If you’re like me, you may think that getting internet on your cell phone is the greatest thing since sliced bread – or at the very least, the greatest thing since the invention of Slurpees. But I may have just stumbled upon something that makes mobile internet even better; after testing out dozens of cell phone apps and useless services (not to mention malfunctioning software), I came across fring, a cell phone VOIP service that has can dramatically change the way you use your cell phone.

Fring is a cell phone application that allows you to communicate on all of your social networks directly from your cell phone. There are many applications that let you access twitter, facebook and the like. But what I love about fring is that it allows you to use Skype, Google Talk, Gchat, MSN Messenger, ICQ and AIM (among other services). What this means is that you can speak with people without using your cell phone minutes. Instead of making a direct-dial phone call, you can login to this cell phone VOIP service and use Skype to carry on a conversation, FOR FREE. You can also chat with people without having to sling text messages back and forth (which can detract from your monthly allotment).

Fring may not be as helpful to you if you make a lot of calls to people who aren’t using one of your social networking tools. But since I am a professional Skyper and a social Gchatter, I can stay in touch with people constantly without having to use up my precious minutes. Right now, I still connect to most of my contacts as they sit at their desks…but I suspect that as more and more people download fring’s free cell phone application, we’ll be able to stay in contact from anywhere, which will further reduce the amount of minutes I need to use…which will hopefully mean that I can downgrade my cell phone plan and save some money. I can even use video chat from fring!

Fring works on thousands of devices across multiple platforms including iPhone/iPod touch, Google Android, Windows Mobile, J2ME & Linux devices and operates on any 3G, GPRS, EDGE and Wifi mobile internet connections. It is easy to use and has a comprehensive support platform in case you encounter any problems (which I haven’t yet). Fring may be a relatively new company, but they are clearly pros at discovering he needs of the modern-day consumer.

I guess I should start this post by saying that I haven’t actually seen the new Apple iPad firsthand.  But in all honesty, I don’t think it really matters.  I’ve read enough of the hype, seen enough of the videos, and read enough iPad reviews to form an opinion about whether the iPad could potentially be the next best thing since sliced bread.  And, while I’ll admit that it does sound pretty amazing, I do have a few concerns about it.

For anyone who is not yet familiar with the features of the Apple iPad, here’s a quick rundown:

- Will run all of your existing iPhone Apps and Games

- iBooks – Book Store like Amazon

- iWorks Suite of Apps (which, for the uninitiated, is Apple’s app for creating documents, spreadsheets and presentations)

- Mobile phone functionality

- Unlocked to accept the SIM card of any mobile phone provider

- .5 inches thin and weighs 1.5 lbs

- 9.7 inch IPS Capacitive multi-touch display

- 1GHz proc Apple A4 chip (PA Semi!)

- Comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, all with varying prices

- 802.11n WiFi, BT 2.1 and Compass

- 10 hrs of battery life and 1 month standby

It might take me a bit of time to wrap my head around a computer that can also be a phone.  But OK, I can see why someone might not want to walk around town with 2 gadgets, when they can carry only 1 while enjoying the functionality of both.  My biggest concern comes, however, from the fact that if I had my computer so accessible and if I carried my computer around as I carried my phone, my social life would go down the toilet.  It’s bad enough when people are constantly checking their email (On the train! At the dinner table! In the bathroom!), but with an iPad, nobody would have an excuse as to why they didn’t do the requested work immediately – they could never use the excuse ‘I was away from my computer.’  While this type of availability could potentially turn is into an even more productive society, I have no doubt that it will detract considerably from the social nature of man.

I’m slightly disappointed by the missing features on the iPad including a lack of USB port and no camera feature.  I can’t quite picture how a 10 inch screen would be a camera.  But if I had to take a camera and an iPad, I might as well just take my iPhone and my laptop, right?  It’s the same 2 things to carry around.

Finally, I’m a bit puzzled about why people should invest in the iPad when they’ve only just begun to truly enjoy their iPhone.  And with an iPhone 4G speculated to debut as early as this summer, how can consumers decide which Apple product is really worth spending money on?  Still, as someone with a large-screen laptop that is incredibly heavy to carry, it might be time for me to upgrade – and choosing an iPad as an affordable and comfortable alternative to a standard laptop may not be out of the question.

Small business owners scored a large victory recently when Apple announced that it would now allow VOIP service on its 3G network. Strictly speaking, this means that anyone who uses 3G VOIP won’t be using their allotted cell phone minutes when making phone calls. Instead, they’ll be using their VOIP minutes, which are likely to be unlimited (or, at the very least, to have a higher monthly allotment). The ability to use 3G VOIP can be helpful for any small business who use a lot of monthly cell phone minutes – especially those who already carry a 3G mobile device. It may also make it possible for small business owners to spend money on an iPhone because they will know that they will be able to use 3G VOIP service which will enable them to choose a less-expensive monthly plan.

The downsides of 3G VOIP systems are multiple, but are likely to subside in the coming months as 3G VOIP becomes increasingly popular. Firstly, most 3G VOIP systems allow users to speak only with others who have chosen the same 3G VOIP service. Users of Skype 3G, for example, can only speak to other Skype users. The same holds true for fring. Still, as more and more mobile users begin to use VOIP over 3G, it will likely be that many people have a growing number of friends on their 3g VOIP network. And, because many of these services are free, users can choose the service that most of their friends are registered for, and change if necessary.

Another disadvantage of 3G VOIP is the complexity of the setup, which is not nearly as straightforward as setting up a VOIP system in your home or office. Still, this should not discourage people from making use of this money-saving technology. There are many online tutorials that clearly explain the setup process, and many creative teenagers looking to make a quick buck that will be happy to help you out.

There’s no question that if you’re looking to reduce your monthly cell phone bill or to use your cellular phone more for business-related purposes, using VOIP over 3G can be a worthwhile solution to consider. If you’re not in a rush, you may want to wait a few months to see how the technology develops and advances before investing the time in the installation. But if you are eager to get started, you can easily find some great options that will enhance your business productivity without harming your budget.