For those that resist giving up their flip phone...

Okay, you guys have convinced me. I need a smartphone. :-D Actually I've been debating getting one for several years but the monthly fee for something that would just be very convenient has been my main stumbling point. Right now we have a flip phone and a 5G data plan for our laptops with AT&T. Total monthly bill is about $100.00. What would be a good economical way to go? We would use the smartphone for looking things up as we drive down the road and as a GPS but the rest of the time we would still be using our data card and laptops. Any ideas?

From my point of view, I really like the convenience of having a device that is extremely versatile by having Hotspot, GPS, Camera, browser, phone, calendar, calculator, etc... in a single package. But the really amazing thing for me is that I have all these capabilities with me all the time because I have my phone in my pocket.

With discrete devices, you can't carry them all at the same time so you may find yourself in a situation where you wish you had your camera or GPS with you but you didn't think you would need them.

My smartphone is many times more powerful and much more capable than many of the desktop computers I've had over the years.

Having that much capability in my pocket with me at all times is very useful to me and I'm willing to pay for that. Others may not find it as useful and not worth the added cost.

Paul Clancy wrote:
flip phone versus smart phone is really no debate. One is just a phone while the other is a pocket computer. The new devices have desktop grade 64 bit power and large high res screens. The functions include full web ability, gps, VoIP, excellent photo and video quality, huge library of programs, text over sms with video and picture, video calling, cellular hotspot, ac wifi, nfc payment, e reader and the best call quality I've ever heard with hd calling. With a good carrier these devices are the very best of a computer /tablet/ camera/ gps /phone hybrid and a joy to use. They now can replace many one trick devices easily and match if not exceed those devices in quality and function. Does everyone need one? No. Once you have one and actually use it they are very hard to not have - like any modern convenience.

See, now that is the reason I don't get a smart phone. Being an old coot, I don't understand 90% of what you are talking about.

Mike

strollin wrote:
New Dilbert comic today on the same subject:

Point well taken. However, since I already HAVE all the components (mobile wifi, laptop, GPS, cell phone, etc.) why spend more just to get them all in one little box? :D

New Dilbert comic today on the same subject:

I was fat, dumb and happy with my Zen for years until I saw a Note II a coworker was using. I honestly had no intention in getting into a smartphone until that moment. DW and DS are iPhone junkies and I knew enough about the iCrap to know I'm not going there.

After playing with his Note II for about 5 minutes I walked out the door drove to the local Verizon and had my own within an hour.

I am so totally impressed with this thing. Now it's my level, GPS, kindle, raindar, flashlight, satellite locator, magnifying glass, excellent camera, email environment, internet in my pocket, note pad, etc... Oh yea, it makes phone calls too.

Well worth the extra $25/mo. I was paying $10/mo for the dumb phone and $35/mo for this.

Our tracphone, unlimited minutes for us LOL, costs $100 per year and after 4 years we have accumulated over 1800 minutes to use. Our phone and internet service is $64 per month. Our two kids with their smart phones pay $200 per month or more and complain about the cost.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
I'm still trying to figure out why I need a cell phone :H

I was 'tethered' to a phone (24 hr---on call) for 25 yrs. of employment.
Ain't happening in retirement.

I have a cell phone....makes phone calls. Is on desk next to door or in truck and sometimes I'm even in same place.
But when it rings......I decide to answer or NOT.

Family/friends have all the latest gadgets/gizmos and they might as well be surgically implanted. ALL of them will have major withdrawals when cyberspace goes silent.
I on the other hand will continue on without a skip

Great post OB! I can imagine living back in the good ole days when we were not a slave to this technology. Some of it's OK but going into the local pub and sitting there at the bar with a dozen bikers and oil riggers staring into these contraptions is hilarious!

2oldman wrote:
Do you unlimited users get 4g?

Unlimited users' phones pick up the same signal as user phones on a limited plan -- I'm on Verizon and almost all of the time get 4G. Occasionally when camping there is no 4G so I'm on 3G, but with a signal boost by my Wilson Sleek, 3G on my smartphone and on my tethered laptop, is quite fast.

flip phone versus smart phone is really no debate. One is just a phone while the other is a pocket computer. The new devices have desktop grade 64 bit power and large high res screens. The functions include full web ability, gps, VoIP, excellent photo and video quality, huge library of programs, text over sms with video and picture, video calling, cellular hotspot, ac wifi, nfc payment, e reader and the best call quality I've ever heard with hd calling. With a good carrier these devices are the very best of a computer /tablet/ camera/ gps /phone hybrid and a joy to use. They now can replace many one trick devices easily and match if not exceed those devices in quality and function. Does everyone need one? No. Once you have one and actually use it they are very hard to not have - like any modern convenience.