This ought to be fun! My "day job" is in the process of purchasing me a phone so I can receive emails while I'm away from my desk. The building I am in does not allow camera phones so I'm limited in what I can purchase. I wanted Verizon (I'm already on a Verizon plan) and I wanted a Windows 5.0 ( or 6.0!) based phone. I figured the Motorola Q would do the job but it has a camera.

My co-worker suggested to the purchasing rep at my company that I laser the lens to frost it so it is essentially disabled. I told them I would try it! They wanted a sample of lasered glass so they can see how it might look.

Last night I went to Lowes and bought a piece of scrap glass (3/32" 12x24" and a 6x24" piece) for 50 cents. It only had one small 1" crack in one corner. I had them cut the original 18x24" piece of glass into the final 12x24 and 6x24 size. What a deal!

Anyway, I grabbed my company's logo from "Brands of the World" and also placed a lot of circles on the 6x24". It turned out looking good and I brought it to work this morning to show them what I (and the laser) can do. (That might lead to more business!)

I was told that maybe I can be their source for disabling camera phones! I told them I would be glad to do that (for a nominal fee!). My contact for the phone purchase called me yesterday (within 10 minutes of learning of my laser business) with another business opportunity. Someone in another group at my company bought some plaques and didn't like the finished product. He wanted me to talk with him today about re-doing these plaques! I love that word-of-mouth advertising.

All I wanted was my new phone and I ended up with 2 laser jobs! I have to admit I'm a little worried about lasering the lens of a camera on a phone! The plaques don't scare me at all! ;-)

I'll let you know how this ends up!

Jim

I think the big thing here is that he needs to be able to get emails while he's away from his desk. Does the Razr have that capabililty?

I just got one of the Treo phones from Sprint. I'm pleased with it so far.

The main reason I didn't go with the Q is that it is reportedly MUCH slower, and that it's a relatively new technology....still with some bugs. The Treo, while more expensive, is a fairly mature design (at least 5 years old).

A really high tech way of doing a low tech job.

USE SANDPAPER!

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

I wasn't suggesting he get a Razr, just that the camera lens on different phones are not always exposed like a regular snapshot camera's lens would be.

I think the Razr does email, but I don't know. I know I can send photos as emails to people, and I know if I paid them extra I could browse the web. I don't use the phone that much so I wasn't going to give them any more money for that feature. ;-)

I've finally got the time to respond to this post! It's been a long day.

My initial thought was that this lens is glass. I'm not sure but upon further review, I'm guessing the lens is glass and maybe the protective cover is plastic. If the outer surface is plastic, then there are easier things to try than a laser. I think my curiosity may get the better of me and I'll try to use the laser.

As far as the phone itself, I wanted to get a PDA or smart phone so I can read my excel spreadsheets and I use PowerPoint a lot. I need a phone that will let me open up Microsoft Office programs and check emails. I like the Treo but Verizon only offers the Palm version. I want the Windows operating system on this phone so the Motorola Q seemed to be the best one they offer. It'll do everything I need it to do. So, I just need to disable the camera. If my company feels better if I use a laser, then I'll do it!!! If they like the finished product, that may open the door to other jobs.

I'll post pictures when I have something to show. If they agree to let me try, they will need to go ahead and order the phones and then turn me loose.

Thanks to everyone for suggestions and comments. They are ALWAYS welcomed.

Jim