Due to a bit ‘o server trouble here at Free Line HQ, we’re going to be cutting things a bit short today. Due to this minor inconvenience, I would like to take this time to discuss a few things that have taken up residence in my mind. What that said, here we go:

- I sincerely hope that you enjoyed our series entitled “Twenty Minutes into the Future.” Expect the big finale in a few days.

- For the foreseeable future, I am putting a near total ban on all stories involving Twitter. It seems that every tech site has at least three stories daily about the microblogging mega power, and it’s starting to get annoying. I don’t necessarily see the point of covering every minor update and service hiccup like the others do. Besides, we’re the Free Line. We lead, not follow.  If something huge happens — Biz Stone sells the company, more Napster-like controversy arises, etc. — we will be all over it. Otherwise, consider us to be a “Twitter free” zone.

- It’s no surprise that so-called “smart phones” are all the rage right now. Because of this, we are planning to spend a bit more time talking about what these phones can do for your business. While these posts will be written from the perspective of an iPhone user, most of these tips can be employed for all of the major “next generation” iPhones. The first in our series, tentatively titled “Web Programming for Smart Phones: A Users Guide,” will be premiering in a few days time.

- While we’re on the subject, I would like to take this time to share my opinion on the four major smart phones available in the US today.

1. The iPhone – There’s a reason why this phone is so popular. It quite literally goes everywhere with me.
2. Palm Pre – The innovative Web OS is as great as everyone says it is, but the actual hardware leaves much to be desired. The screen is a bit small for my taste, the touchscreen is a bit “twitchy,” and the keyboard tends to get in the way. The next “version” should be much more reliable (and visible).
3. HTC G1 (Android) – I can honestly say that I would never buy phone that has the Android OS on it. I might be in the minority here, but I just don’t think it works well on a phone. I would however, seriously consider getting a laptop that was running Android.
4. Blackberry (All models) – The phone that started it all is not aging gracefully.

…And there you have it. Until tomorrow, we here at the Free Line bid thee a fond adieu.