Sometimes wired is better. I NEVER thought I would find myself saying that, but after testing out a Jawbone headset for a while, I realized that I was truly better off with a wired version of a cell phone headset.

Reasons Why I Went Wired:

-       People know you’re talking on the Phone (So it’s less Awkward)

-       If you lose it, you won’t cry (they are much less expensive)

-       No battery issues (It’s plugged into your phone)

-       More color options

-       Work as Headphones when not talking on the phone

-       You usually have to carry your phone with you anyway

-       People don’t say “ARE YOU ON A HEADSET?” as much

-       No one wants to be caught dead with a wireless headset anyway

After some searching on the Amazon store, I stumbled across this Motorola wired headset to give this whole “wired” thing another shot. For an inexpensive $12, I went with the pink version.

Which One? It's Almost as hard as deciding what to wear...

This post is part 1 of a multi-post series I will be writing on achieving Geek Chic.

I have a few laptop bags. Since my macbook pro travels with me frequently, I like to make sure that the bag matches my outfit.

There are a few fundamentals of Geek Chic, and having a functional yet well-designed bag to hold your hardware is at the top of the list (it’s kindof like how I feel about my mac – form meets functionality meets hotness).

Top Options:

1) Messenger Bags: Similar to the blue Patagonia bag in the photo, these heavy-duty styles will last through any LAN gaming marathon or just those crazy trips back and forth from the office.

2) Semi-Purse Styles: Pretty, and sometimes more functional than they look. When you pull your computer out of one of these babies, no one will see that coming. At least it’s less likely it will get stolen?

3) Your Mom’s Laptop Bag (negative): I understand that the rolling totes are functional- in the sense that they save your back/body parts… but if you’re going to go with the rolling option, try to get a clasy looking version. Stay away from the ugly backpack convertible looking ones too (discussed next)

4) Weird Laptop Backpacks from the Manufacturer: These are almost as bad as wearing your (large)nheadset to your skype date. Fail.

4) My Perfect Bag (Does it exist??): It’s hard to find a bag with the right kind of pockets. Some bags have a laptop slot built into them, but maybe it doesn’t fit your 15 or 17-inch macbook pro. fail. I would also like a bag that accounts for the fact that I have multiple cords, a VPN token, ipod, phone, headphones, etc. and would like to keep them all organized. OH and the bag should be cute, too.

With my new Canon digal rebel xsi!

My newest techy gadget puchase of a Canon Digital Rebel Xsi has truly turned me into a “canon girl.” (sorry nikon!)

After tracking the progress of this purchase via boxoh (my new favorite package tracking website), learning how to operate this new gadget effectively has become my newest hobby.

But… I had a few things to do to outfit this camera to “alana” specifications (I have high standards for my personal gadgetry- check out what I did to my macbookpro and my ipod):

1. Camera Strap: The standard “canon” had to go. It’s not comfortable, it’s ugly, and well… it’s standard (seeing a trend here?).

So clearly I turned to my one-stop-shop for custom and one-of-a kind merchandise. etsy. I ended up buying this cute polka dotted one! Here’s another cute one I was looking at. I was trying to see if anyone would monogram the strap with my initials, similar to what I have on my car… but no luck. (YET!)

2. Camera Bag. As mentioned on my podcast- Millennious- it’s important that you have a camera bag that doesn’t look like your average, ugly, bulky, black nylon case. That’s how I found these crumpler bags- with a bag for everyone’s camera need – plus they have awesome names, like “Four Million Dollar Home” (that’s the one I bought).

In a few weeks, I will be making the big move to Atlanta, GA. Sure, Google maps says it will take me exactly 10 hours to reach my destination (647 miles) but I came to the realization that my bad sense of direction needs a life coach.

So, after hours of research at the coffee shop while my car was being repaired for some odd exhaust problem that ended up costing me over $300, I made a choice that will ultimately shape my experience in adapting to the southern way of life.

And that choice was the Garmin Nuvi 260w. (of course I wouldn’t settle for anything less than widescreen- hence the “w”).

Maybe it also answers questions like, “Garmin, what should I wear tonight?” “Should I go out with that guy?” or the ever-critical, “what is the meaning of life? Tell me, Garmin.” Once I get it I will do an engadget-like “unpacking party” complete with photos of me clutching my new friend. Maybe I should introduce the Garmin to my LanesBerry (my BlackBerry)? Sure, some may call it personification, but I call it probable truth.