.  It links directly to @RedCross, where you can make a donation to help with relief efforts.  Even if the Red Cross is not your first choice there are many other relief organizations that could use your financial support.  Please consider giving.

Recently received the Bluetooth Headset I won in the CraziestGadgets.com “Groundhog’s Day Giveaway: Maverick Nica Sunrise v2 Bluetooth Headset”.  The prize package consisted of not only the headset but a desk charger and a car dock charger.  What’s really neat is that the NICA headset magnetically attaches to the charging docks (okay maybe it’s just the geek in me that thinks it’s cool).

Mahalo to Jeff K from CraziestGadgets.com.  Check them out, they’ve got the coolest Geek gear this side of Alpha Centauri!  You can also follow them on Twitter (which is, by the way, how I found out about this giveaway) @craziestg.

Is it possible to take a great candy such as the Whopper malted milk ball and make it even better? You betcha! Reeses Peanut Butter Whoppers, what better combo could there possibly be?