| Pagers and Walkie-Talkies |
From "Home Tech"
episode HTC-103 |
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Pagers Before cell phones, pagers helped people stay in contact with one another. Though many people have opted to replace their pager with a phone, the pager is still a convenient way to stay connected and allow people to reach you quickly. Moreover, pager technology has advanced in recent years. Some new models are equipped with tiny keyboards that allow users to send as well as receive messages. Whereas earlier pagers were one-way communication devices, the newer models allow two-way text-messaging. Some also enable users to check their e-mail while away from a computer. Basic pagers are typically inexpensive, and the device may even be free when you sign up for a particular pager service. Basic pagers are likely to be one-way devices that simply receive alphanumeric text messages, such as a phone number. More sophisticated pagers may cost $200 or more, will allow two-way communication and may include voice-mail as part of the package so users can call and listen to a recorded voice message when they receive a page. Newer pagers can both send and receive lengthier messages than earlier-generation pagers. In fact, some can receive e-mail messages that are thousands of characters long, and can download messages from a computer and forward them to another computer or a fax machine. Basic pagers are often a good choice for helping parents keep tabs on their adolescent or teenage children. In the case of DIY's project family, the Toturas tried giving a pager to their son, Gannon, so he could be reached, if necessary, while he was out playing with friends. Note: For more information on pager technology, see the segment titled "Mobility and Technology" in the DIY Home Office workshop
Walkie-talkies Once regarded mainly as toys, walkie-talkies are now being used by families to stay in touch while on family outings. For example, if a family is involved in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping or bicycling, walkie-talkies are a good way to stay in touch when family members get separated. Consider taking walkie-talkies along the next time your family goes to an outdoor event such as a crafts fair. In that way, family members can separate to follow their own interests, but can then contact each other to plan times and locations to rendezvous. They can even serve a similar function on shopping trips to the mall. These devices can be especially handy to take along on family vacations. When you're shopping for walkie-talkies, keep in mind that the prices listed are usually for individual units. You'll need to purchase at least two to use them.
RESOURCES :
The Cell Phone Handbook : Everything You Wanted to Know About Wireless Telephony
Model: 1890154121
Author: Penelope Stetz
published by Aegis Pub. Group
The Cellular Connection: A Guide to Cellular Telephones
Model: 0471316520
Author: Robert Steuernagel
Published by Wiley-Interscience
Cellular Telephones & Pagers: An Overview
Model: 0750696834
Author: Stephen W. Gibson
Butterworth-Heinemann
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