CHILD OFF TO COLLEGE THIS FALL? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As a parent, do you have the basic computer skills to maintain contact with your college student? Does your technology support your efforts, and do you have the most cost efficient systems in place?
The following are some points that you should be thinking about before the move-in date:
– Will you need to upgrade either your equipment or services?
– How do you determine your child’s equipment needs while in college?
– Does the cell phone provider that you use at home (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) have a strong network at your child’s school?
– What can you do to keep your communication costs down?
– What are the most cost efficient ways to stay in communication with your child in college?
– How do you keep in contact with your child who is studying abroad without incurring large telephone charges?
– Has your child’s school granted you online access to key school resources?
– Does your child know how to reach you 24/7?
The chances are that your child may be more up-to-date on the latest technology than you. It is important that you discuss a strategy to communicate in a cost efficient manner. If your child is studying thousands of miles away, or perhaps in any country, you do not want to incur telephone charges that approach the cost of tuition!
Most universities no longer provide phones in their dorms. The use of cell phones and other mobile technology tools has significantly enhanced our ability to maintain our relationships with our children in college. Are you prepared?
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DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE NEW SMARTPHONE AND iPad DATA PLANS??
Confused by the new smartphone and iPad data plans introduced by Verizon and AT&T? Do you understand the differences between the tiered data plans? Do you even know how much data you are using? How do you determine which new program is right for you?
All wireless providers are expected to convert to a similar data plan. Regardless of which mobile provider you are using, you might be able to considerably reduce your wireless bill if you select the right plan.
Here’s what you need to know:
– The new plan only applies to mobile devices such as smartphones, laptop computers, and tablets such as the iPad.
– The plan is not mandatory, current customers are not obligated to revise their existing plans.
– Based on how you use your mobile devices, you might actually save money by switching to the new plan. People who are heavy data users (e-mails, Internet browsing, streaming videos, etc.) should take a good look at the new plan.
Below is a summary of the Plans for both Verizon and AT&T:
– There is no tiered pricing for telephone calls. Under this new plan, the only choice will be unlimited minutes and free text messaging. This is a substantial savings for anyone on a plan for more minutes or an unlimited plan.
– The new data plan starts at 2GBs and goes as high as 10GBs based on your usage. If you have a family plan with several phones, the data plan is shared with each of the lines. It is possible to have up to 10 mobile devices share the same plan. According to the leading providers, most people use less than 2GBs per month per device unless they stream a lot of videos and music from the Internet. For example, if you stream 2 movies from sites such as Netflix using your Cellular network, you will use up to 90% of your allowance under the 2GB plan.
– If you change to the new plan, and are presently on an unlimited data plan, you will lose it.
– After reviewing your options, if you decide to stick with your current plan, you will have to pay full price when upgrading to a new smartphone. What that means is, instead of paying $199 to upgrade to the least expensive iPhone or Android, you will pay full retail which can be more than $600.
As I have indicated in the past, there is never a standard answer when it comes to one’s technology needs. I suggest you contact your provider (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) for an evaluation of your present plan and discuss whether or not a change will actually save you money.
If you need a further explanation of the new plan, need assistance analyzing your existing charges, or help deciding which plan is right for you, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
Please feel free to click below to access my BlogTalkRadio Program which contains discussions on the relevant technology issues of the day and archives of past shows.
THE WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
– Do you have the right equipment to support your business and personal needs?
– Confused by all the new gadgets being introduced almost on a daily basis?
– Do you know what type of smartphone (iPhone, Android, blackberry) is right for you?
– Do you understand the new data plans that have been introduced by your wireless service provider (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.)?
– Are you or someone you know going through career transition and need help determining their technology needs?
– Need to set up a home office?
These are just a few topics that I discuss on my weekly radio program. While the shows are aired every Thursday at 4:30 PM, you can click on the link below to access the archives of all past programs at anytime. The topics as well as the names of guest speakers are listed for each show.
If you have any questions about any of the topics discussed, please contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com for a FREE telephone consultation. Feel free to visit my website, www.bluetutor.com for more information about my services.
To hear the latest program, click on the play button (>) below. To access my program site and the archives, click on my name (Jim Blue).
IS YOUR CHILD TRAVELING ABROAD THIS SUMMER?
The Internet has changed the rules for traveling. Gone are the days when keeping in touch from abroad was both a challenge and expensive. More college aged children are spending summers traveling and taking advantage of semester abroad programs. The following are some of the things parents and students must know before leaving home:
– What is the Internet situation where the student will be living?
– Does he/she have an International mobile phone?
– Do you and your child have a plan to reach each other in an emergency?
– Are both of you aware of the differences between phone and data services, domestically and overseas?
– Have you considered whether or not your child should rent a phone while traveling?
– Are you familiar with the rules surrounding Internet services abroad such as Skype, iChat, e-mail, and accessing the web?
A couple of years ago, my daughter spent 4 months in Spain. Despite daily phone calls to and from the United States, my total phone bill for the time she was away was under $200. If you need assistance understanding the rules of international travel and would like to know how our communication costs were kept in line, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com
ARE YOU PART OF THE NEW MOBILE WORLD?
We are all spending more and more time on the road, whether for business or pleasure. The operative word now is “Mobile.” Are you ready? To be a true “road warrior,” you must be able to:
– Select a mobile device (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, iPad, etc.) based on your needs.
– Choose the right provider (Verizon. AT&T, Sprint, etc.)
– Understand the differences between “data” and phone plans.
– Understand the rules for accessing the internet while traveling.
– Use mobile apps for travel sites (hotels, flights, etc.) as well as information such as restaurants, weather, news, movies, online banking, stocks, etc.
– Control your telephone costs.
– Manage your e-mails.
– Text messaging.
– Access your contacts.
– Maintain your calendar.
– Set up reminders.
– Access your critical files.
– Store important personal information such as medications, emergency contacts, passwords, etc.
– Watch movies.
According to the most recent report issued by Ericsson, the number of worldwide mobile subscribers in 2011 was 6 billion. Within the next five years, the number will grow to close to 9 billion.
The population of the United states is 315 million. There are over 325 million cell phones in use in the US. Smartphones (iPhones, Androids, Blackberries, etc) now represent over 50% of all mobile phone sales.
I can make you a true “road warrior.” To set up a free consultation, I can be reached by phone at 917-921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
STILL UNDECIDED ON WHICH SMARTPHONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Recent studies, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, indicate that in the first quarter of 2012 , Google’s Android and Apple’s iPhone combined market share is now over 80%, up from 54% during the same period last year. Rim’s Blackberry, which once dominated the market for so long has seen its market share drop to well under 10%. Both Google and Apple have developed operating systems and services with greater appeal in the new mobile world than offered by Rim and other resources.
Within the next few years, more than three quarters of all mobile phone purchased will be smartphones. So, how does one decide which one to buy? The first step is to determine your needs. How much time do you spend out of your home or office? Are you a phone person? Is e-mail your primary means of communication? How often do you access the Internet from the road? Are you comfortable with a touch screen or do you prefer a keyboard?
Need help making the right decision? Give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com.
UNDERSTANDING VERIZON’S NEW WIRELESS PLAN
On June 28th, Verizon Wireless will introduce a new wireless data plan. The rationale for the change (which will be followed by other providers) is for them to cash in on the ever increasing demand for data services on mobile devices such as smartphones (iPhones, Androids, and Blackberries) and smaller laptops. While the news services are offering varying opinions and explanations, here are some basic things you should know about the new plan:
– The new plan only applies to smartphones and computer tablets, not iPads,
– The plan is not mandatory, current Verizon customers are not obligated to revise their existing plans.
– Based on how you use your smartphone, you can actually save money by switching to the new plan. People who are heavy data users (e-mails, Internet browsing, streaming videos, etc.) should consider the new plan.
Below is a summary of the Plan:
– There is no tiered pricing for telephone calls. Presently, 450 minutes costs $39.95 per month and the price escalates for additional minutes. Under this new plan, the only choice will be unlimited minutes and free text messaging for $40 per phone. This is a substantial savings for anyone on a plan for more minutes or an unlimited plan.
– The new data plan starts at 2GBs for $60 and goes as high as 10GBs for $100 per month, based on your usage. If you have a family plan with several phones, the data plan is shared with each of the lines. It is possible to have up to 10 mobile devices share the same plan. The present cost for 2GBs of data is $30 PER PHONE and rises for more data. According to the leading providers, most people use less than 2GBs per month unless they stream a lot of videos and music from the Internet.
– If you change to the new plan, and are presently on an unlimited data plan, you will lose it.
As I have indicated in the past, there is never a standard answer when it comes to one’s technology needs. If you are currently a Verizon customer, I suggest you call them for an evaluation of your present plan and discuss whether or not a change will save you money.
If you need a further explanation of Verizon’s new plan, or have any other technology questions, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my NEW white paper, “TIPS ON BECOMING A TRUE MOBILE WARRIOR”