View Full Version : No cell phone--is it practical, or even doable?
Interesting meditation (http://www.vox.com/2016/3/15/11204042/no-cellphone) on what it's like not having a cell phone.
I finally got a smartphone about six months ago and on more than one occasion I've thought about going back to a dumb phone. I've found that I seldom use any of the smartphone features, plus it's loaded with features that I never use but that are costing me money. And after six months I'm still learning how to use the damn thing.
I don't think I'd want to go back to having no cell phone at all, though. For one thing, I no longer have a land line. But I've also found that I really do like the portability of a cell phone. A couple of weekends ago I was trying to hook up with a friend in Times Square, and in that mob scene if we hadn't had our phones we might not have been able to find each other.
Finally, and this may be a bit silly, I miss my old flip phone. I really like that form factor. You slip it into your pocket and you hardly know it's there, unlike my smartphone, which feels like I'm carrying around a small brick.
Thoughts?
Ultralight
3-16-16, 10:22am
I have not had a cell phone in a year and a half.
iris lilies
3-16-16, 10:44am
The only times I would really like having a smart phones is when I am driving to new places. That geo map capability is awesome. i get lost a LOT! I still rely on paper maps but I dont like it. I would even go so far as to say that my life is handicapped due to lack of a GPS function, or even a simple online map available to me as I drive.
So many times I have been cranky with DH when we are lost, and I say "we are going to get GPS, dammit!"
And yes, for meeting up at places, the cell phone thing is nice. But it wouldnt really have to be a smart phone, would it? My old flip phone would suffice in that situation.
Ultralight
3-16-16, 10:49am
The only times I would really like having a smart phones is when I am driving to new places. That geo map capability is awesome.
I miss this. But that is the only thing I miss.
freshstart
3-16-16, 11:24am
I could live with just a flip phone but for $30 a month, it comes in handy. I had 76 MD appts last year, I didn't have to lug a book (that I frequently forgot and had to make a trip back to get), I had books on my phone, could check email, etc while waiting for the MD. When I was hospitalized I could watch netflix. I'm happy, I probably underuse it compared to most but meh, what's the difference? And I think a cell phone is a good safety measure if your car breaks down or you have ill family members who may need help.
Ultralight
3-16-16, 11:38am
By ditching my smart phone and getting an AT&T cellular home phone I took my phone bill from $90 a month to $25 a month. Pretty good savings!
The iPhone I had was also very distracting. I would send a thousand texts a day, during work and after work too. The thing was constantly buzzing with incoming texts, emails, Facebook notifications, etc. Very annoying!
Also: I did not like apps. I only used one or two ever. So that was not worth it to me.
I'd play some games on my phone too, which was a time sink.
I also started getting "the twitch" where I would feel like my phone was buzzing against my leg but it wasn't. This continued for months after I got rid of the phone!
But here is something mucho interesante:
When I decided to ditch the smart phone I originally decided to get a "dumb phone" -- just a flipper. The salesman at the AT&T store said: "Are you sure you want to do this? I get people in here every week saying how they want to simplify their lives and go back to a flip phone. Every one of them comes back within a week and wants their smart phone back."
After two days with the dumb phone I realized I was still getting tons of texts daily and there was literally no way to shut off texting. So I went back in and that salesman gave me quite the satisfied look when he saw me!
But when I said: "Give me the home phone" he was shocked. But he still said, with a smarmy tone: "Talk to you soon!" when I left.
I have been cell free for 1.5 years and my life is quieter and better and more focused.
Ultralight
3-16-16, 11:50am
I could live with just a flip phone but for $30 a month, it comes in handy. I had 76 MD appts last year, I didn't have to lug a book (that I frequently forgot and had to make a trip back to get), I had books on my phone, could check email, etc while waiting for the MD. When I was hospitalized I could watch netflix. I'm happy, I probably underuse it compared to most but meh, what's the difference? And I think a cell phone is a good safety measure if your car breaks down or you have ill family members who may need help.
If you or someone you care for has medical problems then you might really need that cell phone for emergencies. That is for each individual to judge.
At this point I feel like I don't need one and I am better off without it. That will probably change at some point in my life. Though I dread that day! haha
I will say this: I had friends and family members suggest some absurd things when I told them I was going to toss my cell/smart phone.
Best example of this: "What if you get kidnapped?"
I have a Tracfone that is indeed a flip phone. Having never had real cell phone service, I am not sure whether I would miss it, but the cost doesn't seem to justify the imagined benefits for me. That said, I really do like having the Tracphone. I don't use it a lot, but it's been very helpful in several cases, especially when I'm meeting some one and we've missed connections. And it is nice for emergencies when travelling. It costs me about $100 a year.
Ultralight
3-16-16, 12:34pm
I have a Tracfone that is indeed a flip phone. Having never had real cell phone service, I am not sure whether I would miss it, but the cost doesn't seem to justify the imagined benefits for me. That said, I really do like having the Tracphone. I don't use it a lot, but it's been very helpful in several cases, especially when I'm meeting some one and we've missed connections. And it is nice for emergencies when travelling. It costs me about $100 a year.
I told my friends and fam that I assume the risk when there are missed connections for social activities and such. This took the burden off of them.
So I have shown up to a few things and no one was there. Things got cancelled late-notice but I did not know. Such is life without a celly!
ApatheticNoMore
3-16-16, 12:44pm
No it's not. I need to be on call for work as a requirement to hold this job. I have a dumb phone and prepaid.
Teacher Terry
3-16-16, 12:50pm
I had a dumb phone until about a year ago. I have 2 emails -one for work and one for pleasure. I like being able to respond to a work message right away if I am out. Other then that and texting I don't do much else on it. Sometimes for my consulting work they need me to see a client within a day or 2 so it does help to be able to answer quickly.
I don't get cell phone signal where I live, so there's not much point to them.
I borrow one when travelling, having a pocket computer is handy. I never use it for a phone.
When I need a phone, I use this satphone in the upper left (rest is random stuff that lives in my pockets):
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vh11iKHAleM/VOuFZ7BJKMI/AAAAAAAAOV0/bftFf1yXqEER3X8xRbUSfMBTnujviVJVQCCo/s720-Ic42/Awesomized
I use my IPhone as my radio with Wifi, quick check for weather, messages, emails and emergency phone. I was able to pay my bills online when my computer was in for repair and enjoy peace of mind taking it with me when I walk the dog twice a day. I was able to contact a party via text message that was meeting me to let her know that I was delayed so that was good.
Would I survive without it, Yes; but do I want to, No!
iris lilies
3-16-16, 1:17pm
I use my IPhone as my radio with Wifi, quick check for weather, messages, emails and emergency phone. I was able to pay my bills online when my computer was in for repair and enjoy peace of mind taking it with me when I walk the dog twice a day. I was able to contact a party via text message that was meeting me to let her know that I was delayed so that was good.
Would I survive without it, Yes; but do I want to, No!
I have an IPad and use it constantly, but I don't have cellular service. I use it only in my house and use the wifi network to connect. Yes, it's a great backup to the computer. But that said, DH and I still argue over computer time. We are both involved in many volunteer efforts and we need MS Office and a full keyboard to complete our work.The little IPAD doesn't cut it.
Teacher Terry
3-16-16, 1:20pm
My husband's ipad has a detachable keyboard. When we went on our cruise we took that instead of a laptop because it is so much smaller and lighter. WE needed it because I had to teach my online class.
The only time I use my smart phone is when the power goes out--I check my provider's website for updates, and read my e-mail. I really prefer my flip phone--for one thing it's much more pocket-friendly.
Miss Cellane
3-16-16, 1:46pm
My pre-paid smart phone is turned off most of the time. I have it because I drive some lonely back roads to and from work, and if I break down, I need a way to get help. And it has come in useful a couple of times with the GPS and maps. I tend not to give out the number, because then people call it and expect me to answer--and it's turned off. This leads to long, boring conversations about how I feel I don't need to be tethered to a phone, and the other person tells me I'm anti-social. I've attempted to make an effort to check it at least once a day, and I fail every time.
If you are job-hunting, I think you need a cell phone. For one thing, people call and even if they leave a message, these days they expect a quick answer. Waiting too long, like half a day, could loose you the job or the interview. And because, as someone in her 50s, I think it is important to at least look as if you are conversant with modern technology. I'm good with computers, but not having a cell phone number on my resume would most likely cancel that out completely. Cell phone and no land line? Fine. Land line and no cell phone? Raises red flags.
iris lilies
3-16-16, 2:37pm
My pre-paid smart phone is turned off most of the time. I have it because I drive some lonely back roads to and from work, and if I break down, I need a way to get help. And it has come in useful a couple of times with the GPS and maps. I tend not to give out the number, because then people call it and expect me to answer--and it's turned off. This leads to long, boring conversations about how I feel I don't need to be tethered to a phone, and the other person tells me I'm anti-social. I've attempted to make an effort to check it at least once a day, and I fail every time.
If you are job-hunting, I think you need a cell phone. For one thing, people call and even if they leave a message, these days they expect a quick answer. Waiting too long, like half a day, could loose you the job or the interview. And because, as someone in her 50s, I think it is important to at least look as if you are conversant with modern technology. I'm good with computers, but not having a cell phone number on my resume would most likely cancel that out completely. Cell phone and no land line? Fine. Land line and no cell phone? Raises red flags.
Sure, I had a home computer before anyone at the administrative level of my workplace except for the IT director. Partly it was to appear conversant with technology, partly because
I was interested. I remember talking about IP addresses and no one knew what I was talking about.
A few years aftewards I made a decision to go no further in my career, so I used technology only when it suited me personally. As a result, I have deep pockets of ignorance.
I'm home bound most of the time, with work computer, home computer and tablet. Flip phone for when I'm traveling - the phone is off for weeks at a time otherwise. I think its pretty essential if you're travelling to have /A/ phone, as pay phones have almost entirely disappeared. We have a separate GPS unit for the car (ie goes with whichever car/driver needs it).
I suppose I will get a smart phone once I retire or have a job where I'm out and about, but for now I don't need one. If I was more of a slacker like some of my co-workers, I would get one so I could install our work app that shows whether you are "on line" or not. I know one of my peers carries her phone with her to hair and nail appointments to make it look like she's working.
Ultralight
3-16-16, 3:59pm
If I was more of a slacker like some of my co-workers, I would get one so I could install our work app that shows whether you are "on line" or not. I know one of my peers carries her phone with her to hair and nail appointments to make it look like she's working.
Nice!
ApatheticNoMore
3-16-16, 4:05pm
If you are job-hunting, I think you need a cell phone. For one thing, people call and even if they leave a message, these days they expect a quick answer. Waiting too long, like half a day, could loose you the job or the interview.
I don't know how this is supposed to work either. I mean if one is unemployed sure, but if one already has a job and is looking for another, is one supposed to be at their job working and taking calls from potential employers all the time? No way, I can't even imagine this working well. I can only imagine it being so distracting that one does neither their current job nor interviewing decently. I don't give out my cell on my resume.
Well, if you give your cell phone number to a potential employer, that does not mean you have to have your ringer on ALL the time while you're working your current job. I was able to give my cell number to my interviewer and he knew I was working another job. So, when he called me to make the offer, he left a message and I called him back when I was able to.
freshstart
3-16-16, 5:46pm
My husband's ipad has a detachable keyboard. When we went on our cruise we took that instead of a laptop because it is so much smaller and lighter. WE needed it because I had to teach my online class.
I have a keyboard for my mini and love it! makes it feel almost laptop functional, great for trips
Miss Cellane
3-16-16, 6:01pm
I don't know how this is supposed to work either. I mean if one is unemployed sure, but if one already has a job and is looking for another, is one supposed to be at their job working and taking calls from potential employers all the time? No way, I can't even imagine this working well. I can only imagine it being so distracting that one does neither their current job nor interviewing decently. I don't give out my cell on my resume.
From my experience job hunting two years ago, most people who called me expected an answer within a couple of hours. I was temping, and could only check the phone three times during the work day, at scheduled breaks. I called one interviewer back two hours after she called me, and she commented on how long it took me to get back to her.
So I do think that at least some interviewers/hiring managers do have an expectation of a fairly quick return call. But they don't expect you to pick up every call immediately. For someone who is employed and job hunting, I'd suspect they'd do what most cube dwellers seem to do anyway--keep the phone on vibrate and check each incoming message to see who it is from, or keep the phone on silent and check it several times an hour. Then slink away to an unused conference room or the like to make the return call. Most of the people I work with do this all day long, except they'll make the return call at their desk, if it's family or friends.
But it isn't all the time. I'd get maybe one phone call for every 10 resumes I sent out. It wasn't even one a week.
I have a flip phone that doesn't even have texting as part of my plan, which is fine with me. As for Smart phones, I spend too much time on the internet now, and would be a zombie doing it all day on a phone.
My strange friend has no landline, cell phone OR email. She has some kind of answering service where someone can leave her a message. If I want to talk to her directly, I have to call her at her job on Mondays at 12 noon. She sends me notes through the mail---how Victorian! We rarely talk or see each other anymore because it's too difficult to arrange anything with her. She sometimes works as a home health aide and has lost jobs for not having a cell phone; she says the agency is wrong. She's also very paranoid about anything with email and cell phones (and she says a GPS got her lost on a dead end dirt road in the middle of nowhere on purpose!)
Yeah, she's an odd duck.
ToomuchStuff
3-17-16, 1:20am
Very possible. One boss, mid 50's, completely tech ingnorant. No computer or cell of any kind. Doesn't often check his answering machine on his home phone (dumb phone) line..
Second boss, has a flip phone, that has been replaced a few times due to losing it. (lives in the country, more not then had home phone service, so went with cell for better dependability). I don't know if he ever receives texts, but he doesn't send them, and needed me to teach him some basic computer use.
Now to me; I picked up my prepaid cell phone, when one of the places I pick up stuff for work, removed their last pay phone. (there have been times I needed to call with options or for what they figured out) After six months, I dropped my home service. (no kids at home that a phone would be needed for 911) I think it was the first renewall, (didn't know how to use the card), that I asked them to block texting. (don't need or want on this candy bar style phone) Once a year, I wish it was a Smart phone for the internet capabiltiy. Would probably be more if the GPS was there, but I have driven with GPS units (from the old just an arrow ones, to models in the last couple of years), and I find them distracting. (prefer to have just what intersection/off ramp, etc. I am looking for, written down.
Now I am thinking about some sort of VOIP, service for both 911 at home, and to use for some CL stuff.
My budgeting allowed me the choice of internet service at home, with decent sized screens, or internet/smart phone, with a tiny screen/keyboard.
I also get >:( when coworkers play on their phones, as they are costing me, my time, because I end up getting out later.
I am of the thought now that my iPhone is a luxury that has become a habit. Could I live without, Yes. Do I need to, No. If it was budget issue, I would give it up and never think about it. I never thought I would like bluetooth in my car. Now bluetooth always on since it links to my watch too, which I love as then I do not have to look at my phone it stays in my purse almost all the time in the car and house. It feels like freedom from the chain of the phone.
Funny how more tech made me feel free, probably the same as less tech would do the same.
ApatheticNoMore
3-17-16, 5:17am
I do think that at least some interviewers/hiring managers do have an expectation of a fairly quick return call. But they don't expect you to pick up every call immediately. For someone who is employed and job hunting, I'd suspect they'd do what most cube dwellers seem to do anyway--keep the phone on vibrate and check each incoming message to see who it is from, or keep the phone on silent and check it several times an hour. Then slink away to an unused conference room or the like to make the return call. Most of the people
the thing is I can't concentrate at work at all, whatsoever, if my anxiety levels are high, I just go round and round in anxiety and find that nothing is getting done. And job hunting calls at work are definitely going to put my anxiety beyond into that range where I can't concentrate to save my life (as opposed to getting back to them in the morning the next day). At one point I became completely overwhelmed with anxiety over the job hunting thing, probably why I just go for long periods of resigning to not even trying because I get overwhelmed. Too bad I can't just not work because of mental illness and stuff I guess. This is why I often fantasize about unemployment, it is better for job hunting, even though it's stressful in other ways. They say it's better to look for work while employed, but I don't know if I really believe that.
It is very easy to get many job hunting calls a week if recruiters get in on the game (which they will for sure if your resume is viewable on a job board - so I often don't do that), they'd call off the hook. Now ideally you want to deal with hiring managers rather than recruiters who are throwing any old thing at you, but that's often not the case. A couple of weeks ago I only applied to two jobs, and both got back to me, the next day. It's not always that productive though. But it always has the potential for lots of responses unfortunately. I'd probably be best off quitting and then looking for work if I only had the guts.
As far as the original question goes--no, I don't believe a person can get by without some kind of cell. I guess you could depend on there being someone nearby in case of emergency whose phone you could borrow. Pay phones are a thing of the past.
Ultralight
3-17-16, 1:17pm
I guess you could depend on there being someone nearby in case of emergency whose phone you could borrow.
I call it herd immunity. :)
And with such a homogeneous herd as Americans, there are cell phones everywhere.
I don't have a home landline anymore, so my iPhone is it. I surf the net/read on it a lot even at home. When at home it's on wifi. I do lots of long road trips, so having a good phone for both calls and online directions is essential.
As far as the original question goes--no, I don't believe a person can get by without some kind of cell.
Weird that so much of my county seems to manage without them. Heck, until very recently, it was nearly illegal to build a cell tower up here at all.
Ultralight
3-17-16, 1:55pm
Weird that so much of my county seems to manage without them. Heck, until very recently, it was nearly illegal to build a cell tower up here at all.
Not surprised. :)
I have lived comfortably (relatively speaking) in Columbus, OH for a year and a half without a cell phone.
Weird that so much of my county seems to manage without them. Heck, until very recently, it was nearly illegal to build a cell tower up here at all.
Clearly, satellite phones are a better alternative there.
ToomuchStuff
3-17-16, 2:12pm
As far as the original question goes--no, I don't believe a person can get by without some kind of cell. I guess you could depend on there being someone nearby in case of emergency whose phone you could borrow. Pay phones are a thing of the past.
Your state may vary, but in MO, there is a law that if you have a gas pump that is on 24 hours and unmanned during any of it, you have to have a marked, visable shutoff switch, and a pay phone so 911 can be called in case of fire.
Gas stations with attendants otherwise have phones for emergency purposes (fire, robery, etc).
Replying to a comment earlier, if your kidnapped, pretty sure they are going to take your phone (cell phones didn't exist, nor did Amber/Adam alerts when this happend to me as a kid).
In the old days, people kept tools in their vehicles for breakdowns, etc. Now, because cars need maintenance less often, there are people that never learned those skills. I think Bae was taught kind of the way I was told. Plan for emergencies, hope they don't happen.
I lived the first 2/3 of my life without one. I know I could do it again, except that I don't want to.
Ultralight
3-17-16, 2:15pm
I lived the first 2/3 of my life without one. I know I could do it again, except that I don't want to.
Why don't you want to?
Why don't you want to?I find it very convenient.
Ultralight
3-17-16, 2:21pm
I find it very convenient.
Fair answer.
I find it very convenient.
It certainly is. We often consult Siri to get directions or settle bets.
It certainly is. We often consult Siri to get directions or settle bets.
I enjoy talking with Siri, especially since I've given her an Australian accent. I should check and see if I can do the same with Cortana.
iris lilies
3-17-16, 3:26pm
It certainly is. We often consult Siri to get directions or settle bets.
Settle bets?
what about her sister, Alexa? At the house of my friend
I interact with Alexa now and then. She is lovely and polite, but kind of ditzy.
Settle bets?
Who killed Wyatt Earp, how many seats in Wrigley Field, when did they stop making Ford Pintos. Stuff like that.
Speaking of Siri have any of you seen the ad using Cookie Monster to push the iPhone? I chuckled and chortled all the way through it. Cookie is such a joy to watch!
Who killed Wyatt Earp.....Old Age?
rosarugosa
3-17-16, 6:50pm
I find it convenient not to carry a cell phone. We are no longer pure though, we have a Tracfone flip-phone, but we seldom take it with us or use it except in very specific circumstances (meeting up with friends at concerts, vacationing with others). There are payphones at all the subway stations in Boston, and DH says if caller ID says "payphone," he will answer because he knows it is me.
I can honestly say that the inconvenience factor for us personally still favors not carrying one.
Old Age?
Yes. It turned out we were arguing about Bill Hickock.
I went from landline, to tracphone to iPhone. The tracphone was a pay per quarter. It often went to sleep or out of range and I would have to point it outside to find the signal. I guess I live in a quiet zone. People would call, sometimes it would ring often not. I didn't mind but it annoyed people trying to reach me. The iPhone for the first year was pay per month at a modest sum. I went into a traditional monthly plan with Verizon last year when I wanted to travel to Italy. The phone worked great and was able to send back photos and even video. The cost is higher than I want to pay, but at $68.00 a month, it's okay. I use it alot and like it a lot. I have a double sign in on my gmail and blog so I need it to get the key to unlock the log in.
Here's a reality check on job interviews. I recently had one via Skype for the first round. I had to learn fast as this was a first time use on my laptop at home. The employer said she screens first round selections that way. It used to be a phone interview. So, for job seekers, it may be a sign of the times. How do you do on video? I didn't get a call back. The job did not list a range of salary and when I asked what that was, the person said I don't know. I think that is a no no question for some reason, but I find it odd when I hear that reply. If there's a job, there's a budget. I had a second thought, I wonder if a guy asked that question, what the response would be?
I have not had a cell phone in years (my last phone had a pull out antenna). Reason for not having one: cost, my boss would call me all the time, I don't like to be
"available" all the time, I don't want to be like the people who go out to dinner with their spouse and both sit and look at their phones the whole time.
Reasons I have thought of getting a phone, cheaper than a land line (yep we still have one), safety when I go out on long bike rides (20-30+miles), taking pictures.
I feel like if I had a emergency on my bike I could wait a couple of minutes and someone would pass with a phone!
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