OnlySunshine Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 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? If you got a prepaid smartphone, that would be even better because then you don't have to worry about going over the data minutes (unless you get unlimited which is COSTLY). I have a prepaid AT&T GoPhone and I never have to worry about that money going to waste because it's good for a whole year (once you go over $100 then it is for good). I hate contracts and will never use them. The other alternative is to buy a gently used phone on eBay or another website so you don't have to extend your contract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basilisa Marie Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 I think the thing with smartphones is that even if you just use your phone for calling (and maybe texting), once new fun features become available (like apps!), you'll get used to using them. At least that's the way it'd work for me. That's why I haven't upgraded to a smartphone yet, because I don't want to get used to having features that cost a lot when I can't really afford them. So really, I think the only thing that would make a smart phone worth the extra expense is if you can make it do something really handy - like being a GPS if you don't have one already, or keeping your calendar on it, or something. If that's not worth it to you, definitely go for the prepaid option. That's what I'd be doing if I weren't still technically on my parents' plan (they get it through my dad's work, and get the extra lines at a nice discount, I give them money for it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i<3franciscans Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 I think the thing with smartphones is that even if you just use your phone for calling (and maybe texting), once new fun features become available (like apps!), you'll get used to using them. At least that's the way it'd work for me. That's why I haven't upgraded to a smartphone yet, because I don't want to get used to having features that cost a lot when I can't really afford them. So really, I think the only thing that would make a smart phone worth the extra expense is if you can make it do something really handy - like being a GPS if you don't have one already, or keeping your calendar on it, or something. If that's not worth it to you, definitely go for the prepaid option. That's what I'd be doing if I weren't still technically on my parents' plan (they get it through my dad's work, and get the extra lines at a nice discount, I give them money for it). That has definitely come in handy more times than I thought it would... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffboom Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 It is an inalienable human right to have access to phatmass in the bathroom. Coffee consumption, in my experience, leads to an increased amount of time spent in the bathroom. I have experienced a greatly increased standard of living by switching to a smart phone and drinking more coffee. Most of my phatmassing is done in my bathroom, about 10m from my wireless router (to not consume my wireless data). As far as android vs. Ios, phatmass seems to work slightly better on ios. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffboom Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 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. Do not take CAK's phone advice. He has no idea how to use his. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatholicsAreKewl Posted December 21, 2013 Share Posted December 21, 2013 Do not take CAK's phone advice. He has no idea how to use his. Shutup, Jeff. You're just gel because I made my iphone look like an android. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggyie Posted December 28, 2013 Author Share Posted December 28, 2013 I'm typing this from my new iPhone 5c... I was grandfathered in under a very cheap plan. It's so cray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatholicsAreKewl Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 The grandfather clause is misogynistic. You should use "grandmother" or "grandparents" instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norseman82 Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 I have a Samsung slider Am I the only one who thought of White Castle after reading this?? Coffee consumption, in my experience, leads to an increased amount of time spent in the bathroom. I think eating too many White Castle sliders may also have that effect... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneLine Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 (edited) :hehe2: :eat: Edited December 28, 2013 by AnneLine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anastasia13 Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 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 :) What do you mean server? Is that like instead of Verizon? How would I look into getting this deal one day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StMichael Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 Have had an iPhone since day one of their release. Pretty amazing piece of technology back in 2007. Able to retrieve email, use Voip services, calculator always handy, schedule in order thanks to iCal, built in iPod, Maps and directions. Apps that can make you native to an area in just a few seconds. Of course the service at the time was unremarkable, but has gotten better over the years (yes, still on ATT). Today, many low income homes use the "smartphone" as their personal computer. Mobile is where the messages are, from sites to sales. The downside to either the cellphone or smartphone is still the same. Constant access. So, to answer the question, should you get one? Depends on your needs because for the most part these phones are all about want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheresaThoma Posted December 29, 2013 Share Posted December 29, 2013 Yeah it definitely depends on what you want/need. I switched over because I definitely will need the GPS feature in the very near future Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cherie Posted December 29, 2013 Share Posted December 29, 2013 I'm typing this from my new iPhone 5c... I was grandfathered in under a very cheap plan. It's so cray. How awesome!!! I just got one yesterday too after having been in the non-smartphone camp! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatholicsAreKewl Posted December 29, 2013 Share Posted December 29, 2013 Am I the only one who thought of White Castle after reading this?? I think eating too many White Castle sliders may also have that effect... Is White Castle really that bad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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