Mobility Mind

iPhone as sole computing and communications device on vacation

I’ve just started my two-week break from work, which coincides with the Eid celebration here. I’m taking the family back to my home town. This time around, we decided to leave our notebook computers behind. My iPhone will be my sole computing and communications device.

Preparation
Before going on this trip, I tried to maximize the available space on my 8GB iPhone. I had to get the right balance between music, TV shows, podcasts and applications.

Around 3GB is audio, with the same amount of space for video. My audio content consists of music and the latest episodes of podcasts. Video is mostly TV shows, just a few episodes that I want to catch up on and a couple of shows to keep the toddler quiet.

Applications

Just like when I was using my Treo, I usually plan to make the most of existing built-in applications. On the iPhone, the apps that see the most use are Mail (for Gmail, Yahoo and my Exchange email & calendar at work) and Safari (for catching up on news feeds, doing mobile banking, and everything else).

What about third party applications? Well, one obvious choice is eReader. I loaded up on ebooks to make sure I have plenty on hand to read. Another app that sees a lot of use is Facebook. I use it to keep in touch with family and friends, and to share photos. I use Wordpress to update Mobility Mind and also a couple of other blogs.

I have a good selection of games on the iPhone, including Mote Massacare, Texas Hold’em, Enigmo, Cro-Mag Rally.

So far, the first day with just the iPhone has Bern great. I’ll provide updates from time to time on how this set up is working for me.