9 Jul 2009

Five Gadgets for the Social Technology Addicted

The following is my column in next week's Advertising Age. (Some of these I have mentioned before.)

Now that we're deep into summer vacation season many are not taking a break from social networking. In fact my friends seem to be quite active online, even from the road. Here's what they are using ...

Posterous (free - www.posterous.com) - As smartphones become more sophisticated, many are turning them into ambidextrous social sharing tools. Posterous makes this a snap by allowing you to upload photos, videos and text to a lifestream site, all via email. Also, if configured, they simultaneously update your social networks. Podcaster Leo Laporte is using the service to post about his trip China. 


Verizon Mifi ($100 after a rebate, monthly fee of up to $60- vzw.com/mobilehotspot) - For socially connected who want to be always on, there's perhaps no more useful device than the Verizon Mifi. This mini gadget slurps in Verizon's speedy 3G connection and broadcasts it via wifi to up to five PCs or mobile devices like iPods. Fans include James Kendrick, co-author of the outstanding JKontheRun blog.


Netbooks ($200 - $500 - various manufacturers, including HP - an Edelman client) - Netbooks are mini computers that sit somewhere in between a smartphone and a laptop. They are three pounds or less, cheap and  great for the web, email and office productivity apps. Most run XP or Linux and are low powered. Dave Winer is an avid netbook enthusiast.


Lacie IamaKey ($35.99 - www.amazon.com) - No matter where I am you will never find me without my mobile phone or an Iamakey. This 8GB USB drive is thin, shaped like a key and is industrial strength. Friendfeed addict Louis Gray just loves his.


Seskimo Crabble ($5.00 - seskimo.com) - Finally this handy little tool, which Mac nut David Chartier turned me onto, props up any phone or iPod and makes watching video on a seat tray a pleasure. It folds and fits in your wallet too.