I guess I am way too old-fashioned. Taking a Harris Online poll as to what features I use on my cell phone:
– Additional connectivity (Infrared port, USB port, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi)
– Send and receive SMS messages (short text messages)
– Built-in speakerphone
– Use phone to listen to music/MP3 player/FM radio
– Send and receive email
– Synchronize email, contacts, calender
– Instant messaging
– Downloadable ring tones/screensavers
– Receive text alerts (e.g., sports, news, stocks)
– Games (pre-existing on the device)
– Downloadable programs (Java/Brew applications)
– Color screen
– View and pay bills from phone
– Access the Internet/Look at Web pages
– Touch screen
– International roaming capabilities
– Multimedia messaging service (e.g., personalized message, voice or email, with enhanced images and sound)
– Voice activated dialing
– Location based service (GPS)
– Address book (e.g., handset contains addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, etc.)
– Memory expansion
– Calender/Date book
– Integrated TV
– Push-to-talk (2-way radio/walkie-talkie capabilities)
– Camera
– I primarily use my phone just to make/receive calls.
I just checked off the last one. Jeez.
Whereas I don’t even own a cell phone.
I do have one of those newfangled push-button phones at home, though.
I recently dumped AT&T as my long-distance carrier. I also refused to sign up with Verizon’s LD service.
To both I said the same thing: I’ve got 800 minutes a month on my cellphone, local or long distance. I barely get through 60, if I really push it. Why should I pay for a second LD service?
I was offered all sorts of fancy services when we signed up with our cell provider. No thanks, just a phone will do. Who am I going to send SMS’s too? My daughter?
Now if I could get a reasonably priced alternative for this absolute mess of a ISP (AOL Version 9.0–don’t bother), I’d grab it. Unfortunately, the two choices are the cable system (stinks and is expensive) and Verizon (isn’t as expensive, but still stinks).