Record free, unlimited MP3 audio with your cell phone
(Credit:
Dropio)
If you've never heard of Dropio, it's worth checking out. The service provides temporary storage for your files--an online dropbox, so to speak--complete with a unique Web address you can share or keep to yourself.
Of course, lots of services offer this capability, but Dropio just added an entirely original feature: MP3 audio recording. Now, when you create a "drop," you get a phone number and special extension. Just dial in from your cell phone (or any phone), enter the extension, and start talking. When you're done, Dropio turns the recording into an MP3 you can play, share, download, or whatever. How cool is that?
You could use this to record a lecture, a podcast entry, an audio reminder to yourself, or even an interview (your phone takes the place of your voice recorder). There's no limit on recording length except for the 100MB cap on each free (!) drop; a 10-spot buys you a Premium drop with 1GB of storage.
(I know this is a little different from my usual gadgets-and-gear coverage--is that a good thing? Bad thing? Other thing? Let me know if you'd like to see more Web services in the mix.)
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
