Don't Chase Technology, You'll Never Catch It!

My head has been spinning lately based on the sheer number of tablets and pad devices entering the marketplace. It seems every other television commercial touts a newer, faster, more "Apps", and better equipped device. As a consumer,  I felt bombarded, confused, and anxious when trying to determine which tablet/pad device would be best for my needs.

Prior to purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Tab in December 2010, I conducted what I thought was a reasonable level of research. I visited the Samsung website, CNET.com, spoke to numerous technology "experts", and made several visits to my local Best Buy store to consult "Geeks" and test devices. Based on my knowledge and the expertise I had available to me at the time, I felt comfortable purchasing the Wifi version of the Galaxy Tab. I purchased the Galaxy Tab from Best Buy for approximately $650 and thought Wifi was the better option as I did not wish to add yet another device requiring a data plan to my monthly expenses.

I have been the proud owner of a Galaxy Tab for approximately four months and although I am fairly pleased with my purchase it bothers me that an array of new, less expensive, better equipped devices can now be had for almost half of what I paid for the Galaxy Tab. It bothers me when I leave the comfort of my home and workplace Wifi systems that I must become a "pirate", stealing the Wifi signals of unsuspecting businesses and nearby residents in order to use my Wifi enabled Galaxy Tab.

Given my need to use the Galaxy Tab anywhere I happen to be (guilt free) I decided recently to enable my iPhone 4 as a "Personal Hotspot" to power the Galaxy. No more pirating! My cell phone driven Wifi service added $30 to my monthly cell bill. What I dislike most about enabling my cell with Wifi is the power required to run the hotspot, it drains my cell phone battery in just a few short hours. Based on my experiences, I would like to offer my readers a bit of advice when considering purchasing a new tablet/pad device:

1) If you own an iPhone, don't purchase an Android pad, buy an iPad (you'll purchase fewer duplicate apps, movies, and accessories for your devices in the long run) and if you own an Android phone, don't purchase the iPad.

2) Be happy and content with the device you choose, and don't allow yourself to compete with others and their devices.

3). Know there will always be a newer, better, more exciting device entering the market the minute you purchase yours.


4) Don't chase technology, because you'll never catch it!

Take Good Care...

      

 

Welcome to Social Work Month! I love being a Social Worker and am proud to be one of 640, 000 Social Workers across the United States. The month of March is a very special time for Social Workers as it allows us as a collective group to showcase to the world what we do day-in and day-out, 365 days a year. While we are a special group of committed, selfless individuals, we must also use this month to encourage members of our profession to take care of ourselves and each other emotionally, socially, and professionally.

 

As we showcase our impact and accomplishments with others across the United States, let us also use this month to self-educate and inform Social Workers about the importance of self care. Let us encourage each other to seek professional help when needed, and take time to become physically and emotionally healthy as well.

 

In caring for our clients and others, we many times experience second-hand stress, which is an unavoidable occupational hazard for some. This stress can wreak havoc on our emotional health, placing us at risk for illness and disease. As we celebrate Social Work Month, let us not lose site of the importance of self-care. I would like to challenge each Social Worker during this month to take time out for yourself by engaging in new healthful activities that bring you joy, peace and a sense of release. As societal caretakers and change agents we as Social Workers must take time to take good care... 


 I love being a Social Worker!