iChat

Major win for technology and dating: iChat with video, Google video chat, and FaceTime. My guy and I both have packed schedules, and between our work and our families on opposite sides of the country, there are some weeks we see more of each other via video chat than we do in person. When we're at home (or at least, away from other people), video chatting is fun. But there are some days when one of us is stuck somewhere (like an airport) for hours, and we need to sneak in some chat time. Convenient, yes. But the embarrassment factor? High.

So in this installment of Tech Dating 101, read my story and share your own after the break

Obviously, I was a little surprised at the lack of a camera on the iPad, mostly because it could serve as a great device for video chatting, but I didn't really consider the benefits of that ability on the iPhone. However, there's been some pretty compelling evidence uncovered over the weekend which could suggest that video chat capabilities will be coming stocked with the next iPhone. This means a forward-facing camera would have to be installed before it hits shelves, which is historically released each Summer.

I'm getting pretty excited about this possibility, since iChat is a great way for me to keep in touch with my family, and virtually hang out with my pals when we're far away from each other. If I didn't have to whip out my laptop every time I wanted to see someone's smiling face, it would be even easier! What do you think — are you on board with an iPhone coming with video chatting, or do you see it as a waste of time?

There are times that I'm so engrossed in my technology-filled life that I forget that not everyone has the same geeky habits and quirks that I have. After reading this article about friends watching TV together in different time zones, I had one of those reactions. Call me an early adopter, but I've been doing this since high school, when my then-boyfriend and I used to watch Dawson's Creek together on the phone.

But, like so many other things, technology makes co-watching TV shows even easier, thanks to DVRs and services like Hulu, which allow you easily to watch the same show with a friend from virtually any two locations. Then, add services like Skype, which allow you to talk to friends in real time while you're watching. Not to mention there's no danger of someone else in your house complaining that you're hogging the phone line during your favorite show (or picking it up every five minutes until you promise to hang up).

I love doing this with friends who don't live in my city. Usually, my friends on the East Coast will DVR a show and watch with me when it's live in PST here in California. We'll iChat — sometimes with video, sometimes without — and talk as the show progresses. It's an easy (and fun!) way to feel in touch even when there are thousands of miles between us. Do you ever do this?