Smart Gear

Wrist Mounted Cellphone Launcher

Now, when I think of smart gear and the combination of technology and clothing and all that jazz, I don't necessarily think of solar powered jackets. Those are great and everything, but I don't necessarily need high tech gizmos integrated into the actual fabric of my clothing to make me feel like a a techno future goth.

For example: While on a recent road trip across the wastelands of the American Southwest in a car filled with empty FUZE bottles and a large labrador, I wanted to put my cellphone in a place that was easily accessible to me while I was driving, but was not already occupied with sunglasses, lighters, mp3 players, trash, dog hair, etc. I didn't want to put it in my pocket, as it would be too hard to get out. And I was otherwise naked, so I couldn't slip it into a shirt pocket.

I was, however, wearing wrist bands. Yes, I am a dorky hipster. Yes, you can judge me.

I use my phone for 3 things. Most often, I use it to check the time. Second most often, I use it to make phone calls. Third, I use it to connect to the net via my Sony Clie. Only one of these functions requires me to actually hold the phone to my head like a phone (and only when not using a Bluetooth headset...)

Having the phone at my wrist worked out really well. I could check the time with a twist of the wrist, and also check signal level, incoming calls, and text messages. My phone is a tiny little T610, so weight and bulk was not an issue -- the only thing sticking out from underneath my wristband was the display.

The wristband integrated the phone into my apparel in a way that allowed it to do most of its functions in a very convenient way -- much more convenient to me than the traditional phone-in-pocket method of transportation.

I found this: a wristband cell holder from, of all people, FTD that allows you to hold your phone the way I want to. That cuff doesn't look very comfortable, though, nor does it look very fashionable. But it does the job of keeping the phone in a good place, keeping my pockets free of bulky tech, and giving me quick visual access to what, frequently, is my window to the wider world.

On my trip, I was using a padded elastic sweatband kind of thing and just slipping the phone underneath it, and that worked out really well. I think I'll be breaking out the sewing supplies to affix a few straps and some velcro to a comfy wristband if I can't find a better option than the FTD version.


(Of course, ideally, I'd just have a generic display at my wrist - clock by default, but with access to phone, palm, ipod, etc via bluetooth. All interface done by touchpad wrist display, all processing done by linked devices hidden away somewhere...)

posted by Internet Rockstar @ 7:52 AM