General Discussion

unblock

(55,957 posts)

10. sometimes they certainly come in handy.

Wed Mar 6, 2013, 12:51 PM

Mar 2013

a couple days ago, i was with mrs. unblock at the doctor's. they didn't finish with her in time, so i had to leave to meet mini-unblock after school. she then needed a ride and was able to find a friend via facebook to pick her up.

yes, i could have just collected mini-unblock and circled back, or she could have taken a cab, but this was much nicer.

it's also convenient for planning an outing or a trip on the fly. finding cheap gas stations while you drive, or finding good restaurants in the area, or using priceline to book a hotel cheap when you're too tired to drive any further on a long road trip.

on the other hand, i certainly agree that most of the time spent with smart phones is silly entertainment or satisfying an artificial need for instant communication in situations where it could easily wait.

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Highlight:

Life without a smart phone [View all] Cyrano Mar 2013 OP

I have a work-mandated one - but before that didn't have any cellphone at all. el_bryanto Mar 2013 #1

I've got a "feature phone" IDemo Mar 2013 #2

"stop and smell the roses?" snooper2 Mar 2013 #3

Lol. I can't believe she actually licked the screen. Cyrano Mar 2013 #15

You win this thread. Raine1967 Mar 2013 #67

lol! it was a fox affiliate, so what can you expect... nilram Mar 2013 #141

I neither own or want one, Go Vols Mar 2013 #4

Don't have one. My cell phone is an older flip phone. MineralMan Mar 2013 #5

Dumb phones are best jsr Mar 2013 #12

There's often a Kindle Fire in my jacket pocket MineralMan Mar 2013 #17

Yes, but features like ann--- Mar 2013 #40

That's all I have. A 4-year-old Samsung stupid flip phone. Elwood P Dowd Mar 2013 #30

Probably the same model I have. It works great as MineralMan Mar 2013 #34

Yep, works great and service doesn't cost much. Great little phone. Elwood P Dowd Mar 2013 #105

Hubby bought me mine as gift. Don't/didn't need/want one. seabeyond Mar 2013 #6

or read a book with dmallind Mar 2013 #95

yes. i had my kindle also. and was switching between the two during the wait. seabeyond Mar 2013 #103

I don't have any cell-phone. I like my own thoughts. WinkyDink Mar 2013 #7

Damn I need to upgrade to the model that supplies thoughts to me. Which one is it? dmallind Mar 2013 #96

I'm with you not even a cell phone.........we're a dying breed truegrit44 Mar 2013 #114

Me three.... llmart Mar 2013 #158

Hey! Me four! raouldukelives Mar 2013 #177

I don't own a smart phone, or an mp3/Ipod, or a flatscreen TV Puzzledtraveller Mar 2013 #8

don't have one nor do I want one. littlewolf Mar 2013 #9

sometimes they certainly come in handy. unblock Mar 2013 #10

I bought one for my son and daughter-in-law, but neither my wife nor I have one 1-Old-Man Mar 2013 #11

I still have my flip phone Carolina Mar 2013 #13

I "upgraded" from my flip phone... winter is coming Mar 2013 #64

The only reason I own one is work nadinbrzezinski Mar 2013 #14

What? zappaman Mar 2013 #46

Let's pretend it is a guessing game... Jasana Mar 2013 #85

My Tracfone makes calls and receives calls. 90% of the time it's not even on. hobbit709 Mar 2013 #16

I just got my first regular cell phone last summer. ZombieHorde Mar 2013 #18

I need to have my dumb phone, so I can keep my eyes out for people walking into me arcane1 Mar 2013 #19

saw this cat fingerfucking a smartphone whilst walking down the street, OBLIVIOUS to EVERYTHING datasuspect Mar 2013 #48

I like to pull up a map if I get lost, so I can find the botanical garden... brooklynite Mar 2013 #20

I like maps, weatherbug and... TeeYiYi Mar 2013 #49

I used to use a Palm Zire with work years ago TM99 Mar 2013 #21

I have one and love it. As someone who works from home, I find it helpful for my work. Brickbat Mar 2013 #22

Nice LG flip phone. Really don't want to spend an extra $30 for the data package. jmg257 Mar 2013 #23

My new $50 Samsung Intensity does email, web, has a pullout keyboard, and a camera/camcorder librechik Mar 2013 #24

I have a basic prepaid cell phone.... mike_c Mar 2013 #25

phones are the enemy of inspiration datasuspect Mar 2013 #50

Funny - all the ones I've seen have off switches if you seek inspiration from contemplation dmallind Mar 2013 #99

well phones in general datasuspect Mar 2013 #101

Same here Mike_c Puzzledtraveller Mar 2013 #162

I have one. I use it as a dumb phone. PDJane Mar 2013 #26

Just got one last august... polemic_realism Mar 2013 #27

My neighbor got one about two months ago and Cyrano Mar 2013 #39

Wouldn't know :) never JanMichael Mar 2013 #28

I love my smartphone! ann--- Mar 2013 #29

My wife wanted an iPhone cause all her friends have one.... cbdo2007 Mar 2013 #31

My android smart phone has absolutely made my life better. bowens43 Mar 2013 #32

I have one and other than reminding me to take my pills I don't need it Jersey Devil Mar 2013 #33

i refuse the hive mind datasuspect Mar 2013 #35

do you refuse to drive a car for the same reason? frylock Mar 2013 #90

a car is useful datasuspect Mar 2013 #97

It's like anything else Sherman A1 Mar 2013 #36

I'm about to separate myself from my 13-year relationship because she is ChisolmTrailDem Mar 2013 #37

I feel your pain. We went out to a 4th of July picnic/fireworks display, and the 4 people with us Nay Mar 2013 #51

As a kid I dreamed of the day that we'd have Star Trek communicators. The "flip phone" ChisolmTrailDem Mar 2013 #57

It is addicting, literally. There are things going on in our brains >stimulus, rewards etc that make KittyWampus Mar 2013 #166

Smart phones make life better kudzu22 Mar 2013 #38

I like the GPS function on my smartphone ZOB Mar 2013 #41

I'm a recent convert dmallind Mar 2013 #42

This is a discussion at work Lurker Deluxe Mar 2013 #43

OMG! "SohCahToa" -- haven't heard that in YEARS! X_Digger Mar 2013 #82

I'm with you. zappaman Mar 2013 #44

Ask them to read Thoreau's "Walden" the next time they say that. Motown_Johnny Mar 2013 #45

I've held out this long, too. sadbear Mar 2013 #47

I don't have a laptop and I freelance, so my iPhone is a big help Auggie Mar 2013 #52

No JustAnotherGen Mar 2013 #53

I'm one of those dinosaurs who Cyrano Mar 2013 #71

i used to feel the same way.. frylock Mar 2013 #93

Me too JustAnotherGen Mar 2013 #169

I had a similar opinion until I got a smart phone, now I can't live without one... octothorpe Mar 2013 #54

I don't even have a dumb phone and I love it! Luminous Animal Mar 2013 #55

Life without a smart phone is great. HappyMe Mar 2013 #56

my phone makes and receives phone calls fizzgig Mar 2013 #58

Not better, simply more efficient in my case. LanternWaste Mar 2013 #59

I'm with you. I do not own a smart phone. RebelOne Mar 2013 #60

I've technically had one for 6 months now.... Tommy_Carcetti Mar 2013 #61

It sounds like you haven't explored the apps that are available.. Bay Boy Mar 2013 #181

I resisted for so long Trajan Mar 2013 #62

What you describe Whoopdedoo Mar 2013 #94

I LOVE my smartphone! GPS, Google search, Internet where ever I go OGKush Mar 2013 #63

I like them supernova Mar 2013 #65

No smart phone here lunatica Mar 2013 #66

When cell phones were just phones I couldn't be bothered... Silent3 Mar 2013 #68

Lives better? Yes. Neoma Mar 2013 #69

Didn't want one. Had to get one. Love it. Don't use it while driving or when I'm with people. Dollface Mar 2013 #70

I'm with you. I can use the money on other things. HuckleB Mar 2013 #72

I have a multi-function device. I can both make and receive calls on it... Scuba Mar 2013 #73

I think it impacts relationships. redstatebluegirl Mar 2013 #74

it is sad Skittles Mar 2013 #165

I agree Lebam in LA Mar 2013 #75

I have an iPhone. I love it. Bake Mar 2013 #76

I consider myself to be high tech, but when it comes to cell phones - I am not going there liberal N proud Mar 2013 #77

but what if you're out and about and have a QUESTION about, er, ANYTHING??? Skittles Mar 2013 #139

lol liberal N proud Mar 2013 #144

+1,000,000 llmart Mar 2013 #160

I have long suspected that over 50% of Americans are idiots Skittles Mar 2013 #163

I think you're underestimating the percentage:) llmart Mar 2013 #167

I absolutely cringe reading the facebook comments under news stories Skittles Mar 2013 #170

lol! Sissyk Mar 2013 #180

because a road atlas still works Skittles Mar 2013 #183

You're right where I am. I buy the latest, most powerful and versatile computers bluestate10 Mar 2013 #185

Actually, that is the same exact phone I have. Victor_c3 Mar 2013 #190

I shocked my daughter last weekend with a text and a picture attached liberal N proud Mar 2013 #192

I've gotten addicted to mine Retrograde Mar 2013 #78

You need one for Grindr or other hook-up apps. closeupready Mar 2013 #79

Tch, Scruff Prism Mar 2013 #110

Yeah, those, too. closeupready Mar 2013 #111

I don't have or want one. sibelian Mar 2013 #80

I don't want a smart phone either. I had to get a new cellphone. I got a flip up with a little southernyankeebelle Mar 2013 #81

I like having a tiny computer (and phone) in my pocket REP Mar 2013 #83

I just bought a ipad type thingy that i can carry in my purse. Joining the 21st century reluctantly Liberal_in_LA Mar 2013 #84

Just have a phone riverbendviewgal Mar 2013 #86

I love having my audiobooks with me at all times. Kablooie Mar 2013 #87

This sounds like a use that might work for me. Jim Lane Mar 2013 #119

Check out Audible.com Kablooie Mar 2013 #124

Many thanks, Kablooie, I'll checkout those links! (n/t) Jim Lane Mar 2013 #125

Try Project Gutenberg too. Generally books past copyright and they are free. Dollface Mar 2013 #195

I Refuse- ruffburr Mar 2013 #88

My 2 cents--smart phones are not any more evil than anything else BUT marions ghost Mar 2013 #149

cue up Communication Breakdown olddots Mar 2013 #89

My Smartphone enhances communication with my children - lynne Mar 2013 #91

just the other night i used my smartphone to meet some friends in the gaslamp.. frylock Mar 2013 #92

The computer will be the thing to go. Blanks Mar 2013 #98

I think you're right. Cyrano Mar 2013 #104

Perhaps we'll be able to put them on stun one day though. eom Blanks Mar 2013 #123

I use an iPhone Blue4Texas Mar 2013 #176

Do you stop and smell the roses. Blanks Mar 2013 #188

iPhone frees me up to interact more Blue4Texas Mar 2013 #193

I like to think that's me too. Blanks Mar 2013 #194

Well, my desktop is extremely important for my work HoneychildMooseMoss Mar 2013 #182

I admit... Blanks Mar 2013 #187

Love my iPhone PasadenaTrudy Mar 2013 #100

I have a simple cell phone that I only use when traveling. I think people appleannie1 Mar 2013 #102

Before having a smart phone I had no sex life whatsoever. NealK Mar 2013 #106

Smart phones cost.. major cash.. AsahinaKimi Mar 2013 #107

I smell a lot more roses with the smartphone than without. Robb Mar 2013 #108

paying bills at the park Skittles Mar 2013 #135

You'd rather I pay them inside at a desk? Robb Mar 2013 #136

never mind Skittles Mar 2013 #137

No, seriously. Robb Mar 2013 #138

depending on the carrier marions ghost Mar 2013 #148

It's a lot of work on 3G for just one account number. Robb Mar 2013 #152

got it marions ghost Mar 2013 #155

I use it for literally everything Prism Mar 2013 #109

I have a flip phone - would love a smart phone but don't need one & can't justify the expense. forestpath Mar 2013 #112

I freakin' love mine. wildeyed Mar 2013 #113

I love mine. Starry Messenger Mar 2013 #115

I'm in the same place. Keep thinking that to avoid being an old fart mnhtnbb Mar 2013 #116

Suppose not a life changer either way. Zax2me Mar 2013 #117

I resisted the smart phone for a long time. OnionPatch Mar 2013 #118

I don't think they pose a privacy risk beyond a regular cell phone. napoleon_in_rags Mar 2013 #120

i always say that too and end up playing catchup!!! bwahahahahaaaa spanone Mar 2013 #121

i too have a dumb phone spanone Mar 2013 #122

Off the grid. JEFF9K Mar 2013 #126

You are me. K and R. N/t Smarmie Doofus Mar 2013 #127

I have an iPhone 4S. MrSlayer Mar 2013 #128

Refuse to live the "smart phone life." elfin Mar 2013 #129

I love it treestar Mar 2013 #130

Yes exactly GObamaGO Mar 2013 #140

10 yr old Tracfone SmileyRose Mar 2013 #131

and those minutes don't expire like they do with big companies Skittles Mar 2013 #134

I have a an old flip Oyster phone from Virgin Smilo Mar 2013 #132

I can think of maybe a couple times of year I wish I had a computer in my hand Skittles Mar 2013 #133

I like mine Abq_Sarah Mar 2013 #142

I feel like an encyclopedia salesman olddots Mar 2013 #143

I had jury duty recently and phones were not allowed Skittles Mar 2013 #164

Re Jericoni Mar 2013 #145

In many professions it's a necessity. Le Taz Hot Mar 2013 #146

I don't have one either davidpdx Mar 2013 #147

I am "Phonophobic". Tracer Mar 2013 #150

I feel the same way about ballpoint pens. Buzz Clik Mar 2013 #151

It's cute when someone pooh-poohs technology in an Internet post...nt SidDithers Mar 2013 #153

it's not "pooh-pooh"ing technology Skittles Mar 2013 #174

Sid. Some people just aren't in to phones. My work and life centers around technology. I don't bluestate10 Mar 2013 #186

I Love My iPhone RobinA Mar 2013 #154

Smart Phones? Broken_Hero Mar 2013 #156

I depend on weather and graphical map overlays available to me in the field... Earth_First Mar 2013 #157

I am beginning to love my new smart phone, for two reasons: juajen Mar 2013 #159

I don't know how you read DU d_r Mar 2013 #161

I love my iPhone siouxsiecreamcheese Mar 2013 #168

When I could not afford to keep my Android aroach Mar 2013 #171

Texting is convenient - not the frenzied texting teens do, but quick messages when Flaxbee Mar 2013 #172

I think that's a pipi_k Mar 2013 #173

Never be curious again. maggiesfarmer Mar 2013 #175

A must for the subway. UnrepentantLiberal Mar 2013 #178

They sure make waiting in the Dr's office nice. ileus Mar 2013 #179

I am in your camp. Even though I am a scientist, I don't like or rely on the latest phones bluestate10 Mar 2013 #184

I got one last fall. LWolf Mar 2013 #189

I don't have one EvilAL Mar 2013 #191

Yes, it has made my life better and I love the thing... cynatnite Mar 2013 #196

Heck No f18cmech May 2013 #197