Living without a smartphone

[imoldernu]

...becoming more difficult.

doors are closing and life becoming more difficult to navigate.

from "The Free Dictionary"

Quote:

be the last person be the last person (to do something) to be the most unlikely person of whom one could think in a particular situation; to be the most unlikely person to do something. (Also literal.) Mary is the last person you should ask to chair the meeting—she's so shy. See also: last, person

So... the last person who doesn't use a smartphone.

[Dash man]

I don’t understand...living without a smartphone
Does not compute.

[bingybear]

how else would you get all the robo calls?

[badatmath]

Don't have one, don't want one.

[RE2Boys]

My current smartphone died, more or less, two days ago. Charging system sometimes works, sometimes totally discharges battery (already replaced the battery but didn't help).

Resurrected my previous smart phone but it won't connect to wi-fi anymore and has limited app storage. Primarily now for phone and text.

Haven't decided next move yet. May shop in the $200-250 range for unlocked GSM phone but in no particular hurry. I may decide to buy DW a new smart phone (more like $500 for her) and I'll use hers until it dies. Among the four of us, I'm the most tolerant of having old stuff.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RE2Boys Haven't decided next move yet. May shop in the $200-250 range for unlocked GSM phone...

Assuming you're talking Android, here is a less costly ($130) option: https://www.motorola.com/us/products/moto-g

I've had this phone for several months and been pleasantly surprised at its performance.

Or, if you are an Amazon Prime fan, this Moto G6 Play is available for $190: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YTK8XV

[Souschef]

We bought Alcatel Pixie phones from TracFone for $99 each, and are happy with them and the service

[harllee]

No smartphone, don't plan to get one.

[meierlde]

Since I am retired and spend most of my time at home, there is no need for a smart phone as most things can be done on the computer. Yes no deposit of checks etc. Actually because my car has on-star I don't take my flip phone with me around town, on-star can call for help if needed.

[Jerry1]

The most difficult thing I would have to deal with if I gave up my smart phone is the ability to use my phone for navigation. It's so nice to be able to get voice commands as you're driving. Sure, you could get a dedicated GPS but that wouldn't solve the next issue - looking things up when you're away from home. We just got back from a short trip and it was very helpful to be able to find the places we needed to go and then to just plug the address into the phone and go.

[ER Eddie]

I have a cell phone without internet service. Just calls and texts. I don't think that qualifies as a smartphone (which must be connected to internet service, from I gather, to be "smart"). I guess I have a dumbphone.

I feel like I have to have at least a dumbphone, for emergencies and for people who insist on texting.

[GrayHare]

How do you non-smartphone folks call for Uber or equivalent if needed?

[street]

I have asked myself many times if I really need one. Then when I think of all the things I use it for I just can't give it up. The pluses for me out weighs the negatives by a lot.

[aja8888]

My ROMEO group, about 15 retired guys over 70, (well maybe a couple around 65) all have smart phones. Many have iPhones (mostly 6 or 6S) and their DW's have the same. My DW uses a 6S+ and also an Ipad. It seems like we all text a lot and use the internet for navigation and weather forecasts. A few guys also use their smartphones to order stuff off Amazon and other sites.

Pretty much all of use use e-mail and we have a group e-mail set up on GMail.

I use an LG Nexus 5X and some other guys use MotoG's. I really don't understand the avoidance of using this great technology unless people just aren't out very much or just don't care to spend money on the cell services available.

[gerntz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingybear how else would you get all the robo calls?

I just give out my cheap land line # for those & they get blocked.

[meierlde]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrayHare How do you non-smartphone folks call for Uber or equivalent if needed?

Simple where I live they don't provide service (to far in the boones for them).

[meierlde]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry1 The most difficult thing I would have to deal with if I gave up my smart phone is the ability to use my phone for navigation. It's so nice to be able to get voice commands as you're driving. Sure, you could get a dedicated GPS but that wouldn't solve the next issue - looking things up when you're away from home. We just got back from a short trip and it was very helpful to be able to find the places we needed to go and then to just plug the address into the phone and go.

Actually On-Star and equivalents provide this as an option (like $3 a month additional)

[Souschef]

Quote:

Originally Posted by meierlde Actually On-Star and equivalents provide this as an option (like $3 a month additional)

We have a Mazda CX-5 with built in nav. No smartphone needed

[Scuba]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aja8888 My ROMEO group, about 15 retired guys over 70, (well maybe a couple around 65) all have smart phones. Many have iPhones (mostly 6 or 6S) and their DW's have the same. My DW uses a 6S+ and also an Ipad. It seems like we all text a lot and use the internet for navigation and weather forecasts. A few guys also use their smartphones to order stuff off Amazon and other sites. Pretty much all of use use e-mail and we have a group e-mail set up on GMail. I use an LG Nexus 5X and some other guys use MotoG's. I really don't understand the avoidance of using this great technology unless people just aren't out very much or just don't care to spend money on the cell services available.

I agree. I can’t imagine not having my smartphone. Every day I use many features on it - internet searches, Waze for traffic navigation, texting/calling, using various apps, games or reading or checking the news or social media if I’m stuck in a waiting room, etc. But I know there are tons of technological advances available that I’m not using that 20 somethings can’t imagine not having, like Snapchat.

[mamadogmamacat]

no smartphone
my flip phone is amazingly durable, pantech
I know it will die eventually
have only had to replace the battery once in 12 yrs of use, and that was about 18 months ago
I can get the 'net on it, if I want to check news or the market
Have never used Uber or Lyft