Am i alone?

[Beatnik]

I use google for looking up whatever I may need help with when out, instructions, directions, repair (engine codes etc), values, pricing and so on. I read this and one other forum. I play Scrabble against the droid. Check the weather with NOAA. Have a way to contact someone if my 320k mile truck quits.

Oh, and I use the multiple alarms and calendar daily and the timer a lot too.

All that for 30 bucks a month is worth it to me, I never go over 1 GB.

 

[Wildcat]

I hate to jump into this Smartphone Haters Club™ with the opposing viewpoint, but I find a smartphone indispensable.

The two long road trips I took this summer were the smoothest I've ever had, thanks to the various apps I used. TripAdvisor helped with my hotel bookings, and with finding good places to eat at. Google Nav (Maps) was on the head unit continuously, via Android Auto, showing the road ahead and more importantly, showing if traffic was jammed up, and offering alternate routes on the fly. I could also listen to turn-by-turn instructions in unfamiliar areas without having to watch anything but the road and the traffic. No paper map can come close to touching that. The weather information was only one tap away. Some places we visited had parking fees payable via app, so I took advantage of them. Nice to know how much time you have left, and add more if it's running low.

During lunch or rest area stops, I could flip through my daily news feed and check on the idiocy here and broad. In Vegas during the shooting, I briefly fired up Twitter for once, to see what that popping noise was outside our hotel room window, and then sent messages to friends and family who knew we were in Vegas to let them know we were safe in our room at the Trop.

GasBuddy helps me find the nearest and/or cheapest gas. Geocaching apps help when I pursue that activity. TrailLink helps me pick trails to ride when the bicycle is secured to the rack and ready to roll. Google Assistant helps when I need something answered quickly. Is the nearby state park open until dusk, or does it close at 6PM? Got the answer right there in seconds, thank you.

Work-wise, OneDrive gives me access to any document I need (my computers and devices all sync to OneDrive), and I carry the Office suite on my phone in case I need to view (or edit) Excel or Word files, and I can then email them, or print them via Cloud Print. I have shortcuts to all of the sites I manage (including instances of the "Monit" monitoring script, and the Pushover app that receives push notifications from the servers I control), and even have programs loaded to handle SFTP and SSH access remotely. (Only, I need a microscope to read the tiny font in the SSH terminal window. ) These are all things I need available in my line of work.

The UPS and FedEx apps keep tabs on incoming packages and alert me when they arrive. A few of the apps save me money at the stores. Another app lets me check the security camera back at home, and the Sensi app lets me turn on the A/C or heat I may have turned off when I left the house several hours prior. Did the car just throw an OBD-II error code? Plug in the OBD-II reader and fire up the app to see what's happening.

Media programs? Aside from Pandora and Tidal, I have Oppo's Media Control app, plus BubbleUPnP to access my music/video server. USB Audio Player Pro sends audio out via the USB port on the phone so I can send it to a DAC of my choice, complete with the ability to play high-res and DSD files if the DAC supports it. I can cast most sources to Chromecasts located around the house, and control them with the Google Home app if needed.

The camera is among the best out there, especially with its low light performance. I got photos on this last trip that put the DSLR to shame in some cases. The Snapseed photo editing app made touchups a cinch. And all photos are then backed up over WiFi to OneDrive and Google Photos, so I have two coipes of each. My only "weakness" to social media might be that I post to a private, personal Instagram account. And I find that one of the best ways to stay in touch with friends and family. Some of my sites do automatically broadcast to the major social media platforms, but I only handle those from a computer. (And it's usually only for maintenance and coding changes.)

Family usually reaches me by Hangouts, text, or phone. Clients get me by text, email or any other preferred messaging system. I hate talking on the phone, as I did it 40+ hours per week in my old line of work, so you will never find it glued to my ear. And fortunately, I am not needed that often where I need to make or take a phone call.

All that said, my data usage is very low. Using Project Fi, I am paying on average $25-$27 during my non-traveling months, and as high as $44 when I am on the road for maybe three weeks at a time. On average I'd say I am probably paying $30/month. I own the phones outright--I don't do contracts.

As for usage? Maybe it sounds like I am on it constantly, but I'm not. I'm usually the one telling others to put their phones away. I don't bury myself in social media, and have no desire to text anyone unless it's necessary. And other than searching for places to eat at or visit on the trip, it was usually one or two quick taps on a phone to access whatever I needed, then I was on my way. I don't need to bury my nose in the screen all day. The phone does it quickly, gives me what I need within a minute or so, and I move on. One need not be considered "addicted" to make efficient use of a smartphone.

 

[2011etec]

In 2012 i did a small road trip of 10000 miles all with a stick on your window gps that actually worked great .Magellan i believe.Pointed out gas food points of interest etc.When i think of it an risking highjacking my own post i would prefer to travel canada and the u.s.a by truck vs a stupid plane anyday.Fell in love with south dakota,montana,idaho,washington,b.c. and alberta.Spent thousands and would do it again and this time id hit yellowstone i was only 40 miles away and regret not going there.Seems like so far most posters are pretty grounded about their cell use but we all know for a fact theres tons of people that would have to be medicated if cell phone service was lost for what ever reason,thats the folks i dont understand.

 

[Andyman]

Smartphones are tools, and as such are only as effective as the skills of the user allow them to be. I see them being a bit analpgous to the media, TV, and books/magazines in that while they can do wonderful things, they pander to the wants of the masses, and their potential goes untapped.

I use my phone probably 60% online access, 10% text, 10% camera, 10% apps and music and 10% phone. It's a very good thing to have access to the knowledge of the Internet in your pocket with the answer to most of one's questions a few keystrokes away. And I use the camera a lot too, as 1 picture is worth 10,000 words, and there no need to make notes when a photo suffices.

 

[Beatnik]

Speaking of using these as a tool. Alternator on forklift is going bad, label is there but underneath and inaccessible without removal. Guys are using the lift, so I would prefer to just go grab one before taking it out. Phone camera once again comes to the rescue. I use the camera a lot like this. Also taking pictures and zooming in on things to examine.

 

[jmchrislip]

I agree. All I see when I walk down the street is people gazing into their phones. Reminds me of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. I can't tell you how many times people have bumped into me while staring into their phones. Mindless zombies. If we ever have a electronic magnetic pulse that knocks out communications I believe these people will congregate at Starbucks because that's the last thing they remember.
I don't have a smartphone. I have a pay as you go phone with no apps. Unfortunately I believe I will have to purchase one because certain apps are becoming a necessity. People are now using them at airports to board a plane, supermarkets use them to give customers discounts, etc. An so it goes...

 

[TPettenati]

Dumped my flip phone for a smart phone about 2 months ago. A big part of what prompted this was a new plan offering from T-Mobile. It's called the Unlimited 55+ plan. 2 lines, unlimited data, text, calls, all for $60 total. Just need to be over 55 years of age. Nearly cut our bill in 1/2.

I like using Google NAV. Used to love my Magellan GPS, but is seems like my 'Lifetime Map Updates' has expired. Last time they pushed out a new map was a couple years ago. Checked on a new GPS, but the smart phone was cheaper and did a lot more.

Hated the thought of typing with my thumbs, but I found that Speech to Text works great.

I used to travel with a laptop but I'm finding the smart phone is a suitable substitute. I'm mostly checking the news, weather, email, eBay, AK, etc. It works fine.

I crew on a race car. Having live timing data available on a portable device is invaluable. Still need the laptop to download in-car video and data acquisition.

Former Luddite, now just another one of the Lemmings!

 

[dosmalo]

I have one thru my wife's service but as I understood the spill, her service provider was going to 4G and my, at the time, "low" G wouldn't be supported any longer.
I remember telling her that I didn't need no stinkin smart phone and that I could get by on my wits if something should happen but she insisted. Many things aren't worth arguing about, ( like whether I'm witless) thus the phone.
I occasionally do Wiki searches on it and also AK but AK is lots more fun on the desktop.

 

[dosmalo]

I have used mine like @Beatnik has shown above with limited success for me - I never seem to have adequate lighting and I can't seem to be able to hold a flashlight and snap the phone at the same time.

 

[gizzyman47]

I only own a trac phone that I only use to call someone when I need to. My minutes are used anytime I call or when someone calls me so I use it sparingly. I can see where a smart phone is very handy but I dont want to become one of those heads down walking into a bus people. My younger brother and his family are all addicted to the smart phone. They can all be in the same room with each other and never say a word for an hour at a time! Sad!

 

[Beatnik]

I have used mine like @Beatnik has shown above with limited success for me - I never seem to have adequate lighting and I can't seem to be able to hold a flashlight and snap the phone at the same time.

Do you have a flash ? I just took this in a completely dark room with my cheap 50 dollar phone. Sometimes it takes multiple tries to get lined up. This is crystal clear on my phone.

 

[KDAC]

I have not used my smart phone for 2 years,i dont know what or even care about facebook,twit or snapchat.If all cellphone text and related add ons died tomorrow i would not even notice.Im amazed at how addicted people have become to the smartphone .I have a full and busy life and the all mighty phone has zero hold or control over me .Are there others? Am i alone.Computer wise im on here and iboats thats it.I literally just watched a program called marketplace about the smartphone and its hold over people.Some people will spend 9 1/2 years of their life looking at that screen!

No, you are definitely NOT alone, which is why I, at 44, have never owned one and don't intend to ever do so - based on observation of the exact behavior you've described. I know individuals who are so "hooked" they litereally cannot shower, sit on the toilet, or even sleep without having their phone in hand or less than an arm's length away. Honestly, such behavior comes across as downright creepy. I caught my younest daughter (17) walking around the house with hers as if it was a bodily appendage and forcefully told her not to bring it to our kitchen table and stop walking around our home with it in hand as if it is an indoor GPS. Since then, she's contained in-house usage to her room (primarily Spotify) and carries it with her to school and elsewhere outside of our home. My wife of 20 years, currently 44, uses hers to play games from the Google store and keep in touch with both our teenage daughters via the free messenger program within most flavors of Android. Other than that, her phone is "asleep" and she lives her day-to-day existence withouth the digital "tether."

Between irrational workplace demands to always be available and the social media-driven insecurities of a sizable portion of the population, I honestly see this behavior becoming progressively worse. Last I heard a few states/municipalities are in the process of enacting laws to fine/penalize citizens who walk the streets with their phones glued to their face (e.g. Honolulu, HI) and who can't seem to put them down while behind the wheel of the average 1,700 to 2,400 pound vehicle.

 

[dosmalo]

Do you have a flash ? I just took this in a completely dark room with my cheap 50 dollar phone. Sometimes it takes multiple tries to get lined up. This is crystal clear on my phone.

View attachment 1041503

No flash on mine. I have just the basic Nokia Lumia Windows phone they pitch at you at the phone shop.
Wife has a I-phone 7 and she says her's doesn't either. I may be wrong but I think that it does - she just don't know how to work it

 

[the skipper]

Then again there's these wonders of nature:

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More proof that Darwin had a good point

 

[avionic]

I have not used my smart phone for 2 years,i dont know what or even care about facebook,twit or snapchat

Amen.. I don't own a cell or smart phone.

 

[Fisher-Dave]

No flash on mine. I have just the basic Nokia Lumia Windows phone they pitch at you at the phone shop.
Wife has a I-phone 7 and she says her's doesn't either. I may be wrong but I think that it does - she just don't know how to work it

Open the camera screen and look at the top of the screen. You'll see a little lightning bolt. Click it (touch it with your finger) and it'll give you the option of ''flash off, flash on, and auto detect.'' I've been an iPhone user for years and iPhones 4 to current have this option.

 

[I LIKE MUSIC]

I started with the famous bag phone. How many here had a bag phone. I made may way through the various Motorola models, remember the brick.

Then on to smaller candy bar and flip phones. When I had to replace may last flip phone, I got a nice LG phone from Tracfone for about half the price of half a tank of gas.

My cost for the past year was about $50 including text and data but I do not use either one a lot and had rollover credit.

I have had it for a little over 2 years. Left over minutes, texts and data roll over, so I have about 6000 texts to be used and a huge amount of data. I get triple the minutes and then some depending on promotions.

With my health, a method to summon help is a priority, especially when I am out and about on my own.

I always said that I would not have a smart phone, but changing times, health and life changed my mind.

Okay, enough of my rambling about cell phones, where the heck did I leave my bag phone. I must remember to plug it in and charge it.

 

[Bob]

this question will have a range wider than the normal battles here on AK.

I've watched from inside, just at the outside, and far way. it's the price of civilization and advancement
if for no other reason than the percentage of the population growing to meet these "needs"

when the Apple II came along, silicon valley schools bought them by the container load (note
Apple products continue to dominate, and Tesla cars are ubiquitous there, etc), but school ratings
dropped and CA has the highest number of private schools in the US. so the people pushing
computers and ebonics are never held accountable and each becomes part of mandatory policy
and customary PC.

it should be just another tool. sales folks used to carry bags of dimes then quarters for phone booth use.
people hated email because of the impersonality but now who writes? people used to go shopping
at the malls, now do they?

it's here to stay with, for my vision, one or two generations to get beyond the brand battles and truly
become useful tools.

the first battle is voice-input, now with Alexa, Cortana, and maybe Siri. second is when they monitor
your health. there are two companies with non-invasive blood testing for diabetes, and many
with live and OTA EEG/EKG monitoring that may save your life if your heart signals an upcoming
event (no - not hunger). and now there are devices and apps that do live real-time language
translation but quite easy enough.

even with the millions of apps on all the platforms there are still some I look for and don't find. that's
emergency news affecting your life. I've worked with folks that landed in the Phillipines at the
same time Acquino landed. Another set arrived in Seoul during its airport bombing. I have
relatives in NYC that were 10 blocks from the twin towers. wasn't easy. I was in London when
the SAS stormed some building and my hotel was 2 blocks away, and again during the
underground bombings. and no I am not on any lists except frequent flyers on one airline.

However, there's some good news. some time when Android and iOS reaches version 30 and
require massive change (like Apple's Mac that went from Motorola 68K, to IBM Power, then
to intel's x86/64, and maybe onto their proprietary SOC - great idea to merge phone/tablet/desktop)
there will be far more jobs than possible applicants. at one time there were only about 20 million
professional programmers. even add in the hobbyists. its still way less than 1%.

bottom line - the smartphone/tablet/PC is just another tool. and more to come.

 

[merlynski]

I do not have a smart phone. I took one for a 30 day test drive some years ago, on day 28 I sent it back. One of the down side for me was the EXTRA fee for data connection, which I didn't want to use, but had to pay for anyway. I used to have a Palm Visor PDA for the contact manager and calendar. After HP bought Palm and killed Palm OS updating that was no longer viable. That had no cell phone fees or wifi, which suited me fine. It would hotsync to my PC so all the info was available on both platforms without being exposed to the "cloud" to be mined for marketing or exposed to hacking. I do have a flip-phone, but never do 'social networking' and rarely a text.
Matter of fact, the social networking sites are hard blocked on my home internet connection as well. (NO Facebook, Twitter, AOL, google analytics, etc.) You might be surprised how many times I see blocked advertisement frames on web pages that you would think had no connection to social networking.
People who want them should be free to use them, I prefer not to . . .

 

[motorstereo]

I held out as long as humanly possible and picked up my first smartphone about 5 years ago. I always poo-pooed the use of one and now I absolutely will not leave home without it or my smartwatch. One of the more useful features I've found is traffic alerts. A couple times this summer it alerted me to an accident on the highway causing a big delay and gave instructions on how to get around it. Voice texting a price check on an item in HD compared to Lowes was something I was using frequently this week. There's lots more going on than social media on these useful little pocket computers.