- Instant camera and video: This alone was the main reason I opted for the smartphone when replacing my phone. Mom no longer has to lament, “I wish I brought the camera..” or miss another Kodak moment. Even if you are terrible at taking pictures (like me!), the high resolution cameras available on phones these days makes almost any picture a good one. Those priceless memories are worth a few extra bucks for a data plan, especially if you have fast growing preschoolers.
- Using Online Coupons – Moms can use smartphones to generate serious savings for shopping and entertainment. My favorite internet coupon manager is Coupon Mom. You could use your laptop for these coupons, but nothing beats saving on the fly while you are at the store! Restaurants also provide coupons and you can search online with your phone to find deals while you are out. Ruby Tuesday has their “So Connected” program. Sign up with them and you’ll get legitimate coupons and discounts in your inbox. Think I’m kidding? Now, I never pay for a second entrée at Ruby Tuesdays because they gladly honor the coupons displayed on my smartphone. Which leads to #3….
- Manage your calendar, emails and address book right on your phone. Once you sync the phone to your computer, you can have access to your personal contact information and email with minimal effort. I sync my iPhone with Outlook, so I can manage my calendar and address book with either the phone or my computer and just sync the devices together. You can also sync email the same way, or access your internet based email (Google, Hotmail, etc) via the internet browser. Now, Mom can remember and confirm appointments, practice schedules and school closings with no problem. She also doesn’t have to carry around a bulky planner, calendar or address book. Let’s face it, even if you’re doing business in slippers and pajamas, you’ll impress folks with your organizational prowess.
- Fast and easy “scrapbooking” with zero guilt. The Cozi online calendar is accessible on the internet, using your phone’s mobile browser or app. Also, the calendar is private but can be accessed by family members and color coded by person so everyone can keep up with what’s going on. No time for scrapbooking? Cozi’s journaling feature is hard to beat. You can share milestones, photos, family memories and other news with a few taps on your smartphone. No more expensive scrapbooking supplies needed!
- Manage To Do’s like a pro with Intuition. This free iPhone app was designed by busy moms to help you customize and keep track of lists. While there is a bit of overlap with Cozi, the “nearby” feature in Intuition reminds Mom of things to do based on her location. That saves car trips and time. Pretty nifty…
My readers know I love a bargain, which is why I’m including a bonus reason (or #5 if you don't get an iPhone...):
- Streaming music with Pandora! Now you can stream all kinds of music based on your tastes with your smartphone. Plug in an AUX jack from your phone to your car speakers and you no longer need a satellite radio subscription or to remember your kid’s selection of favorite CDs. Pandora is available for free for most smartphones and streams music based on a favorite artist or song. The best thing is that you can be a hero for having such a great selection of children’s music and yet blame Pandora for not allowing you to repeat a song! Hee, hee…
Of course, there are a ton of things you can do with a smartphone, but these are my top uses. If you have other reasons why mom (or dad!) should have a smartphone this Christmas, please comment below!
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