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Do more with less

I'm a big fan of appropriate technology. In May, I switched my cell phone service to AT&T just so I could get an iPhone. In less than two months, it's become an indispensable part of everyday life. I knew I would like the device. It's very easy to use. I expected to be more productive given the wealth of applications. My biggest surprise is that the iPhone is on the way to replacing so many other devices. Here's my list:

  • Watch/time/compass/altitude functions (replaces a $400 Suunto Wristtop Computer, AKA my watch)
  • GPS for tracking workouts (replaces my $200 Garmin Forerunner that needed a factory repair)
  • GPS for the car (replaces a $150 Garmin Nuvi I was planning to buy)
  • City maps (replaces paper in most cases, and my $100 Garmin Mapsource City Navigator software)
  • Email, web, business news, and “cloud” services (replaces a $500 NetBook I was planning to buy)
  • Business news reader (replaces paper subscriptions to WSJ, NYT, and the Economist)
  • Voice recorder for notes and interviews (replaces a $50 dedicated device)
  • Music, podcasts, audio books (replaces need for a second iPod)
  • Remote control for iTunes broadcast through my PC (replaces a $50 dedicated controller)
  • Photos/slideshows (replaces need to make photo prints to show friends and family)
  • Camera/videocam (replaces my camera for indoor and casual use)
  • Language translation (potentially replaces dedicated device)
  • Spelling/thesaurus (potentially replaces dedicated device)
  • Calendar, address book, to-do list, calculator, scientific calculator, carbon calculator, and flashlight

As Featured On EzineArticlesIn the 4Rs of “reduce, reuse, recycle, and replenish,” there is a reason REDUCE is listed first. When we reduce our use of a product, we save money and reduce our impact on the planet. In this case, my $300 phone is supplanting about $1,500 of specialized gear. It's also helping me be more productive and lightening my travel bags. The iPhone has significantly reduced my need to buy specialized electronic devices. This is a very good thing. Score one for appropriate technology. --JCB

*Does not replace my ruggedized GPS for backcountry travel
*Does not replace my waterproof camera for outdoor adventuring
*Does not include heart rate monitor (yet)

Posted by Carbon-Pros on July 6, 2009 06:01 AM |

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» stanorchard's status on Wednesday, 08-Jul-09 22:28:53 UTC from stanorchard
Need another reason to buy a new iPhone? They're green! http://is.gd/1rvPK I feel even better. Doing my part for Mother Earth. [Read More]

Tracked on July 8, 2009 03:29 PM

Comments

I noticed the same thing- my bag is about half the weight it used to be- no GPS, no game/video system, no iPod, no chargers for the other devices.

And, like you, I barely wear a watch anymore.

Posted by: Rich Mogull | July 8, 2009 12:51 PM

Sounds good. Too bad we just signed a two year contract with T-Mobile.

Posted by: H.A.F. | July 8, 2009 12:55 PM

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