Should I Switch To A Smartphone?

[Maggyie]

Is the extra expense worth it?

 

I lead as stripped down a life as possible. We don't have cable, don't drink coffee, drive used cars, and... don't have smart phones.

 

But today I dropped my trusty old school flip phone and it split in two. I'm so angry at myself! I was trying to bring in groceries and talk at the same time. I've been eligible for an upgrade since 2011.

 

My husband just got a new iPhone. His work pays for it though. So ordinarily, this would be a small cost savings for me because I would turn his old phone off (this is one of the household bills that I pay)

 

But after frantically looking at the Verizon website, I realized they seem to be doing away with the flip phones. There are very few to choose from. Some of them even cost money! I've grown used to getting the phone for free in exchange to re-upping my contract.

 

What should I do? is getting a smart phone worth the extra monthly expense?

[CrossCuT]

Interestingly enough, after getting a smart phone (as well as switching OFF of Verizon) my monthly bill was less!

 

I think the best thing is to just do some searching around for price options. I think youll find that its now very common for people to have smartphones so the plans that involve them are much cheaper than you might think.

 

I JUST got my first smartphone, an android. Its pretty cool but I was very similar to you, I never had the most recent gadgets...I just wasnt that interested.

The thing I like MOST about my smartphone is GPS and directions!!! Its the best! Although if you dont drive a car that wont be of much use to you. But its nice to have access to the internet in case you need to look stuff up.

 

On many occasions I have pulled up google on my phone if I have been at the grocery store and Ive needed some info on one thing or another.

[dUSt]

Yes, keep a flip phone.

 

I would also suggest getting rid of the contract and go with a pre-paid plan. It's cheaper, especially if you are only paying for one phone. One of the reasons people don't like the pre-paid plans is because you have to buy your own phone--but a flip phone would only cost about $29 anyway.

 

There is one advantage to getting a smart phone though--you could visit the phorum on it--and that is priceless.

[ardillacid]

You don't drink coffee? Is life possible without coffee?

[xTrishaxLynnx]

I love my smartphone. It's also my calendar, alarm clock, recipe book, on-the-go web browser, gaming device, etc.

 

Shameless plug for my mobile service company:

 

I switched to Republic Wireless in August and I love it. I got the phone and service when it was still in beta and they were working out the bugs, but over the last few months I have had amazing service everywhere I went.

 

My bill with taxes and fees included is always less than $22/mo and I get unlimited calls, texts, and data over a hybrid network (WiFi + 3G) I was paying $85+/mo for 750 minutes and 2gb of data with U.S. Cellular and getting really horrible service.

 

If you want to check them out, they offer 30-day risk-free trial (they will refund you for the phone and the month of service, minus shipping cost, if you don't like it) and you can get a $19 credit (equal to your first month free if you get the Motorola Defy, which is only $99 with no contract) by using my link: http://referrals.republicwireless.com/a/clk/yq88F

 

If you look at the comparison, the Moto X is well worth the extra $200 up front, especially considering you have no contract to sign to get that price, you can cancel anytime, or just change your plan as needed (up to twice a month.) They've also rolled out out MMS (picture messaging) with the Moto X, which isn't available on the Defy, that will be compatible with the major carriers like Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T.

 

[Era Might]

I don't have a smartphone, don't particularly need one, not sure if I will upgrade when my phone dies. But I'd get the cheapest one. It's worth having a smartphone, just don't get sold on stuff you don't need. Get a basic one.

[Maggyie]

Thanks for the advice all, keep it coming.

 

 

Yes, keep a flip phone.

 

I would also suggest getting rid of the contract and go with a pre-paid plan. It's cheaper, especially if you are only paying for one phone. One of the reasons people don't like the pre-paid plans is because you have to buy your own phone--but a flip phone would only cost about $29 anyway.

 

There is one advantage to getting a smart phone though--you could visit the phorum on it--and that is priceless.

 

Indeed priceless. Now this is intriguing, the prepaid thing - I'd forgotten all about it. Your post prompted me to do some digging. Apparently Verizon offers prepaid smart phones, including an older model iphone (the 4). However it's out of stock at the moment. And it's certified pre-owned which may be garbage.

 

I do get a 19% discount thru my workplace also. used to be 22% but then I switched jobs.

[i<3franciscans]

I have a smart phone through this new server called Republic. Its only about $30 bucks a month with unlimited text, talk, and data. I love it :)

[Ash Wednesday]

Whatever you do, don't get the dumbphone.

[blazeingstar]

I have Virgin Moblie (good Sprint coverage area) and have the $35 a month plan with 300 mins, unlimited texts and data.  My fiancee has a "dumb phone" that he pays around $120 a year for.  He only uses it in emergencies and uses about 500 minutes a year.

 

I have the most pared down android possible.

 

He's admitted smartphones come in handy.  We check traffic on google maps, we look up hours of businesses while we're passing through towns.  We use it for geocaching.  We look up videos when we're stuck some place for hours on end.

 

If you're happy with a "dumbphone" than keep it.  However, android does offer some really nifty things.  My fiancee is happy with his dumb phone but admits if it weren't for me having a smartphone he'd probably buy a one.  In this world where digitally connectedness means that that people expect you to have a phone to navigate the world it's become rather important.  The sad fact is that people barley know how to navigate their own towns anymore, never-mind be coherent enough to give directions or know the hours to a business.

[CrossCuT]

Like Blazey said, you dont have to get a super cray cray smartphone.

 

I have a smartphone in a dumbphone body. Slide out keyboard and everything. Its not huge like a lot of the newer smartphones and I like it! 

[blazeingstar]

Like Blazey said, you dont have to get a super cray cray smartphone.

 

I have a smartphone in a dumbphone body. Slide out keyboard and everything. Its not huge like a lot of the newer smartphones and I like it! 

 

The LG Rumor and Optimus series is pretty good, as well as the Kio cera rise when it comes to sliders...im sad they are doing away with them.

[CrossCuT]

Me too, I havent really warmed up to the touch screen texting...I dont know why it just feels weird. Im sure some day we will all have to say goodbye to our keyboards.

[AnneLine]

I know.  I have a Samsung slider and I LOOOOOVE this phone... but it is getting old and tired, and I know I will have to let it go.  You would think... with so many people wanting to quaff sliders like, well, sliders, someone would get a clue that the dinosaurs don't have any intention of leaving... yet.

[CatholicsAreKewl]

You can often get decent smart phones for very cheap. If you're trying to be simple, don't spend more than 30-50 for one. I think some smartphones are even free now. While you don't really need a smartphone, there are many apps you can download that come in handy.

 

Also, if your phone service hasn't been updated lately, make a quick call to your provider. My parents recently did this and were made aware of a new monthly package that offered more for less than what they were paying.

Edited December 19, 2013 by CatholicsAreKewl