Now days, almost everyone has a cell phone; at least it seems that way. I use my cell phone for a few other things than just talking. Such as: taking pictures, typing notes in my notepad, checking the time; and using my calendar. We all know about these features, and even more. But what about tricks most people don't know about? I thought it would be neat if we might have have some to share. I'll start with one I found: Using a cell phone to unlock your car when you lock the keys in it. If You have a remote keyless entry, and have a spare at home, you can call someone at home and they can push the unlock button while holding it close to their cell phone, while you're holding your cell phone about a foot away from the door. I WILL unlock the door.

Anyone else have a tip?

Sonny

Sonny, I have never heard of that! Is that with OnStar systems?

The folks that rudely use cell phones in public places, or while driving, would most likely not appreciate my opinion of what they can do with them. So I will refrain from posting my first thoughts on this topic.

The technology is interesting though.

Dwayne

Onstar uses a direct satellite signal to unlock doors. We've never used it but it is nice to know we have the option on our GMC.

quote:

Originally posted by IslandCruz:
Sonny, I have never heard of that! Is that with OnStar systems?


Dwayne

No, it hasn't anything to do with OnStar. I have OnStar in my Yukon; used it once in two years. The cell phone tip will work with any cell phones.

Sonny

Might want to check this out.
http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/keyless.asp

Not to change the topic, but those keyless systems are great about not locking your keys in. I have 2 cars and they work differently. On the one car if you use the remote to lock the car it sets the alarm. The other car doesn't have an alarm. So if the alarm is set on the one and you try to use the door key to open it, it won't let you and the alarm will go off. I have accidently done it several times and it looks like I am trying to steal my own car! And it is not the horn blowing type alarm, but the shrill siren type.

Anyway, back to cell phones, I think one of the neatest things is they have been able to find missing or lost people from the cell phone signals.

Dwayne

Interesting information, Gary. I'm still going to try it; you never know for sure.

Did you know that you can get free directory on your cell phone by dialing 800FREE411 (800 343 3411)? I know that works for sure.


Sonny

On a recent cruise, I booked a suite and used my cell phone to send my brother 360 degree views of the room using streaming video. Kinda expensive but what do you expect on a cruise??

To think you spent all that money just to make your brother jealous.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sonny V,

Hmmmm, I'd like to take all cell phones and see how far I can skip them into the Grand Canyon. Necessary evil I guess.

I know what you mean, Penny. Some people have no phone etiquette what's soever. Like the loud mouth that just won't hang up the phone. How about the person walking around using their bluetooth, and everyone thinks they're talking to them selves, or the loud ring when your dining in a quiet restaurant?


Sonny

You know, I can even put up with all of that. My problem is the ones driving. Ok, they're not driving, they're behind the steering wheel going all over the road, pulling out in front of you, turning without turn signals, running stop signs, not pulling over for ambulances, running off the pavement, but never letting go of their cell phone. I wish they would ban them, to me they're as dangerous, if not more so than a drunk driver. I guess it will just take enough teens getting killed before Mother's Against Cell Phones will be formed. Sorry, just a rant, but honestly it scares the daylights out of me. I can see in an emergency, if you're a doctor or something, but just to find out who BobbyJo kissed the night before...

I totally agree with Dwayne's unspoken suggestion as to what to do with them--Right on Dwayne!

While in Puerto Rico, I kept seeing cars pulled over on the side of the road. And I'm not talking junk heaps either. Some BMW's, mercedes and so on. After about the 10th car I saw, I realized that these people were on their cell phones. Hrrrmmmmm. What a concept. PULL OFF THE ROAD TO TALK ON THE PHONE
At the very least, install a hands free kit. At least both hands can be on the wheel

I dont know if this counts as a "trick", but it's still cool:

You can send a text message to Google at 46645 and it will help you find all kinds of stuff that you could find with google.com . Just type in a question or search phrase, and in a few minutes you will receive a text message back with the results. Obviously, the system is more limited than normal google, so you may need to play around with how you ask your question if you get no search results. I've used it many times successfully.

It's also free, aside from any standard text message fees that your carrier charges.

Since some other people added their gripes, I will add mine. Talking on the cell phone while getting a haircut in MY barber chair, taking up MY time. Or sitting in the waiting chair and using the cell phone, when it's their turn and me standing there waiting on them, when I could already have someone else in my chair. Ok now I feel better.

Thanks for the tips mentioned!

Lets not forget that with BIC lighters now being frowned upon at your favorite venue, turning on the cell and holding it up gives a similiar image in the crowd.

Peter1

quote:

Originally posted by penny3333:
My problem is the ones driving. Ok, they're not driving, they're behind the steering wheel going all over the road, pulling out in front of you, turning without turn signals, running stop signs, not pulling over for ambulances, running off the pavement, but never letting go of their cell phone. I wish they would ban them, to me they're as dangerous, if not more so than a drunk driver.

Penny, I'm with you 100%. A couple of nights ago, a 13-year-old in a town not far from us was riding his bike and was killed by a driver who was driving while text messaging. The driver, who is in his early 30s, told authorities that his car veered off the road, and he thought he had hit a mailbox.

Today's article on the story from the Boston Globe had a couple of scary statistics about text messaging while driving. According to Nationwide Mutual Insurance, 19% of all drivers admit to texting while driving. Limiting the responses to drivers between the ages of 18 and 27, the number skyrockets to 37%.


Off my soapbox now.


I do like hearing some of these "safe" cell phone tips, though. I currently use mine for making and receiving phone calls at home (how dull), keeping in touch with family while I travel on business (from the comfort of my hotel), texting my husband at work if there's a situation he needs to know of (he's a teacher, so I can't call him), and as an alarm clock when I travel.

Most of you know our history with someone driving while talking on a cell phone. I had another near miss with an idiot on Christmas eve. She was coming the other way on Highway 72, and turned to go into her subdivision without even looking at oncoming traffic. We all had to hit the brakes to avoid hitting her. The phone never left her ear. Totally oblivious to what almost happened.

I thought about turning around and going back to give her other ear a mouthful, but then I probably would be arrested for harassment.

I just don't understand it. What is so fascinating that some people have to constantly run their mouths about it? What do they do at home? Make a list of people to call when they get in the car, or at the supermarket?

Today I was driving behind what I thought was a car driven by a drunk driver. The car was going about 25 in a 45 MPH zone, and sometimes straddling the center. When I finally pulled along side the car at a stoplight, I saw it was a woman talking on her cell phone; with three kids in the car. Some states ban use of cell phone while driving; Wisconsin doesn't.

Sonny