I ALWAYS come to DU for advice, and I need some now. Tired of my nephews and

[tech3149]

90. I dear Catwoman am a Luddite like you

I quit working back in '02 and haven't had one since. I feel grateful to not have that noose around my neck. I couldn't do anything anytime of the day without that cell. Trying to fix a problem, advising contractors, and still answering a call from another customer, it still makes my head spin.
I wear my devolution to a more basic standard as a badge of honor. I don't need to be in touch with, or bothered by anyone or everyone wherever I am, no matter what I'm doing. That's what the answering machine on my ever so reliable land line is for. Besides, the Phone Company is required to provide power and service to my phone even if the power company can't do the same.
A cell phone is only useful as long as the battery lasts, and that isn't very long if you have no way to recharge it.
My Sis and BIL were out of touch with everyone for almost a week because the didn't have a land line, only cells. Too bad they didn't have a generator or solar panels to stay in touch via cell. With all the roads blocked by downed trees, they couldn't even drive to a payphone. Do they still exist? I don't get around much anymore.

Seriously there are some good recommendations for options but my recommendation is if your buying a phone consider what you really need but above all else verify the audio quality. Most of the newer phones I have to listen to are barely intelligible compared to that 80 y/o Western Electric I still have in the basement.