Dearest LazyWeb...

[bjarvis]

My new employer is located in San Francisco. I'm located in Washington, DC. We'll need to communicate very effectively if this arrangement is going to work.

1. I'm thinking of using Skype to keep in near-constant but cheap voice communication with the other coast. Ideally, I'd like some sort of wireless headset so that I can roam around my data center or office without dragging a cord and/or my laptop. Any suggestions?

2. I'm also considering upgrading my Verizon Wireless cell phone to a Blackberry Storm so I can keep in near-constant email contact. Any advice or experience with such?

3. I'm also thinking about a wireless broadband service, again for work. Since I'm on Verizon Wireless right now, I'm leaning in that direction but since these seem to be sold apart from one's cell phone service plan, I'm open to other networks as well. Anyone have advice and/or recommendations?

Comments

[snowboardjoe.livejournal.com]

1. Beware, I'm biased here. I always prefer Plantronics. They make quality stuff that is also durable. They've been making headsets for many, many years and they do an excellent job with wireless ones too. One that I have now is the Pulsar Plantronics 590 (there is a 590A as well with a universal adapter and seems to be more common). It picked one up off of Amazon for $62 back in the summer. I use it all of the time and it's comfortable. Links to Macs and other BT systems with no problems. Very long battery life (as in many, many hours). If headphones are not your thing, take a look at their Voyager 815 as well.

2. Reviews were mixed on the Storm when it first came out, but the latest software update seems to have addressed about 80% of those problems. Keep looking at very recent reviews if you're still not sure. I have the Curve right now. I laid my hands on a friends' Storm and liked it. The tactile feel of the display was really nice particularly when typing on it. If email accessibility is the prime concern, there is nothing better than a BlackBerry.

3. Depends on the local area. People are confused on why Verizon breaks those up and I'm sure it has steered some people away in search of other options.

I did not know about the new employer! Excellent! Is this a permanent telecommuting thing?