Cell Phones, the Web and Pedestrians

I was reading Russell Beattie’s piece on the mobile web, and while I’ve had my differences with him in the past, and he probably doesn’t like me much, I have to say I agree with him, the mobile web does suck! I actually tried to get a web friendly phone last year, the Nokia 9290. Despite the fact that it is probably one of the ugliest phones on the planet, it does have a screen that’s 640 pixels wide and a QWERTY style keyboard that adult fingers can use. Problem was it never worked correctly, so I was able to talk my way out a phone contract with no cancellation fee. I looked at T-Mobile sidekick’s and … well I give them an A for effort, but seems like they are going after the text message crowd not web users, or business people. My current phone, a Motorola V220 … Lets just say it reminds me of my my Timex Sinclair computer circa 1980 as far as the web is concerned. I’m not a big fan of all in one devices, while I’m sure they appeal to some, I say put out a better product that does less, but does it all well, instead of one product that tries to do more but, does it all poorly.

In New York where I live, you have to use a hands free phone while you are driving and I know many other states are working on similar legislation. The thinking being that drivers that are distracted talking on cell phones, are more likely to cause an accident. Well I was driving through Manhattan today, and I can tell you what’s worse than driving and talking, is walking and talking. First off contending with pedestrians in Manhattan anytime near rush hour (AM or PM) or lunch time is losing battle. It’s mob rules plain and simple. I enough people decide to cross the street, despite who has right-of-way, as a driver there’s not a lot you can do about it. Now take about 60% of those people, and put them on a cell phone, and you not only have a mob that thinks it’s in charge, but one that’s completely oblivious to it’s surroundings. I nearly hit about 20 people today, who crossed when they weren’t supposed to, and were all talking on cell phones. I don’t know what the answer is, but something has to change. Maybe it can be like insurance rates, take a class get a discount. Take a cell phone etiquette class, get 200 free daytime minutes.

tags: ( Cell Phones )

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