One reason that I hardly ever use my cell phone is because I don't have any numbers programmed into it. In an age where any device containing a computer processor can be linked to any other such device, I find the chore of typing in family and friends' names via a numeric key pad to be annoyingly time-consuming.
What I want is a phone. A basic, simple phone, with the sole key feature of being able to connect to my computer so I can transfer my address book (with data entered in via a fully keyboard, thank you very much) to the phone for easy reference.
I don't want to send text messages. I don't want to browse the Web from my phone. I don't want to have fancy ringtones. I don't want to take pictures on my phone. I don't want to play music on my phone.
Alternatively, what I could use would be something along the lines of a Treo, but if we're talking about a "smart phone", even then all I need is something that can perform the basic functions of a (non-web-connected) PDA and can sync with my computer.
So no, I don't want to spend $100 on a new phone. I don't want to buy a $450 phone and then have to pay another $40/month (on top of the existing phone plan) for an Internet connection that I'll never use.
Am I being too old-fashioned and closed-minded about the uses of new technology? I'm not anti-social, but I really don't see the need for many of the features that the phone companies seem hell-bent on shoving in our collective faces these days. My computer is the device that is my "digital hub", through which all my personal data flows. Can't I get that connected, but only as far as I need, and no further?
Or am I really asking too much?
Posted by Topher (Member # 71) on :
You could try to remember phone numbers.
Alternatively, I don't think its possible to get a cell phone that can be connected to a computer that doesn't have a camera in it or custom ringtone capability. Simply because to the average user, there's no reason to connect a cell phone to a computer without those features.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
I don't even have a cellphone, and have no plans to get one anytime soon. Although, of all the people in my immediate circle of friends, my job (newspapering) is the only one that might possibly require occasional 24 hour accessibility, but my role is so minor that I've only needed to come in, after my regular hours, once in the past two years. And for one of those years, not only did I not have a cellphone, but I had no regular phone number at all, living as I did most of the time in a friend's living room, and driving back to my father's home every weekend to do laundry. (And circumvent the "no random bums living in your apartment" rule.)
So, I mean, how much connectivity does anyone really need? There were people who could get in touch with me if they really needed to.
Also, I am a grungy and cranky hermit.
Posted by Omega (Member # 91) on :
You can usually buy a serial cable, but those cost $30-$40. Bluetooth, but that's one more gadget. The simplest PDA/phone I'm aware of is the Tungsten|W, but I don't think it was well-received. Treo 600/650 might be your best bet, even if it does have a bunch of features you don't want. At least it synchs your contacts from the charging cradle. Doesn't get much simpler.
Posted by B.J. (Member # 858) on :
Not a comment about cell phones per-se, but feature-packed tech...
I work in the aerospace industry, and sometimes I need to work in a very secure area, which means no cell phones, no memory sticks, no text messaging. Basically, I can't bring in anything that stores or transmits data. So when my wife first got pregnant 6 years ago, I had to get a receive-only pager so that she could get in touch with me if necessary. That wasn't a problem then, but if this thing ever breaks, I'm not sure I'll be able to replace it. I can just imagine the blank stare of the salesperson when I tell them I don't want *any* options, and it has to be receive-only.
B.J.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Things seem to have got to the point over here where people are starting to not bother getting a land line, reasoning that if they have a mobile where people can contact them anywhere then why have a phone where they can only be contacted on if they are in one place?
If you get anything other than the absolute cheapest contract, you're going to get a phone with bluetooth on it. Then you'd need to buy a bluetooth dongle or something for your computer. You could always look for an offer somewhere where they throw the bluetooth adapter in for free (there were a couple of offers like that when I got a new phone a few months ago). But you'd still need software to transfer the numbers from Outlook (or whatever) on your phone, and I'm not sure if that would be the responsibility of outlook or your phone software.
Which reminds me; I got a CD with my phone that I've never looked at. I wonder what's on there.
(Pointless extra: The most important thing amoung one of my housemates when they last got a phone was that it had a memory card in it. Because I've got a card reader, and that meant that they could use the Undertaker's Entrance music as a ring tone. I use Also Sprach Zarathustra, so I'm pretty sure I win.)
Posted by Omega (Member # 91) on :
Bluetooth isn't quite so prevalant around here. And sometimes crippled, besides. But yeah, worth a shot. Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Samsung's tend to have the best Bluetooth set. Especially the D500. Plus it's slidey and "oooh" looking.
Posted by LOA (Member # 49) on :
I haven't had a landline to use for phone purposes in over 3 years... don't see a need for one since my cell phone never leaves my side!
Good luck though with the whole finding a phone with no features thing... that just doesn't seem to be the way the technology is heading now Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
I talked to a couple of friends at work this morning, and it seems that one is not required to purchase the Internet connection plan when you get one of those "smart" phones. So I can buy a Treo 600, use that as my PDA and my phone, but not worry about having to spend much more for any unnecessary service plans. (Plus I found a $50 discount on a Treo 600 from PalmOne...)
So, I said I didn't want to spend a lot of money for a phone, but I wouldn't mind spending more money for a PDA/phone -- because for me, that's a whole lot more useful!
Posted by Jay the Obscure (Member # 19) on :
T-Mobile allows you, at least with phone that I have, to input phone numbers on their website. They are then uploaded to the phone and stored in your phonebook.
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
I was extremely happy the day I told Bellsouth (the local land-line monopoly) to go fuck themselves. Wih all the local extra fees they slapped on and state taxes, I was paying $80 a month for a line with no out of state long distance at all.
I now only have a cell phone- the phone cost only $50 (after rebate) and is only $45 a month for 400 minutes with long distance and such thrown in.
I never use more that 300 minutes or so each month anyway.
Aside from remote locations or needing a fax line, I dont forsee the ol' phone companies staying afloat for much longer.
Posted by Bones McCoy (Member # 1480) on :
This actually brings to mind that old anecdote about the space-pen that the Americans spent all those millions developing. While the Russians used pencils.....
I like the way you think, Minutae.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
Well, I guess it might, if the cellphone is a spurious urban legend. Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
You killed Santa Claus.
Posted by missmanners (Member # 1523) on :
yes of course you are asking too much!
mm
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
This reminds me of something I read about a year or two ago, some bright spark came up with the disposable mobile.
In essence it was a small cardboard strip attached to an integrated circuit and an arial. It didn't even have a display, just a battery, a rubber keypad and a slot for the sim card. He designed it as a sort of throwaway phone for people on holiday.
Don't know if he made any though.
Posted by The Ginger Beacon (Member # 1585) on :
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