My phone was automatically updated to 2.2 a few weeks ago. I'm just now discovering what new features are available. So far the one that I know I will use the most is tethering. The even better news is that it is a snap to use with Ubuntu Linux.

I use GNOME which comes as standard with Ubuntu. Part of GNOME is the Network Manager. Simply connect your phone to the USB port on your laptop or desktop, turn on USB Tethering, and network manager does the rest. You should now see a special device show up in network manager. Make sure it is selected and you can immediately start using your phone as a gateway to the internet.

I have blogged two previous times about my Nexus One smartphone. I have now owned it for a little over two months. What do I think? I'm not convinced it was worth it, but I'm still not certain I want to get rid of it. I do like being able to read my e-mail from anywhere, I get occasional use from the IM application (Meebo), and being able to web browse on demand has its uses. However I don't believe I use it nearly enough to justify the extra expense for the 'data plan'.

I went ahead and purchased the Nexus One that I talked about earlier. I've had it for a little over a week and I'm using it a fair amount (beyond the normal phone type things). This doesn't really mean a whole lot. After all when I first started blogging I was composing entries every day, often multiple entries, and it seemed to be easy. After a month it became more difficult. So let's see how much I am using this phone 30 days from now.

So a co-worker is selling a brand new Nexus One. This particular Nexus One is the one that works with AT&T's GSM. I'm still evaluating it, but am likely to purchase it. It seems like a good deal since I am already with AT&T and the price I am paying is significantly less than the retail price for the phone. So I 'miss out' on a number of bad things such as a contract with AT&T and the ridiculous ETF that Google has placed on the phone (although it may be less these days).

My current phone is one I purchased over 5 years ago. When I purchased it I think it was already obsolete. It's been a perfectly good phone and it still works. Why would I want to replace it? I'm still mulling this question over. Ubiquitous internet access is somewhat appealing but I can see a downside. Either way I'll keep my old phone and if I end up not using or not liking this new phone I can probably sell it at little or no loss (after adding in the cost of data service with AT&T).