Initial Impression of the New Samsung Galaxy S5....

The new Samsung Galaxy S5 is a bust. The S5 is basically the S4 with some minor upgrades and the addition of superfluous features like a finger print scanner and a heart rate monitor, both of which are just marketing gimmicks.

As a current owner of a Samsung Galaxy S4, I was intrigued to see what improvements the S5 would offer over the S4, but I really don't see any reason to upgrade. The only improvement of value is the new camera, which apparently takes better photos. But I don't think the camera alone offers enough justification to upgrade. Everything else that Samsung touts as improvements are really just novelties that never work properly and no one ever really uses.  

What is the Best Phone Service for a Small Business... Republic Wireless

If you are a new small business owner then you are probably looking for phone service that is cost effective (aka cheap), easy to use, and flexible. Well look no further, Republic Wireless might be best the solution for your small business telephone needs.

Four Reasons why you should consider Republic Wireless for your Small Business telephone line (instead of the phone/cable company or VoIP)...

1. Republic Wireless is dirt CHEAP. They offer plans as low as $5 a month which includes unlimited calling and text messaging! There is no way the phone or cable company is gong to beat that price; even with a bundle package. That's even cheaper than VoIP plans like Vonage or BasicTalk.
2. Republic Wireless includes all of the features you need, caller ID, voice-mail, call waiting, phone log, and much, much more.
3. Since your Republic Wireless phone is actually a cel phone your small business is completely mobile*. You can take calls from anywhere; on the road, at home, or even on the beach. You will never be constrained to a single location.
4. You can utilize the convenience of text messaging. Again, since your phone is a cel phone, you have the added benefit of being able to send and receive text messages. You can't do that with a regular phone line or even a VoIP plan. As you know fewer and fewer people are actually making phone calls and are sending text messages instead. Having the ability to send text messages makes it easier to communicate with your customers and clients.  

So how does it work? How can Republic Wireless offer a phone line with all of these features for so cheap?

The phones used by Republic Wireless are "hybrid" phones. Similar to hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Republic phones can use either Sprint's cellular network or your local WiFi network. Since most people spend the vast majority of their time connected to a WiFi network, which is much cheaper to use than a cellular network, Republic Wireless passes the savings on to its customers. 

What are the drawbacks?

1. You have to buy the phone upfront. Currently this will set you back $149 to purchase a phone compatible with the Republic Wireless hybrid network. Considering you can easily save $40/month on phone service this investment will pay for itself in less than a year.
2. To reap the maximum benefits you need a WiFi network. This shouldn't be too much of an issue considering the ubiquitous nature of WiFi these days. Keep in mind, you don't have to have WiFi, but if you want to use the $5/month plan you will. If you don't have WiFi you can upgrade to the $10/month plan which includes cellular coverage from Sprint.
3. Republic Wireless has limited coverage cel phone coverage. Check their website to see if they have coverage in your area. Of course this won't be an issue if you intend to use your phone on a WiFi network exclusively.
4. Call quality may not be on par with a land line or VoIP. This may or may not be a deal breaker for you. Fortunately Republic offers a 30 day risk free trial so you can test the phone for yourself and determine if it meets your needs.
5. You can't select your phone number. Currently Republic assigns numbers at random based on the address on your account. 

* Note: To be completely mobile you will need to have at least the $10/month plan which includes cellular coverage from Sprint. The $5/month plan only includes WiFi coverage.