[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by MichaelWagner, iyaz akhtar and FiniteComedy.com, This Old Nerd Show. This Old Nerd Show said: Early release: "This Old Nerd: How to ditch your phone but stay connected." http://bit.ly/ton008 […]

Another great episode.

I found this episode really interesting myself, as phone calls aren’t something I make a lot. I’ve still got another 20 months left on my phone contract at the moment, but I think when that ends and if Google Voice is in the UK (I really want that service over here!) I will consider making the switch to MiFi and an iPod touch. I use a HTC Android phone and 99% of the things I do are data services, such as email and checking Facebook, so I’m the ideal person for this system.

Keep up the great work, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming front end series on This Old Nerd!

Thanks Matt. The US/UK issue is something I’ll have to address in the future. All I need is a free flight to the UK to do some equivalent testing.

Great episode. I think I will use the advice to fire the home phone company for my mom. I didn’t really understand the difference between the Ooma vs. Magic Jack? I know Magic doesn’t have a customer service line which sucks but is there a big difference between the two services?

I’ve never tried out the Magic Jack – but Walt thinks it’s A-OK. Maybe I can test it out some day. http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20100217/magicjack-review

I know that Ooma has a lot of services available if you’re willing to pay extra.

try to ooma core from amazon. there is no fees or taxes at all. $2-$3 a month == $40+ a year, more than magic jack 😉

I love you. And I’m even a girl! Meanwhile, be careful with the MiFi – it gets hot enough to burn you if left in a normal pants pocket!

Thanks! I’ll be careful with that MiFi.

friggin awesome. I found out about this episode from watching the TNT that you brought up that you use an iPod and mi-fi. Great stuff! This will save me around 130 bucks a month!

I have a Virgin Mobile Mi-Fi. It seems like battery life is 3-4 hours. However I do not have an Ipod or iPhone to guess that. What is best practice to keep the devices power level up?
I am in the car to/from work and have multiple worksites to charge at for varying amounts of time.
It seems like charging several times during a 12 hour day would be needed to stay on the net.

Best practices: Keep the Mi-Fi off until you actually need it. That can be a bit inconvenient, but it keeps the battery charged. Additionally, with an iPod Touch – keep an eye on background processes that keep an active connection like Skype or even Push mail. That kills both batteries quickly.

My suggestion to you is getting an inverter or a USB charger for the car, keep the devices charged while you drive and you’ll still have access to them.

I plan to do a follow up episode on how this arrangement works out longer term.

Thanks for watching and the feedback!

[…] Episode: 08: How to ditch your phone but stay connected Tags : diy, mobile phone, phone, road test, Season […]

Love your show! Wow! .. this is the first time I’ve watched .. you rock!!!