Five Ways Texting Can Make Your Life Easier
By Asha Dornfest (from Parent Hacks) on December 11, 2009
Not long ago, my friends considered my texting habit part of my curious but slightly cool geek cred. (I use the term "geek" loosely; my husband works for Twitter where that term has a much higher barrier to entry. But I digress.) Now, texting is an accepted communication channel among non-techies. Friends who still wonder about blogs routinely text their kids after school.
But, while firing a quick text may now be second-nature, you may not know about several nifty things you can do with your regular, old cell phone -- no data plan required.
1. Send private notes to yourself with Twitter's direct message feature
I tend to remember random details at inopportune moments when I can do little about it. "I can't forget to send Mimi's birthday card!" while at the gym. "Luke needs his permission slip turned in tomorrow!" while waiting at the gas station. I used to leave myself answering machine messages, but now, if I don't have my calendar handy, I simply send a direct message to myself using Twitter. There are more elegant and efficient solutions, such as using an iPhone with built-in calendaring, or calling Jott, or texting to a to-do app such as Remember the Milk, but, hey, this is quick, free, and it works for me.
Howto: I created a private Twitter account just for this purpose, then followed that account from my regular Twitter account (@parenthacks). I can now text myself messages that only I see.
2. Ask Google Calendar to send appointment reminders via text
I'm not totally calendar-challenged, you know. I keep my schedule (mostly) straight using Google Calendar. The biggest boon is that I can share relevant events with my husband, but the GCal feature that has saved my butt more than any other is the SMS reminder.
For crucial events, I have GCal send me a reminder via text message, so, even when I'm out and about, I'm covered. This feature also works well as a timer -- if you want to, say, work on a task for an hour, but no longer, have GCal text you when the hour's up.
3. Text Google for free 411 information
I have several cheapskate pet peeves. ATM fees, late video rental fees, parking tickets...any time I have to spend money on my lack of forethought. Directory assistance charges fall under this category. I HATE calling 411, but somethings, you just gotta.
I recently discovered (okay, my husband told me) that I can text Google (GOOGL or 46645) with the name of a business followed by the city-comma-state abbreviation and I'll get the name, address and phone number back in seconds. Free 411! Yes, I know there are actual free 411 services, but this is much quicker, and you don't have to listen to obnoxious commercials.
4. Text + Twitter lets you text your Internet pals with no cell phone number
Many Twitter users get their direct messages sent to their cell phones. In fact, you can do a little sleuthing work to find out if your favorite Twitter buddies tweet via phone; check out their Twitter timelines on the Web. If you see a "from txt" beneath one of their tweets, it's a good bet (but not a guarantee) they also receive Twitter DMs on their phones.
As long as you're not a crazy stalker (and you know who you are), try using Twitter to text your Internet pals even if you don't have their cell phone numbers. Especially handy at conferences and parties when there are lots of spontaneous get-togethers.
5. Text your babysitters
Need a babysitter this week? Tonight? Be sure to get your favorite sitters' cell phone numbers so you can text them about availability. I find that text messages get a much quicker response than voicemail or a message left at home. Plus, they'll think you're cool.
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Asha Dornfest is the founder of Parent Hacks -- where savvy parents swap clever, often unconventional, parenting tips. Here's the practical, real-world stuff you'll never find in an "expert" book. Featured in Real Simple, Parents, and PC Magazine.
Photo by But, while firing a quick text may now be second-nature, you may not know about several nifty things you can do with your regular, old cell phone -- no data plan required.
I tend to remember random details at inopportune moments when I can do little about it. "I can't forget to send Mimi's birthday card!" while at the gym. "Luke needs his permission slip turned in tomorrow!" while waiting at the gas station. I used to leave myself answering machine messages, but now, if I don't have my calendar handy, I simply send a direct message to myself using Twitter. There are more elegant and efficient solutions, such as using an iPhone with built-in calendaring, or calling Jott, or texting to a to-do app such as Remember the Milk, but, hey, this is quick, free, and it works for me.
Howto: I created a private Twitter account just for this purpose, then followed that account from my regular Twitter account (@parenthacks). I can now text myself messages that only I see.
2. Ask Google Calendar to send appointment reminders via text
I'm not totally calendar-challenged, you know. I keep my schedule (mostly) straight using Google Calendar. The biggest boon is that I can share relevant events with my husband, but the GCal feature that has saved my butt more than any other is the SMS reminder.
For crucial events, I have GCal send me a reminder via text message, so, even when I'm out and about, I'm covered. This feature also works well as a timer -- if you want to, say, work on a task for an hour, but no longer, have GCal text you when the hour's up.
3. Text Google for free 411 information
I have several cheapskate pet peeves. ATM fees, late video rental fees, parking tickets...any time I have to spend money on my lack of forethought. Directory assistance charges fall under this category. I HATE calling 411, but somethings, you just gotta.
I recently discovered (okay, my husband told me) that I can text Google (GOOGL or 46645) with the name of a business followed by the city-comma-state abbreviation and I'll get the name, address and phone number back in seconds. Free 411! Yes, I know there are actual free 411 services, but this is much quicker, and you don't have to listen to obnoxious commercials.
4. Text + Twitter lets you text your Internet pals with no cell phone number
Many Twitter users get their direct messages sent to their cell phones. In fact, you can do a little sleuthing work to find out if your favorite Twitter buddies tweet via phone; check out their Twitter timelines on the Web. If you see a "from txt" beneath one of their tweets, it's a good bet (but not a guarantee) they also receive Twitter DMs on their phones.
As long as you're not a crazy stalker (and you know who you are), try using Twitter to text your Internet pals even if you don't have their cell phone numbers. Especially handy at conferences and parties when there are lots of spontaneous get-togethers.
5. Text your babysitters
Need a babysitter this week? Tonight? Be sure to get your favorite sitters' cell phone numbers so you can text them about availability. I find that text messages get a much quicker response than voicemail or a message left at home. Plus, they'll think you're cool.
-----------------------------------------------------
Asha Dornfest is the founder of Parent Hacks -- where savvy parents swap clever, often unconventional, parenting tips. Here's the practical, real-world stuff you'll never find in an "expert" book. Featured in Real Simple, Parents, and PC Magazine.
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