Many Devices. One Way to Update.

There are two things we probably have way too many of – lists, and old smart devices. They just seem to multiply. Fortunately, one is the cure for the other.

There are apps out there that let you keep lists. There are devices with built in list apps. And there are paper lists. Most times you are simply editing yet another list, which duplicates some other list, and another one on another device, until you get sick of updating all those lists and give up on the whole thought of keeping fun or important lists. It doesn’t have to be this way.

While you will probably always have older, outdated devices around – assuming, like me, you hang on to them; you actually only need one good list program. List programs run the gamut. I happen to use a connected list program by Google called Keep. It allows me to post a note, or list, across my known electronic universe with one simple entry. There are other list and note programs that do just that, so don’t be afraid to try them. Whatever keeps you organized.

Here’s the great part. The more old devices you have lying around, the more likely you are to update lists or notes to yourself – and family members, too, if they’re using these devices. Because these devices can all access your wireless, they are still useful as a networked device when you set up an account for just that purpose. They don’t have to be connected to a phone plan to work on wireless.

I have an old tablet I now use in the kitchen almost exclusively. I look up recipes, add to my grocery list, and watch the occasional YouTube video whilst waiting for the coffee to finish.  There is also another tablet there for someone else, in case I’m hogging the other one when prepping dinner from a recipe site.

I have an old smart phone I use as a remote for all of the electronics in the living room. You guessed it, there’s an app for that. Additionally, if I think of something to add to the grocery list, I can add it from that “remote” because it’s a phone that connects to wireless. Which updates the Google Keep app on every device.

In the bedroom there’s an old touch screen TV, with a built-in chrome browser. Guess which apps I have installed? Yep. Google Keep and Google Documents. It also allows me to review and edit documents in Google documents. If I get a phone call concerning a document from work, I can pull it right up, make the changes and have it ready when I get to the office. All from old devices “littering” my otherwise spotless house.

The key takeaway here is that you only need to have one list/document app, but to make this thing called the cloud truly functional, you’re going to need multiple devices. Chances are good, you already have them. And I know you’ve got a list out there that needs updating. If not, here’s a few list suggestions:        

• Fun things you would like to do with $1000.00
• Gift ideas I’ve run across while shopping
• Great finds on the internet to share
• What can I accomplish while waiting on something else to finish
• Books I need to read
• Great ideas

Drop by and find a new home for all of your old devices: Shaffer Realty