i summon one kim

While I was stuck waiting for car service without Internet access, I couldn’t help but wonder how much it would cost to have it on my cell phone plan. I’ve probably fallen behind in understanding all the options.

I think I have GSM data on my plan, but I don’t think a 9600 bps connection would make me happy with a web browser. I’d also need to have dialup with my ISP — a service which I’ve chosen not to have since everyone I know has broadband Internet access (with the baffling exception of my brother).

GPRS to the rescue? I think that would be a fine idea. It only presents a couple of dilemmas: I think I’d need a new phone and a new laptop. I don’t think my phone can do GPRS, and other than unsightly wires and dongles, the only option for getting the bits from the phone to my laptop would be infrared (no bluetooth). And do I still need a separate ISP as well?

I guess I don’t drive enough. Every person I talked to at the New Country Audi Service was wondering why I’m bringing in the car as it has under 5,000 miles on it. But the service manual says “every 10,000 miles or 1 year”, and I wish to keep the warranty in good standing.

However, I will make every effort to drive more during the next 12 months! :-D

I should also make the service reservation in 11 months instead of waiting a full year. This way I may actually get a loaner car from New Country instead of going through the hassle of a rental car. Their reimbursement works well, though, and a rental is better than nothing, if you’d rather go somewhere than wait.

I thought I’d wait today, so I brought my trusty laptop with me. I was really hoping to find a friendly WLAN for waiting customers as well, but no such luck. They have a couple of cubicles, though, with power outlets, so you can be productive while you wait (or write for a blog — your choice).

I’m often way behind on my personal email, and many messages can go completely unanswered. When I get home from work in the evenings, I’m just not “in the mood” for writing email: there are all sorts of household chores that need to be taken care of, or I’ve just arrived home so late there is nothing else to do but sleep.

I’ve thought about portable before, but haven’t come up with any solutions yet that I could implement right away without having some concerns on feasibility in the long term. (more…)