Uber.com (hassle-free taxi service)

I'm in a big city, and I need a taxi. So first I have to find the number of a taxi company. Then I have to call and talk to somebody who barely speaks English and repeat the pickup address to them 5 times. When they arrive, they call me back, and then I cram into a cab without enough room for my long legs. When we arrive at my destination, I have to calculate the tip and then dig out some cash or wait for a credit card to process.

Uber.com skips all that hassle. If I were to forget how taxi companies do work and just imagined how they should work, I'd basically imagine Uber.com:

• No need to pay when you arrive at your destination. They keep your credit card on file and charge it when you use the service.
• Want a pickup? Open the phone app and tap "Set pickup location." You can even save your favorite pickup locations.
• The phone app's map shows you where the nearest drivers are, including where your driver is, and shows you how many minutes away your driver is. No need to call anyone, thought you can tap 'Call Driver' if you want.
• Available in the NYC, SF Bay, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, Toronto, Washington D.C., and other cities.

It is more expensive than a regular cab service; you'll have to decide if the convenience is worth it.