Why I Ditched My Smartphone And You Should Too

Thomas Dishaw ^ | 6-4-15 | Thomas Dishaw

[BigIsleGal]

Yep, me too. It’s the only stable web connection I have.

[A Navy Vet]

Being retired, I finally got a basic Tracfone about 18 months ago when I bought my '58 Chevy Impala classic. Although a great survivor and I've done more repairs, such cars are susceptible to breakdowns. The Tracfone is only for calling AAA or my Wife if the Impala fails.

Plus, it doesn't have a GPS tracker nor texting ability since I don't have the need to tell everyone I know (or the World) that I just fed the dog. Social media is a detriment to our society. We read every day that Facebook, Tweeter, Instagram is a cause of suicides amongst teens, and used for many nefarious purposes.
Disclaimer; This is written on a new 2in1 computer (computer and screen) and an audio/video guy with all the latest components, including a 110" screen. So I have no aversion to some new technology.

[goodnesswins]

What kind of landline service do you have that only costs $3.85 mo?

[A Navy Vet]

Forgot to mention that when I owned/operated a large film distribution warehouse, I had the first cell phone available installed in my car for when not physically present at my company. This was even before the "brick" when you had to carry a box tethered to the phone receiver.

There was a large unit placed under the seat that was wired to a handset that had the squirrly cord (think home phones with the long cords) connected to it. Long before Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Just making the point that I am not tech adverse.

However, Social Media has been a detriment to human communications because it allows anonymous users to say things they wouldn't when face to face. Plus, when I tried Facebook, I was amazed at the inane crap people would post every day about their slightest nothing activities. And then there is the "Friends" competition. They're not friends, they're just some anonymous persons who agrees with such idiotic postings. Now you just click yes if in agreement.

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Flip phones aren’t less traceable. They still get pinged every 7 seconds.

[sneakers]

We bought an Ooma. We own the unit, and it runs through the internet. We only pay federal use tax and 911 fees, though the service is free. Initial cost for the unit is about $120 and about $40 to have your phone number ported over. You don’t pay the $40 if you get a new number from ooma.

www.ooma.com

[jaydee770]

Without a smartphone, whatever will you do while you poop?

[roadcat]

We got them when there was a triple minutes offer.

Good deal! Just be aware, that it is good for the life of the phone as long as you use it. It can't be transferred!

I recently upgraded TracFone from a slider to an TracFone LG smartphone. When I transferred the minutes from the old phone, it did not transfer the double minutes total. TracFone people explained that they will only transfer the total you bought, not the doubled (or tripled) amount tied to a previous phone. It didn't matter to me as I had over 4000 accumulated minutes, and keeping over 2000 was good enough. The double or triple will take effect on new cards you purchase for the newer model phone (if offered, which I look for when upgrading).

[RckyRaCoCo]

I had over 6000 minutes(bonus codes, etc., over many years)on my last(non-smart)tracfone. Was able transfer all to new Alcatel smartphone(6000+ data/phone/text). I read this will no longer work however should I switch to another smartphone.

That said, wish I would have chose the LG instead of Alcatel(smaller screen but more int. memory for apps).

[KC Burke]

interesting stuff

[AmericanExceptionalist]

When you refer 5 people to our Sprint or Verizon service your service is free. Unlimited talk, text and data.

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.