5 Smart Ways to Use Your Smartphone

There’s a lot of criticism out there about smartphones, and how dependent some of us have become on these little gadgets. Certainly, I can agree that some of us use them pretty recklessly. I think we’ve all seen someone nearly walking out into traffic or smashing into someone on the sidewalk because their thumbs are busily typing out a tweet on their BlackBerry. Where I disagree with the critics, however, is that they seem to overlook just how much good these gizmos can do for us.

Here are 5 smart ways to use a smartphone that make life so much easier (in no particular order):

1 - Management of Personal Finances

When I'm at the grocery store and I'm wondering how much money I've spent in the past month, I don't have to rack my brain trying to figure it out. I just open up an app on my phone and can find out all of the details about my accounts within seconds. Using a smartphone to help manage your money makes it easier to keep on top of things. You can use it to remind you to pay bills, alert you if you are nearing your limit, or even to manage a budget.

2 - Research on the Run

Having a smartphone can help you, as a consumer, to make better buying decisions when you're out shopping. When I'm out at a store and wondering if the sale guy is really telling me the truth when he says that a product is a good deal, I pull out my smartphone and do some quick research. Within seconds, I can be reading reviews on the product, and comparing prices with other vendors. I've saved a lot of money and trouble just by having constant access to the Internet in my pocket.

3 - Mobile Library

My smartphone gives me the chance to do my readings even if I didn't bring my textbooks with me. Have PDF versions of books with you wherever you go, and you can pull them up for reading whenever you like. I’ve been getting ahead in my studies while I’m in line for a bank machine, while I’m waiting at the doctor’s office, and when I’m standing on the subway.

4 - Easier Navigation

If you’re like me and are always getting lost, then having a smartphone is a complete lifesaver. Getting around a new city or trying to find the nearest LCBO (that’s a liquor store, for you non-Ontarians) can be frustrating and sometimes impossible if you aren’t familiar with your surroundings. Smartphones with GPS navigation make it so much easier to find your way, and therefore can save you a lot of time.

5 - Remembering Important Dates

With the extensive calendaring features available on today's smartphones, you can rest assured that you won't miss any important dates. You can set up alerts to remind you about things like birthdays, anniversaries, and appointments. I find it especially useful with all of the different assignments I have to worry about for school. I don’t forget to complete anything thanks to my smartphone’s ability to keep track of it all for me.

So, there you have it. The next time you shake your head at someone with their eyes glued to the screen of their smartphone, consider the fact that they just might be doing something smart with it. Something smart like checking up to see how the Ottawa Senators are doing!

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