Pellet Fan

All Things Considered => General Discussion--Non food Related => Topic started by: Bentley on November 19, 2017, 10:33:27 AM

Title: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bentley on November 19, 2017, 10:33:27 AM
Just curious how much of an outlier I am.  I am gonna say 85%.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Darwin on November 19, 2017, 10:59:36 AM
I protect my phone number as much as I can. I would be happy if it never rings.  That said I love my phone for the apps it can run. Having all of the search and reference abilities is what I like most.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: yorkdude on November 19, 2017, 11:04:23 AM
Yes we do and they are way smarter than we are. Kind of fun though when you aren't throwing them.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: pdf256 on November 19, 2017, 11:16:06 AM
I voted no, but I carry one with me every day.   ::)

The company I work for owns it and lets me use it in exchange for being able to call me or send me emails.  I get a call or two a month and never after 9:00pm ( most of them in the car on my way home ).

The cost of the latest SmartPhones is right up there with what I paid for my pit.  :o
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Greg1 on November 19, 2017, 11:29:13 AM
Yes I do have one.  Sort of have a love hate relationship love the fact I can do many facets of my job from the phone.  Hate the fact I can do many facets of my job from my phone. Lol
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Trooper on November 19, 2017, 11:44:55 AM
I have a IPhone7
  My wife has a IPhone 5

Now BentMan, I know that you are now out there in Mayberryland, and signal strength is very important for you to check should you  consider making a purchase.

I am not attached to my smart phone in the way that you see many people today. I DO NOT Facebook, Instagram, Twitt, or any other form of social media communication. I also have some issues on who I want to receive text messages from.
Some people drive me crazy sending a message every time they have something happen in THEIR life. Like I need to know about it. Leave me alone.

On the plus side a smart phone allows the user to have instant access to other things at his disposal. Like weather mapping (when out golfing) or  GPS etc. etc.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: ksupaul on November 19, 2017, 11:49:24 AM
I am an example of everything bad about smart phones. Live in it. Have to put it in a drawer to talk to my family. I am not proud of it.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Jcorwin818 on November 19, 2017, 11:59:48 AM
My flip phone does all I need and that is make a phone call to talk to a person.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bobitis on November 19, 2017, 12:10:30 PM
Yes. But I don't use it for anything other than an occasional call (once a month?).
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bentley on November 19, 2017, 12:22:37 PM
I agree with you Jim, and that is what I have.  I am even prepaid...but I would have one in a Heartbeat if I was not such a cheap screw!
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Trooper on November 19, 2017, 12:25:35 PM
You will have one by the end of 2018
Mark my word
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bentley on November 19, 2017, 12:32:58 PM
Not at $500-$700, I say with 100% certainty that aint happening!
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bar-B-Lew on November 19, 2017, 12:59:05 PM
Got my first one about 12 years ago...and get a new one about every 2 years.  Been a Samsung guy for the last 4-5 of them.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Canadian John on November 19, 2017, 01:10:03 PM
May not count:  Wife.pre payed flip phone...Me,Two cans connected by a string.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Kristin Meredith on November 19, 2017, 01:11:20 PM
May not count:  Wife.pre payed flip phone...Me,Two cans connected by a string.

 :pig: You are a step up from me CJ -- I am still trying to master smoke signals!
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: scdaf on November 19, 2017, 01:56:35 PM
Bentley, you may want to check Tracfone.  They have several smart phones .  Mine, a Samsung  Galaxy Grand Prime (modestly named) was about $100 and does all the smart phone stuff, which I rarely use, but it's nice to have it available.  Driving directions, check Craigslist in a remote location, track garage sales etc.  Once a year, I get a new prepaid card for $100 and that is more time than I'll ever use.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Free Mr. Tony on November 19, 2017, 02:06:20 PM
I agree with you Jim, and that is what I have.  I am even prepaid...but I would have one in a Heartbeat if I was not such a cheap screw!

You can get one on eBay or Craigslist for a fraction of that. It will be used, but they are so prevalent that most look like brand new. You could get a nice phone for 100-150, maybe less. You would then need a monthly data package, which may be a deal breaker for you.

Also, like ksu, I am attached to mine with an iron grip. Wouldn't know what to do without it. Certainly wouldn't be on these forums much if I had to be at a desk to view them.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: hughver on November 19, 2017, 02:31:01 PM
Bent, most phones have a GPS so you will never get lost going out to your grill.   ;D
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: pmillen on November 19, 2017, 03:23:40 PM
I'd rather leave home without my wallet than without my smartphone (of course I have Apple Pay).
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Kristin Meredith on November 19, 2017, 03:25:04 PM
What is Apple Pay?
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: pmillen on November 19, 2017, 06:25:59 PM
What is Apple Pay?

It's a digital wallet.  The iPhone has one or more credit cards or debit cards registered in the application.  Users pay at a point of sale CC reader by putting their smartphone near it.  It operates on Near Field Communication (somewhat like Bluetooth—those ID cards that you swipe across a sensor to open a secure door are the same).
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: jdmessner on November 19, 2017, 06:29:51 PM
Bentley, you may want to check Tracfone.  They have several smart phones .  Mine, a Samsung  Galaxy Grand Prime (modestly named) was about $100 and does all the smart phone stuff, which I rarely use, but it's nice to have it available.  Driving directions, check Craigslist in a remote location, track garage sales etc.  Once a year, I get a new prepaid card for $100 and that is more time than I'll ever use.

I went the same route as scdaf and agree with the assesment. It's great because you can connect to wifi without using any of your minutes and can get most any ap you want. I can talk with my daughter in Italy on video for free. That in and of itself is worth it. There are no monthly payments. The phone was around $100 and I'll spend less than that for minutes over the course of a year. The only reason I upgraded was because my old trac phone quit working and I could no longer get updates for it. This one has been great, wish I had done it earlier.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bentley on November 19, 2017, 06:51:58 PM
It is the data that would cost so much.  I may use my cell phone 5 times a year for calls.  It is simply for emergencies.  And if I had a smart phone, all I would want to use it for is data, and I imagine that is cheap screw deal breaker!
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Kristin Meredith on November 19, 2017, 08:12:16 PM
What is Apple Pay?

It's a digital wallet.  The iPhone has one or more credit cards or debit cards registered in the application.  Users pay at a point of sale CC reader by putting their smartphone near it.  It operates on Near Field Communication (somewhat like Bluetooth—those ID cards that you swipe across a sensor to open a secure door are the same).

Thanks.  Once I learn Greek, I am sure I will be able to translate and understand what you have just told me. ;D 

I am so technological out of it that I am very afraid that in 5 years or less, I simply will not be able to function in society.  I read that in one of the Scandinavian countries (or maybe all), you can no longer use cash or a check to purchase anything.  But when global warming causes the next ice age, at least we have fire wood to barter!!!
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: jdmessner on November 20, 2017, 10:13:29 AM
It is the data that would cost so much.  I may use my cell phone 5 times a year for calls.  It is simply for emergencies.  And if I had a smart phone, all I would want to use it for is data, and I imagine that is cheap screw deal breaker!

Depending on how you use it data doesn't need to cost too much. With a TracFone you purchase phone use and mobile data. No monthly fee or plan. If you have wifi or go someplace where they offer wifi it will not use any of the data that you pay for. Using it at home is great, it hooks into our wifi network and is secure. My wife watches a lot of movies on her phone and does stuff on the internet with her phone all the time and she is not using any of her data.

However, if you are using a public connection it is a bit different story and may or may not be a deal breaker. Some people don't like using a public access connection. Most places will have you sign in, so they are somewhat password protected and secure. If I use a public wifi connection it is usually for a very short period of time. It boils down to what you think is an acceptable risk and you can control most of the risk.

If there is no wifi and you need to make a connection, then you will burn a lot of mobile data (just ask my son).
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bobitis on November 20, 2017, 11:39:16 AM
I'm in the Meredith's camp. 

I have a smart phone and it sits on the table unless I'm out and about. I truly hate driving, so 'going somewhere' means werk or the store. I take the phone for emergency purposes.

I can't imagine anything more dangerous than purchasing something with a card over the mobile network. There's nothing I need so desperately that it needs to be purchased NOW!


Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: pmillen on November 20, 2017, 12:48:49 PM
I can't imagine anything more dangerous than purchasing something with a card over the mobile network. There's nothing I need so desperately that it needs to be purchased NOW!

Agreed for the most part.  Auto fuel and pellets come immediately to mind as exceptions.  There are undoubtedly others that I would purchase NOW!
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: GrillinGlen on November 20, 2017, 12:54:26 PM
I have a cell phone mostly so my wife can keep me updated via text on whats happening through out the day, I hate being bombarded with a days worth of drama the second I come home.  The primary reason I have a smart phone is so I can goof around on the internet and pelletfan.  No social media for me.  I could survive easily with a flip phone, or a land line and email
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: dclord on November 20, 2017, 02:31:30 PM
I have had one for a number of years now, and the feature I use the least is the phone part. I read news, facebook, and of course this forum. I google a lot, get directions, and if I'm out and about I use yelp to find a place to eat.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: yorkdude on November 20, 2017, 06:49:31 PM
Siri on an I phone is pretty slick. Hold the button down and ask her to call so and so, text so and so, directions, scores, what's on Fox News tonight, weather or anything. We thought we would not use it, we were wrong.
Don't know who pays her, I am betting it is buried somewhere in the "fine print " but dang she is really smart.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: pmillen on November 20, 2017, 07:30:38 PM
Siri on an I phone is pretty slick. Hold the button down and ask her to call so and so, text so and so, directions, scores, what's on Fox News tonight, weather or anything. We thought we would not use it, we were wrong.
Don't know who pays her, I am betting it is buried somewhere in the "fine print " but dang she is really smart.

Ask "her" what music is playing and "she'll" listen and identify it.  I removed Shazam.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: yorkdude on November 20, 2017, 07:55:10 PM

Ask "her" what music is playing and "she'll" listen and identify it.  I removed Shazam.

Really? I knew she was smart but had no idea.
Never heard of shazam, our kids talked us into these and while frustrating if you're Dum-dums like us, once you start to get the hang of it they are pretty neat.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: pmillen on November 20, 2017, 10:30:53 PM
Never heard of shazam...

It's a music identifying App.  It identifies the music the microphone picks up.  You can press a button and it downloads it.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: silverbullet on November 20, 2017, 10:47:36 PM
If I want to know something, or know the spelling of something I just ask it. Its smarter than most humans. And mine is "Old" A Samsung 5
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: ArborAgent on November 20, 2017, 11:04:41 PM
Absolutely, I can do my job from anywhere with it.

There's something wonderful about having the collected knowledge of our species at my beck and call.

Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Quadman750 on November 21, 2017, 07:52:40 AM
I asked Siri this morning if I was smart & she replied "no comment"  :-[
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: riverrat49 on November 21, 2017, 08:18:59 AM
SIRI told me when asked if I was Smart "I couldn't Say"  When asked if SIRI was smart the rely was " A wise man once said I'm Smart "SMRT"


:rotf:
I asked Siri this morning if I was smart & she replied "no comment"  :-[
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bentley on November 21, 2017, 01:53:30 PM
I see I was pretty close with my est. of 85%...

So what is the % of apps that are free as opposed to those you have to pay for?
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bar-B-Lew on November 21, 2017, 02:18:53 PM
I see I was pretty close with my est. of 85%...

So what is the % of apps that are free as opposed to those you have to pay for?

Probably about 85%-90% free depending on what you would use it for.  I think games are a mix of free and paid.  Free usually has advertisements and paid does not or less.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: dclord on March 25, 2018, 05:29:10 PM
I see I was pretty close with my est. of 85%...

So what is the % of apps that are free as opposed to those you have to pay for?
The only app I ever paid for was for designing and managing beer brewing recipes.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: BigDave83 on March 25, 2018, 06:28:59 PM
I bought a used SamsungS6 Active off of Letgo and app on the smart phone. I use Straight talk I have unlimited everything and I thing I get 5Gigs of 4G data before it lowers. I had a Sony Z2 before and the reception is far better with the same service with my Samsung. It runs off of AT&T towers. Costs me 45 bucks a month, My girlfriend has and Iphone through At&T and I get better reception than she does in many places. A lot of places have WiFi so you are not using you data that often and if you have internet at home with WiFi you are go there.

Most of the Apps seem to be free although some have adds in them I guess to help pay for the free part, some don't, I have used it with my GMG grill and it works well.

AS said craigslist, Amazon, if you are on Facebook they have local yardsale or classified pages, and I have bought off of Swappa.com

You can get a decent phone in the Iphone 6 or 7 or the equal samsung for 150-250 or thta is the prices I see locally.

Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: W6YJ on March 25, 2018, 08:44:56 PM
Another possibility if you are 'well seasoned' like me is T-Mobile's One 55+ unlimited plan if their coverage is good in your area.
.
When I signed up it was $60 per month for two lines. I just looked and they've raised the price to $70 for two lines. Still pretty cheap at $35 per line.

The 'unlimited' is at 4G speeds until you've used 50GB in one month (per line) and then it is throttled back to lower speeds for the rest of the month. So far, I've never gotten throttled.

Service plus either a used smart phone or a relatively low cost new smartphone like the Motorola Moto G5 Plus for $200 and you're all set.

Ed
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: ZCZ on March 25, 2018, 09:11:35 PM
Late to the discussion but I rarely use it as an actual "phone."  I do all my posting on Pellet Fan with it.

Z
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Mudflap on March 25, 2018, 10:05:54 PM
Bentley, you may want to check Tracfone.  They have several smart phones .  Mine, a Samsung  Galaxy Grand Prime (modestly named) was about $100 and does all the smart phone stuff, which I rarely use, but it's nice to have it available.  Driving directions, check Craigslist in a remote location, track garage sales etc.  Once a year, I get a new prepaid card for $100 and that is more time than I'll ever use.

I went the same route as scdaf and agree with the assesment. It's great because you can connect to wifi without using any of your minutes and can get most any ap you want. I can talk with my daughter in Italy on video for free. That in and of itself is worth it. There are no monthly payments. The phone was around $100 and I'll spend less than that for minutes over the course of a year. The only reason I upgraded was because my old trac phone quit working and I could no longer get updates for it. This one has been great, wish I had done it earlier.

I said yes but..

I have a Tracfone. Wife upgraded me from non-flip with pull out antenna last Xmass. At the time I had over 7000 min built up. I think it is a LG. They have some on sale for under $40. I use mine about 2 times a month. I find myself using it at the house like they say connected to free WiFi more often now.

I am a cheap screw also. I tell the younger guys at work that over the last 10 yrs I bought and paid in full, a Master craft Ski boat for the price they payed for there phones for there families....
Then they do the math.... :rotf:

Mudflap
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: smokin soon on March 25, 2018, 11:17:09 PM
I have an inexpensive Motorola that does what I need. Being semi retired, I switched over to a low use provider [Ting] that fits my needs. I turn data off completely as the clients I deal with all have Wi-Fi. I don't really need email or anything else while I'm away from Wi-Fi. My bills are usually $12-$19 a month. Most of my home use is recipes, Tappecue and a couple card games. I prefer a full screen for forum use.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: ArborAgent on March 26, 2018, 01:18:20 AM
All of this talk of cheap phones...

I can basically do my job from my phone. I switched to an iPhone X as soon as it came out. I’ve taken to selling my phone every year and getting the latest new one.
This is the nicest phone I’ve ever used.

I imagine things would be different if I were retired or not working the kind of job I have, but I spend so much time looking at this thing, I’m happy it has such a nice screen.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Goosehunter51 on March 26, 2018, 05:08:41 AM
Smartphone and Tablet, both critical for work.  Most all apps that I use are free.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: WannaBsmokin on March 26, 2018, 09:18:02 AM
Ummmm. Not to be picky, but how exactly is this "food related"?

Should this thread be moved?
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: okie smokie on March 26, 2018, 10:34:21 AM
We both have iPhones.  Play golf a lot and I can check the weather easier with the iPhone.  Also, get a lot of unsolicited promotion and scam calls.  Working on a way to get less of them.  No Facebook or other social media for me.  Just another victim of progress (?).
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bentley on March 26, 2018, 11:28:12 AM
Your right to be picky!  This was before we made the new section!

Ummmm. Not to be picky, but how exactly is this "food related"?

Should this thread be moved?
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: WayneB on March 26, 2018, 12:43:06 PM
I have a IPhone7
  My wife has a IPhone 5

Now BentMan, I know that you are now out there in Mayberryland, and signal strength is very important for you to check should you  consider making a purchase.


Culpeper isn't that far in the middle of nowhere. They should have pretty good coverage out his way. I never have trouble when I am riding through that area.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: Bentley on March 26, 2018, 02:51:28 PM
I am sure depending on the carrier the coverage is fine.  I just have no use for a smart phone.  I have a flip phone in the truck for emergencies, that I load up once a year with minutes.  I just cant imagine having to use one to post on places like this.  I have an 8inch tablet and I took it to use when I went to CA and it was miserable trying to post anything on it...I can't imagine how much trouble I would have on a little phone screen!

I am a computer person when it comes to the internet.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: slaga on March 26, 2018, 05:59:35 PM
I need to preface with I do not use my phone for work and I never have...

It took me a while to get a mobile phone. Most of my friends had them for years before I bought my first one. Once I had one I thought, why didn't I get one sooner. Once my kids started travel sports, texting was the norm for communication so I added the texting package to my flip phone sans qwerty key board. What a pain in the rear to type anything so I bought a phone with a qwerty key board and found I could get needed information from people much quicker with a text than a phone call. I thought I should have upgraded to to this qwerty phone and a texting package a lot sooner. When smart phones first started showing up I was a little hesitant but got in on it pretty quickly without any regrets. Among other things, I cannot tell you the number of times, or hours of sitting in traffic, my phone (GPS) has saved me from by taking a detour around traffic because of an accident, construction, etc. Navigating around real time traffic alone makes my smart phone more than worth it. When my kids are at practice, I routinely watch Netflix and surf the net. Could I survive without a smart phone? Of course I could, but it makes my life much, much easier.

Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: dk117 on March 26, 2018, 06:14:48 PM
my kids have smartphones.   And now so do their grandparents.    Want to interact with the kids, see pictures of their lives in real time, get a smartphone.

+ 1 to slaga's comment on navigation.   And add another.   Traveling in Europe last summer the iPhone maps app automatically updates with local transit.   Paris metro, piece of cake.    How far to the next tourist attraction, no problem.   Looking for something to eat, yup got you covered. 

DK

PS I work for one of those big telecom companies.   My wife got an iPhone 3.  I hemmed and hawed and said how much I didn't need something like that.   By the time the iPhone 5 came around I got one and I don't think I could live without it.   

PSS my 4 person household has 8 Apple devices (including work).   Win to Steve Jobs. 

PSSS we do worry our kids are too connected to the devices. 
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: pmillen on March 26, 2018, 08:53:40 PM
PSS my 4 person household has 8 Apple devices (including work).   Win to Steve Jobs. 

We're not employed in my 2-person house.  We have two MacBook Pros, an iMac, two iPads & one iPhone (Marcia retained her Windows phone).  Another win for Steve Jobs, and we own Microsoft stock, but I couldn't tolerate the constant Windows problems so we changed out six devices a little more than a year ago.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: slaga on March 27, 2018, 09:23:28 AM
I doubt Steve Jobs will ever win my household over. The adults use android and the kids have apple stuff. I do have an ipad mini but I much prefer the way my android phone works over the ipad. The ipad was initially a gift I bought on sale for someone way in advance that ended up wanting something completely different so it just became mine.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: ICIdaho on March 27, 2018, 11:03:47 AM
I started with an android.  After waiting on carrier updates for 6 months to update a serious android security issue that pretty much ended up bricking my year old phone, I switched.  I could not stand the bloatware that came pre-installed that you were not allowed to delete either.  I am going on 5 years with the iphone 5s that I handed down to my son a few months ago and it still runs like a champ.  I am still on windows computers though, too much cash for the macs.
Title: Re: Do you own a Smart Phone?
Post by: ylr on March 27, 2018, 01:56:46 PM
I have a Sonim Bolt that I can toss around without hurting it. Has excellent cell sensitivity, too. Only apples in this house are the Galas in the fridge..... :rotf: