Author Topic: Should I go from my iPhone to a dinosaur phone?  (Read 3429 times)

quelinda

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Should I go from my iPhone to a dinosaur phone?
« on: December 12, 2015, 10:18:09 AM »
I've had the iPhone 4 for five years now. I feel like I'm on it too much -- and I'm not sure I have the willpower just to leave it alone.

I'm looking at the phones for sale on Ting & the cheapest one, an LG 450, is $45. Would I regret taking a step backwards? (I had a cheap flip phone before my iPhone.)

I do want SOMETHING because my kids are in school & I do get calls to pick them up when they're sick, or texts from other moms when my kids are on playdates. (I'm an introvert so I much prefer that to a phone call.)

lbmustache

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Re: Should I go from my iPhone to a dinosaur phone?
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2015, 10:36:55 AM »
If all you need and want are talk and text I don't see the harm in "downgrading." Could you buy a cheapo phone of Craigslist (and keep the iPhone 4) to see if you like it before switching completely?

Malum Prohibitum

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Re: Should I go from my iPhone to a dinosaur phone?
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2015, 10:46:34 AM »
I'm not sure I have the willpower
  I'd work on the willpower issue first.  You never know, it might save you forty-five bucks.

reader2580

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Re: Should I go from my iPhone to a dinosaur phone?
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2015, 01:36:07 PM »
The $45 spent on a non-smartphone would probably be paid back with savings on not having a data plan.

Bearded Man

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Re: Should I go from my iPhone to a dinosaur phone?
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2015, 05:30:56 PM »
I just switched from my smart phone on an expensive $120 plan to a $40 a month unlimited plan with the same smart phone I had before. Same service, same network, just  1/3 the price.

RedMaple

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Re: Should I go from my iPhone to a dinosaur phone?
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2015, 09:13:11 PM »
I think without a smart phone you'll be at a disadvantage from everyone else. I was thinking of getting a dumb phone last year (I also still use the iPhone 4), but realized that it wasn't realistic. There are times when I absolutely need access to the internet. As another person said, you should work on your willpower. If for example, you play too many games, then delete all of them.

DeltaBond

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Re: Should I go from my iPhone to a dinosaur phone?
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2015, 06:36:38 AM »
I downgraded, but I will recommend not going with a flip phone.  I made that mistake.  Find another 'dumb phone' that has a screen with a keyboard or you will not be happy with your change.  I had forgotten just how impossible texting really was on a flip phone.  I have kept my smartphone with me to get on to wifi networks, and I am very happy with my change.  I feel like I won something, ya know?  I definitely don't feel I'm at any disadvantage to people who have smartphones (which I feared) nor do I have any willpower issues any more.
« Last Edit: December 13, 2015, 06:44:05 AM by DeltaBond »

reader2580

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Re: Should I go from my iPhone to a dinosaur phone?
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2015, 03:14:07 PM »
You could always be old fashioned and buy (or get free) a paper map or map book so you don't "need" to have a smartphone for maps.  I live in a pretty big metro area so a map book is the best option for paper maps.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!