How 2...Send e-mails and text messages from the car

Etan Horowitz | Sentinel Staff Writer

November 10, 2007

Ever get a brilliant idea while driving but don't want to take your hands off the wheel to write it down? Need to send a quick e-mail to a colleague while driving to work? With Jott, you can record free voice messages that are transcribed and sent as text messages or e-mails without having to fumble for a pen or your BlackBerry.

1. Go to Jott.com, click "Sign Up Now" and follow the instructions to create a free account.

2. Check your Inbox for the confirmation e-mail from Jott, open it and click on the "Validate my Email" link.

3. Once you are taken to Jott's Web site, follow the instructions and enter the phone number where you plan to call Jott from. Click "Continue" and follow the instructions on the screen to call Jott from the number you just entered. Follow the prompts to send yourself a test message. It may take some time for Jott to transcribe your voice message and e-mail it you.

4. Besides sending messages to yourself, you can use Jott to send e-mails or text messages to friends or family. To enter contacts, use the Jott Web site to add names and contact information into the blank spaces under "Quick add." You can also choose to import contacts from Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Hotmail, AOL or Yahoo.

5. The next time you want to send an e-mail or text message to yourself or someone else, call Jott at 1-866-JOTT-123. You may want to program the number into your phone. For Jott to work properly, speak clearly and spell out any difficult words or names.

If you are going to use Jott in the car, it's definitely a good idea to use a Bluetooth headset or hands-free kit so you can keep both hands on the wheel.