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Silent3

(15,909 posts)

68. When cell phones were just phones I couldn't be bothered...

Wed Mar 6, 2013, 02:10 PM

Mar 2013

...to carry one around with me. When I finally got a my first cell phone, it lived in the glove compartment of my car.

When smart phones came along, however... well, that was something I already knew I wanted before they were commercially available. I love having mobile access to news, weather, maps, googling answers to any odd questions that might pop into my mind or come up in conversations, having games to pass the time when I'm stuck in a waiting room, access to a scientific calculator, etc.

I was especially pleased when the storage capacity got big enough that I could put my full music collection on my phone, so that my phone replaces the need for an iPod.

With GPS my phone isn't just great for maps and directions, but now that walking is one my chief forms of exercise, I can track distance, speed, and calories burned.

And on top of all of that, it's often been very useful to have what functions as a passable camera and video recorder conveniently available all the time.

The person-to-person communications functions of my phone, voice and texting and e-mail, are of course nice to have, but not my top reasons for having a smart phone and carrying it with me wherever I go.

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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