As I welcome the new year, it’s apropos that I write this first blog post of 2013 from 35,000 feet in the air. Composing it on an iPad, no less.
It’s apropos because the speed of change thanks to technology continues to move at a breathless pace, and in turn, give me pause to reflect on how far things have come in a very short time. What we can now do with the variety of computers available to us in all shapes, colors, sizes, and prices is nothing less than astonishing.
I can remember flying between New York and Seattle many years ago when phones built into the backs of the seats were the hot new thing on planes. The guy next to me thought it was cool to talk – in a very loud voice – to everyone in his Rolodex during that six hour flight.
“Hey, I’m calling from the plane!” was how every new call began before he prattled on and on about nothing. Each call was prohibitively expensive, yet he didn’t seem fazed one bit as he swiped his credit card again and again and again. That plane phone was technical hot shit, and he was determined to be right in the middle of it.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a phone built into the back of an airplane seat. These days, you’re more likely to find your own personal television in the seat in front of you and a smartphone and/or tablet in your seatmate’s pocket or bag. Calls are no longer allowed on flights, but with the rising demand for staying connected, carriers are now offering passengers WiFi during flight (for a nominal fee). I have to confess, it’s pretty wild posting to Facebook, checking email, and writing a blog post seven miles high. I feel like I’m channeling that guy from years ago, minus the obnoxious broadcast to everyone else on the flight about what I’m up to.
One day, WiFi on planes will be as common (and underwhelming) as the drink cart coming down the aisle. But for today, I’m enjoying being a pioneer in this relatively new phenomenon, relishing its novelty and recording it, if for no other reason than my own amusement and posterity’s sake.
