Here’s something that’s cool, that I just came across today….maybe I’m slow.

(WARNING: play with this away from work, asy you could find yourself blowing an hour on this and not even realize it.)

If you’re away from a computer or phone book, and need to find a phone number (or lots of other information, for that matter) and want to avoid the $1.50 charge most cell companies charge for 411 directory assistance, you can text message a search from your cell phone. (If your cell provider charges for text messages there would be the minimal cost for that.)

By sending a text message to Google (46645), Yahoo (92466), or 4INFO (44636), along with a few words and/or numbers about what you’re looking for, you’ll get a return text message within seconds with the results.

For example, I typed in “video games 28212″ and amazingly received a message in 10 seconds with the names, addresses and phone numbers of video game stores in and around my zip code.

Granted, lots of people don’t have the slightest clue about how to send a text message. It’s not that tough though. Go find a 12-year old to show you.

The uses for this, both personally and professionally, are limited only by your imagination. Each service has a list of shortcuts to help you. Google’s is at http://www.Google.com/sms. (Had a bit of a problem with this page when testing it today. Might have to hit your Refresh button to get the page to appear.)

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

Bookmark and Share This Entry