Geek Chic: 23 October 2011

To roam or not to roam? That is the question. As you read this, I am preparing to board a plane. I probably haven't decided whether to send that "Roam On" sms just yet.

By the time I leave, I will have fought with myself about whether it is worth staying in touch while away. Because, you know, the point of getting away is to ... Get Away.

I would understand why people roam on business trips. Or if you were leaving loved ones behind, such as small children. And definitely if someone important was on their death bed and you might be waiting for that call. Yet we roam while we should actually be discovering and sending postcards.

Roaming is so nonsensical, your service provider will even tell you that it isn't a great idea, unless you have unlimited funds.

Here's the truth: cross-border data rates to update social networks with "Hey I'm in Paris and having a ball" or "So-and-so checked in at Timbuktu, Mali", are not worth it. Use a local sim card, free hotel internet or WiFi and buy yourself another souvenir.

As for voice calls, you might as well be calling the Moon, because charges are as high as the sky. Costs vary, but roaming voice and data costs can multiply by up to 50 times at their worst.

Smses are okay, if they are few. But try not to send one every time you see something beautiful. But I'm probably going to say "Roam On". Smses only (which costs about R2.75 per message), in case of emergency - such as moments of sheer amazement.

GEEK WEEK:

Who doesn't like free stuff? Apart from local BlackBerry users getting various bundles from SA networks for lost connectivity after the three Dark Days, Research In Motion on Monday offered subscribers a selection of premium apps worth more than $100.

The "expression of appreciation" - in the form of apps such as Texas Hold'em Poker 2, Bubble Bash 2, Photo Editor Ultimate, Vlingo Plus: the Virtual Assistant and more - will be free until December 31.

Great for 70 million users, but techies think the company was in dire financial straits even before the blackout ... so how clever is this plan actually? Let's talk about it on BBM, while we can.

LAST BYTE:

Worthiness alert! As World Food Week ends today, note the United Nations World Food Programme and LG Electronics partnership. A tech breakthrough in charitable work, it works via an app on internet-enabled TV (which not too many of us have, but will, soon). The initiative aims to raise funds and reach nearly a billion people affected by hunger. You can learn about the needs, watch initiatives from around the world and donate. Follow @LGelectronics and @WFP for more.

• Shanthini is on ShantzN on Twitter.