Our Dumbphone
We got our first cell phone three years ago, apparently, amongst the last people in the U.S. to get one, or at least, it seemed that way. We fought the idea for a long time thinking, for one thing, that we couldn’t afford it. But after discovering no-contract phones, we realized that maybe, just maybe we could work one into our budget. Plus, with our constant long trips back and forth to our kids’ colleges (many of which were in a 1982 Volvo 245), we realized that having a way to get in touch was almost essential, particularly since phone booths seem to have gone the way of 8-tracks and cassette-tape players.
Still, I hated the idea of a cell phone. I don’t even like talking on a phone very much. And Lord knows, I didn’t want to become one of those people who ignore the actual flesh-and-bones person standing before them because apparently whoever they’re talking to on their cell phone is FAR more important. More than once, I’ve been in a bathroom stall and heard the person in the adjoining stall suddenly say something and thinking they were talking to me, responded, only to realize that they were talking on their cell phone. I always feel like an idiot, but then I think, Wait, why should I feel like an idiot? I mean, who has a cell phone conversation while sitting on the john in a public bathroom?
Anyway, we finally decided to take the plunge into the wireless world and have had numerous occasions to be very glad that we did. As any long-time reader of my blog knows, we’ve had a number of unexpected medical emergencies (and other emergencies that I haven’t written about), and I can tell you that being able to call friends and family from the hospital (or your car as you speed to the hospital) has been invaluable.
It’s only a Dumbphone, though. I say “dumb phone” because, well, it’s not a Smartphone. In fact, it is the most generic, rudimentary phone you can possibly buy. Essentially, it makes phone calls. It does have a little camera, but what’s the point when you can’t download the photos? But it does make phone calls and it does that extremely well, and I can tell you that that is worth more than all the fancy apps and gadgets in the world when you’re sitting in a cold hospital waiting room, anxious and scared out of your mind and you just want to talk to someone who loves your sick or hurt dear one almost as much as you do.
July 9, 2012 at 10:25 pm |
You have a 1982 car? I drive a “newer” one, a 1983 Datsun Maxima, from the year BEFORE Nissan started making the Maximas. LOL. We are more alike than we knew.
Speaking of cell phones, my friend Donna seems to always be saying about bad drivers, “On the phone, of course.” Yep, they aren’t paying attention to the road because they are talking on their phones.
But for times like being able to contact someone when you are feeling all alone in a waiting room, they make so much sense. And you’re right about the disappearing phone booths — they just aren’t out there anymore.
July 9, 2012 at 10:48 pm |
Love your writing in this; great flow. Since I’m married to an IT-guy, a geek, we — or at least he — usually has the latest version of various forms of technology. However, when he and I met in ’99, I was living very simply in an old dump of a farmhouse with 5 dogs and 9 cats, rescuing and fostering and writing, and the poor man was in shock.
So, yes, simple is awesome — I was very happy. And yet, I agree, the cell phones have been amazing during crises and I’m very grateful for them … and for many other ‘techno-luxuries’ that, sure, I could do without, but I also freely admit to enjoying them while I have them. Never take anything for granted, while also being fully aware of what is the most important in life — Life and Love.
July 9, 2012 at 10:50 pm |
I feel the same way about cellphones… I cannot stand being with someone and can’t even have a conversation with them without them having to check their messages, etc… It’s RUDE…. OR—have you ever been in a public place and someone at the table nearby gets a phone call and talks so loudly that everyone in the place can hear them?????? GADS….
I also have a dumbphone—but I refuse to do email and internet, etc. on a tiny, little phone. So–I’m not going to pay for a SmartPhone. I don’t see that well—so having a cell for phone calls only (and an occasional text from my sons) is fine with me….
I read somewhere about a parent taking his teenage son and some friends on a vacation to the Outer Banks… The only rule was that the teens couldn’t take their cellphones, their little games, or even watch TV or go on the internet…. Those teens were LOST—and were forced to talk to each other, play board games, and just enjoy being together…. Quite a change.
OH–for the good-ole days!!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
July 10, 2012 at 6:08 am |
I don’t have a smartphone either and am perfectly content with it. Since my hubby teaches at a college here his kids make fun of his phone all the time. But it’s all either of us need.
July 10, 2012 at 7:44 am |
I am exactly like you, Beth. I don’t like talking on the phone very much. I do have a cell phone but barely, if ever, use it. I carry it around in case of emergency, and only a handful of people have the number.
July 10, 2012 at 11:11 am |
Dumbphones are pretty much the best–although I realize I waxed a little poetically about using G’s smartphone in my latest post). I’m going to miss mine when I make the switch, if only because it’s so hard to make an actual phone call on a smartphone!
July 10, 2012 at 12:41 pm |
No smart phone here, either, though I confess I would like one. Maybe one day.
July 10, 2012 at 1:42 pm |
I have a dumbphone as well. It doesn’t even have a camera. I do have a friend who doesn’t even have a dumbphone!
July 10, 2012 at 6:05 pm |
Yes…you know my feelings…I love NET10. It is great to be able to talk to you at any time now, as opposed to waiting to get back to the dorm room or house or wherever!
July 18, 2012 at 7:59 pm |
I have a cell phone that my employer provides me, but no personal cell phone. I keep on threatening to go on eBay and buy one of those old, heavy black rotary dial phones to use at home! Who needs buttons to push when you can enjoy the slow whirring noise of the dial returning to its starting point?