Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

I have only had my VDx for a month or so and already I'm finding myself using it for everything. The environment that I work in is not one of the technically inclined and whenever I attempt to use it I constantly get the 'What's that?' questions. Then inevidably comes the "How much was that?". Then, here it comes, the "Why would you blow that kind of money on a toy!?" It's a little annoying because it leaves me in a bad position considering that I'm wasting my breath even attempting to explain the many uses for this unit and how, although it is fun, it is far more than a toy.

What made me think of this is the post that euangel made in the Accessories forum about the 'Wow!' factor of the StowAway. If I brought one of these out at a meeting we'd be there all day. I can hardly wait until I get the belt clip case for it. That should bring on another round. I leave it at my desk when I wander around the office now because a break from the computer illiterate is nice once in a while. Maybe I shoulda went for the holster...lol

This is my only complaint about having a PDA so far (aside from my word processing complaint I suppose). I guess they are not commonplace enough quite yet but come on, you would have to be a hermit to not know they exist. Some people think they are neat but of course there are the ones that say things like (/me puts on his best redneck voice) "I do the same thing with a $5 notepad and a $3 calculator".

Gimme a break.

Arker

Registered: May 2000
Location:
Posts: 209

quote:

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Originally posted by Arker
I have only had my VDx for a month or so and already I'm finding myself using it for everything. The environment that I work in is not one of the technically inclined and whenever I attempt to use it I constantly get the 'What's that?' questions. Then inevidably comes the "How much was that?". Then, here it comes, the "Why would you blow that kind of money on a toy!?" It's a little annoying because it leaves me in a bad position considering that I'm wasting my breath even attempting to explain the many uses for this unit and how, although it is fun, it is far more than a toy.

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But is it really wasting your breath? I don't know about others here but if you're surrounded with individuals who are not technically inclined and you're flashing around the latest technology around, you are bound to get asked those types of questions.

It sounds like, from this reader's position, that maybe you're tired of answering the same questions over and over again (and if that's the case, may I recommend you never apply for a technical or customer support job! )

Or maybe, your explainations to your fellow co-workers are not completely understood...

quote:

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This is my only complaint about having a PDA so far (aside from my word processing complaint I suppose). I guess they are not commonplace enough quite yet but come on, you would have to be a hermit to not know they exist. Some people think they are neat but of course there are the ones that say things like (/me puts on his best redneck voice) "I do the same thing with a $5 notepad and a $3 calculator".

Gimme a break.

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I hope the above comment is aimed towards the doing "the same" thing comment and not the stuff preceding it. Remember, folks using a PDA represents a small percentage of the general population. And, those using a PDA, are on the Internet, and are on forums like this are even a smaller percentage.

There are many examples in today's society that falls under your comment about being a hermit and not knowing that "x" exists. Just because you're more acutely aware of PDAs doesn't necessarily mean that everyone should be aware of it.

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

I know you are right PZ. It just gets frustrating because although yes it is a fact that the majority of the population is not familiar with PDAs, that same majority also thinks sometimes that they are an expert on the subject even though the only heard of the technology 5 minutes prior. This is referring to the comment that some say they accomplish the same thing with the shredded piece of paper hangin' outta their shirt pocket.

Anyways, I didn't want this to be a sympathy post or a redneck bashing post. It just goes to show you that some people are intimidated by technology still today and when they are exposed to it they may get defensive. It's like by simply pulling the VDx out I'm implying that they are old fashioned or "behind the times" with their little papers and pens. Not so. Believe me, I've tried the paper and pens. A new DayPlanner every year for the past 6-7 years. I can't make them work. Although I've always been a computer geek and a gadget lover had the paper planners worked I wouldn't have a PDA today.

I can't be the only one that experiences this daily right?

BTW, I think you're right. Customer Support positions aren't for me...

Arker.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

My standard analogy for the difference between a PDA and a $10 paper organizer is the difference between a word processor and a typewriter. Once you use a word processor, you don't even think of going back to a typewriter -- but the advantages aren't really obvious until you actually try it (keeping in mind that 10 years ago, PCs were $2000 while typewriters were only $400).

But with the Stowaway, no explanation is necessary. Everyone "gets it" the minute they see it in action (and don't forget to fold it up -- that's the real jaw-dropper!).

Lastly, when someone mentions the DayRunner or similar planner, just say, "Why would I want to carry around something that big?"

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by Gameboy70
Lastly, when someone mentions the DayRunner or similar planner, just say, "Why would I want to carry around something that big?"

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That's ok for now... however, in the not to distant future, when we're all lugging around the Visor, a Stowaway, several Springboards, and all the related accessories, we won't be able to use that line anymore!

__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 289

Its true .. lots of people just don't get the PDA .. Luckly for us Visor users, we got it and have been able to be more producitve/effective/etc with it .. After getting the question of "Why would you blow that type of money on a toy??" I have a few different answers --

If its to someone who takes notes at meetings/class/etc.. I emaphasize the advnatage of being able to quickly search & find notes on particular topics (or bookmark them), small form factor (compared to hauling around paper notebooks), security (I use a program called Strip for encrypting secure documents), easy transfer of information to email/reports/etc, and finally backup capability (copy of the notes on my visor, backup module, computer at the office, at home, etc...)

I might also highlight the features of internet connectivity so I can keep up on the news, respond to emails, etc -- when waiting in lobbies (ie doctors offices), I will pull out my Visor & Stowaway and be asked this one a lot (what the heck are you doing?!?)

For the individual with a laptop with the "why not spend a little more and get a laptop?!" -- I highlight battery life, portability, instant on, quick setup/disassembly, low profile, virtually noise free, etc...

Its simply a matter of trying to convey how having the PDA has been benefitial to you -- if your using the Visor mainly for the datekbook (I use this a lot) maybe you could tie in the possibility of synchronizing schedules with collegues (via Wesync and similar services..) so your in-the-know without having to manually enter the data (or worst yet, forgetting to enter the data) into a traditional day planner..

be innovative in your reasons!

Joe

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Moved to Clie Land
Posts: 331

Just write up all the reasons and explinations and point out to them if they had a VISOR you could beam them al the answers. Then beam the doc to a IR printer and hand them the paper. Leaves them totally flabbergasted.

In most cases, I find it entertaining to see them get it. It also helps to convert others so that it is easier to track new software.

__________________
"Stupid Handspring."

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

I hear you Arker- I've gotten the same thing from the folks I work with.

Good points ProjectZero- I tend to agree with you.

Unfortunately, at least in my personal experience, there are some who will criticize the usage of my Visor and it's value in the workplace regardless of what I do or say to enlighten them. Unfortunate, yes, but I do think Arker makes a relevant observation.

I just do my best to explain to the curious, and ignore the ones who insist on turning their comments into a mockery of sorts.

Scott

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 28

I used to be one of those people who asks "what is that". But thats before I bought my first Palm (Palm Pro)& the only reason I bought it was because it was marked down at Office Depot. It's a purchase that I'm glad I made, yea its a nice chunk of change to lay down & I'd probably should have spent on something more wisely but the convience that a PDA provides especially in the office is invaluable. Its a cool feeling when your in a meeting and while other people are taking notes in their bulky paper planners, I'm jotting stuff down in my Visor, while their trying to figure out what I'm doing. Some of the people who have asked me about my Visor, are now owners of Palm or Visors themselves. I'm not computer geek by any stretch & let's face it, A Visor is a Gameboy for grownups, but hey once a kid, always a kid!!!!!

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 121

I guess I'm just lucky. The very nature of my job dictates that the smaller, the better (both in size and price). I had a lot of people ask me what my visor was, but never in a mocking kind of way. Within the last 6 months, easily half the people I work with have either a palm or a visor. I sure makes it easier to get everyone on the same page quickly. On the down side, nobody ever forgets "that thing I asked/told/reminded/hinted at the other day"

__________________
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice...

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Oregon
Posts: 115

Arker,
I'm thinking you've spent a little time in the http://www.counter-strike.net forum
/me right?

__________________
Rose's are Red
My Visor is Blue...

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 170

quote:

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Originally posted by Arker
... I constantly get the 'What's that?' questions. Then inevidably comes the "How much was that?". Then, here it comes, the "Why would you blow that kind of money on a toy!?"...

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Registered: Dec 1999
Location: brooklyn
Posts: 268

quote:

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Originally posted by MarkEagle

quote:

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Originally posted by Gameboy70
Lastly, when someone mentions the DayRunner or similar planner, just say, "Why would I want to carry around something that big?"

---

That's ok for now... however, in the not to distant future, when we're all lugging around the Visor, a Stowaway, several Springboards, and all the related accessories, we won't be able to use that line anymore!

---

__________________
exit, pursued by a bear.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 24

I too have had those same comments Arker. Usually from some of the older people who have had some success in life. They love to comment how they "made it" without any type technology.
Fact of the matter is my IVD make my life easier.
BTW how many people carried around Franklin Planners 30 years ago?
Just to add to the list of features a pda had over a Dayrunner, and frankly, the most powerful feature for me is the abilty to set alarms. I never miss an appointment, telephone call or birthday.

__________________
Lenny Vasile
Career Frustrated?
Check out IWantTimeFreedom.com

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 289

Sure .. the older crowd "made it" without that technology simply because it didn't exist. However, given the fact that it does exist and it is gaining more popularity, there will be an increased requirement for the use of them. People who are able to use them successful will have an advantage in the marketplace .. pretty simple.

Its akin to computers -- how many jobs are out there that don't require some use of a computer? I think the PDA will be the device that will ultimately fill the computing gap for the "road warriors" of the planet (laptops were a nice try, but they offer too much and have too many problems...)

Joe

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by LennyV
I never miss an appointment, telephone call or birthday.

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Well... there are still occasions where I need to miss a few of those (at least selectively).

If I make myself look too good, I'll be the one doing all the work around the office.

__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 107

hehe.. Yes Maltair that's me at the CS forum. I haven't posted much so it suprises me that you recognize the name.

At least it's good to know that some of you have the same headaches as I do. I never actually thought I was alone but I thought that this forum would be as good as any to rant on about the topic. Some of the responses to the silly questions will work well I'm sure. I can't wait to try 'em out!!

Cheers,

Ark.

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 8

I went on a trip to see my family, and they thought, for all that it did, that it was inexpensive. I have a visor and not a deluxe, but with all the infared and software, etc...they thought it was great. Also I have converted some people that were not into the technology, take the time to explain how it can help them personally.

Just a thought....

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Tampa,FL
Posts: 19

Hah!You guy's think you get dumb questions when you break out your visors at work? I work in a bar. You should see the glazed-over looks I get when I start extolling the virtues of my Vdx. I usually just end up showing off my pictures of my daughter in Album to Go. At least then the drunks go "Cool, how did you do that?"

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"I sync, therefore I am."

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Oregon
Posts: 115

It wasn't the name so much as the
/me slaps Rze upside the head with a trout

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Rose's are Red
My Visor is Blue...