It’s Not a Toy! The Rise and Necessity of Smartphones

They are no longer techie gadgets or status symbols, Blackberries, iPhones and their lesser known competitiors — or Smartphones — are fast becoming a necesarry tool of everyday American business culture. The New York Times reports:

For a growing swath of the population, the social expectation is that one is nearly always connected and reachable almost instantly via e-mail. The smartphone, analysts say, is the instrument of that connectedness — and thus worth the cost, both as a communications tool and as a status symbol.

“The social norm is that you should respond within a couple of hours, if not immediately,” said David E. Meyer, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan. “If you don’t, it is assumed you are out to lunch mentally, out of it socially, or don’t like the person who sent the e-mail.”

Hmmm. Think about it. And read more at “Smartphone Rises Fast from Gadget to Necessity” (registration may be required).

New Procedures for Australians Traveling to the US

As of Monday, January 12, Australians traveling to the US are required to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

This is an online system administered by the US government which determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the visa waiver program prior to boarding a carrier to the United States.

Most travelers can expect to receive authorization within a few minutes. However, travelers are advised to complete an ESTA as soon as they begin to plan their travel, and at least 3 days in advance, to avoid any last-minute delays.

Travelers who do not have a valid ESTA on or after January 12, 2009 may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at a United States port of entry. Once granted, electronic pre-clearance will be valid for up to two years and for multiple-entry visits to the United States.

It is recommended that travelers keep a print-out or record of their ESTA application number for reference, if required, at airports or seaports.

Australian passport-holders who hold a valid visa for travel to the United States (i.e., work or student visas) are not required to obtain an ESTA.

For complete details, click here.