Gadgets & Mobile

Why to get a cellphone?

By Marcenator

8 months ago

helps to organize your life. Granted, not everyone has a super busy life, but since the Wired article focused mostly on smart phones, I�ll keep the focus towards them, even though most modern phones have calendars built in. Let�s face it; we can�t all remember everything we need to do on a daily basis. I often send myself text messages from my email account so that when I�m out I�ll be reminded of something I need to do, pick up or go to. Some phones have a voice record option, great for people who hate texting or writing things down. Most smart phones and more and more traditional phones will sync contacts, data and calendars with your desktop computer. The ability to carry that much information with you in something the size [or smaller] than a pack of smokes makes many peoples lives much easier.
Cell phones can eliminate costs in other parts of your life. The article states that the cost of ownership over the years is astronomical. This is partly true. Most phones, including smart phones are fairly cheap when getting a new contract or renewing your contract. The vast majority of carriers also offer discounts to long term users who have good standing with the billing department who like to upgrade when newer technology comes out. Users are also clipping their home land lines at an alarming rate, opting to go with high speed cable internet that does not require a phone line in the home and using their cell phone as a permanent �home� phone. Nearly every plan includes free nights and weekends along with free nationwide long distance. The corrupt part is that users often overbuy their service plans and never use all they are given, the exception being AT&T (formally Cingular), who offers roll-over minutes for unused minutes.
Contracts are not always a bad thing. I know of very few people who have had issues with contracts. The early termination fee stems from the discount given when you get a new phone at a discount. It makes good business sense. That said giving a good reason to get out of your contract will often work. Examples I�ve read about on the internet are, moving to another country, leaving the country for an extended period of time, such as military service or repeated problems with service and usability on that carriers network.
You control when and how people contact you. The article complains that you are perpetually available, this is not true. Caller ID is a wonderful thing. Not replying to a text message is easily done. I know it is hard to believe but cell phones have a power off button too!
So what if phones are boring. Apparently there are people who care and hype them, but it is a utilitarian item, the fact that people are so passionate about them should tell you something about the likes and dislikes of Americans. Ergonomics, new features and functions along with different sizes and places to put hinges excites not only geeks but everyday people too.
Talk time is better than your average home portable phone. Again the article seems to point out that you need to constantly recharge your phone. This is no different than recharging the portable phone in your house (if you have a land line). If you don�t put the home phone back in the cradle, it dies, often in less than a day. My cell phone gets charged on my way to and from work in the car usually, having zero impact on the usability for me.
Conspiracy theorists are everywhere. The thought that the government is watching your every move from the GPS unit in your phone is obscene.
My phone, my conversation. I will grant the article the credit in pointing out that most people who use a phone in public are idiots. Studies show that they do tend to drive worse and lord knows I don�t need to hear how your date went last night or the fight you are having with your significant other while I�m pumping my gas or standing in line at the grocery store. The ability to have conversations in these places does require an amount of self restraint, however most people don�t have the balls to say what they want to who they want face to face. Sometimes they are needed and are good entertainment for those lucky enough to see them.
Accessories are in the American bloodline. The article mentions pleather and pegboards, if you care that much about what I do with my cell phone and how I use it, you need to get more of a life.
I�m not a public annoyance. Wired�s article basically uses the eighth item in their list for number ten, very weak.