I like to keep things simple. I like to keep things affordable. That is why it has been hard for me to give into the age of iphones. I don't know how to text because I would way rather talk to someone or send a complete email, with real thoughts and continuity.
I took Willem to an event one night a few weeks back and the three women sitting next to me were all typing away on their iphones. No eye contact, no conversation, just iphone communication. I wondered how I could have gotten to know these women sitting in the Learning Center ten years ago.
These gadgets seems pretty cool, lots of capabilities... but they also seem to take away from the simplicity and conversation that I happen to love.
So, I have an old school cell phone. I pay $38 a month and never run out of minutes. My husband has been encouraging me to get with the times and get an iphone or something along those lines. I keep thinking the one I have works, I haven't lost it now in probably two months (this is big for me) and why upgrade when what I have does what I need it to do. But then there are stories of couponing apps... apparently I can track my miles and calories burned on a gadget like this... I can receive emails when running errands... I can take pictures with a phone like this...
I went for an OBGYN appt in January and as I was leaving the office the Dr. asked if she could see some pictures of my kids on my phone. Pictures? On my phone? I left there feeling Amish. Or at least very behind the times.
When I email a friend who sits in front of a computer to check her emails, I usually get an email back. When I email a friend who gets the email while driving down the road or while out to lunch with friends, the replies aren't as frequent. I get it, but it stinks. I want to be the gal that writes back.
SO, I ponder whether or not I should really give into this popular device. My ringer has stopped working on my cell phone so I probably need to move onto something better or at least a phone with a ringer that works. The apps would be fun. Couponing help, very cool. A camera within reach, appealing.
My husband's blackberry has provided constant dinner interruptions, vacation interruptions and we hear it ring or "zip" far often then any of us ever wanted. But, it is a connection to his work - a connection he has to have. I don't really HAVE to have this connection to the world.
So what are your thoughts?
Do you have an iphone, blackberry, smartphone? Are they all the same thing basically? Does it make your life more simple or more complicated?
Laura Ingalls and I would like to know.
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13 comments:
I love this post. As a recent iPhone convert, I guess I have an opinion. But I think you know how I feel since we talk all the time. I will never use my minutes, because I don't use my phone for calling much, weird I know. The convenience of having access to email etc is nice. All the apps are fun...but my opinion is if you can get by without one, don't get one. We needed to get a new phone plan and with Reese's work schedule, iPhone's made sense for him, I am just along for the ride. Also it doesn't make me email any more than I used to, I hate typing on that little thing!
Well, I don't know much about Driod or Blackberry. I have been an iPhone user since it's inception in 2007. We waited in line 12 hours and were the first in our area to get it. Made the news and the newspaper! Of course, we were already HUGE Apple fans so this was just another bonus for us. We also upgrade to the newest one when they come out.
Personally, Michele, I can't live without my iPhone. It goes everywhere with me and I will go into a complete panic if I can't find it. It makes my life so much easier. When I or Bryan go to the doctor we put our next appointments in it. It messages me reminders. We email and text like mad on the thing. I love the game apps and facebook app. I love the GPS when we are out of town or not in my car. All in all it's great!
I think though that these devices can take away from personal contact. I find myself wanting to text not talk. I even got on my Mom & Dad awhile back for not having some sort of smart phone so I could text them. I had to stop myself and realize they aren't into that and would rather talk to me.
All in all, You have to decide what's best for you!
Oh I have thoughts!
I too just have a regular phone. I do have texting. Simply because I want to stay in touch with my guys, 24, 21, and 17 and it was a way to have contact with them without them having to have a phone conversation. "U?"- it means where are you and I send it to the teen alot;)
I do think the new iphones etc. create 'false community'. Face to face is still nice. And I do think that there is a whole new set of very bad manners out there with the new phones. People can not resist checking their phone... ever! I do not like to be at dinner with someone and see them sneak a glance or be in the car visiting and see them texting and checking while I think we are having a conversation.
I'm sure someday I to will cave and have an iphone but I hope I can still have some manners.
I could go on but I'll spare you the things I've seen with people and their phones...
I love my iPhone. I'm gone from home 6am-4pm M-F, so not only is it my means for communicating, it's my lifeline for staying connected with family and friends when there's nothing I can do about being away from them. Rob and I never use to communicate during the day. Now we send each other texts all throughout the day and it feels like a special addition to our relationship. My sister and friend text me pictures of their growing babies...I just love it and am so happy to be connected when I'm away from home. I can check my personal email at work without feeling like I'm breaking any rules. It has become an extension of me, but not in a bad way. I'd say it's only used for good...to communicate with people more than I normally would.
I have an iphone and I do love it, but it simply takes self-control to make sure it doesn't interrupt dinner or take the place of actual conversation. It can be a very useful tool and it can also be damaging and it's up to the person who uses it to use it properly. I got one because I was doing a lot of traveling and it allowed me to stay in closer touch with my family while I was gone. It's also great for me because I spent a lot of time sitting in the car waiting for one child somewhere or another and so it gives me a chance to get caught up on some computer things so that I don't have to sit in front of the computer once I finally get home. But yes, it can take over your life and I've had to learn how to manage my time with it, just as with Facebook or blogging, or any other "thing".
My phone is incredible old, Michele so I'm right there with you my friend! I can't take pictures and I can't text. It doesn't bother me at all.:) I agree some of the apps on the new phones would be convenient but I'm a face to face kind of girl.:)
Michele I can definitely relate to this one. Maybe since we are similar in age we remember a time when we didn't have to pay a cable bill to watch tv(who needs it anyway?), we didn't have huge phone bills each month, unless we made a long distance call and we were conservative with that.
They are making a lot of money, we are dependent on these services and most cannot fathom living without. But at what cost? What are these wireless transmissions doing to our world? Why are we all running around trying to get so much done in a day? No one has time anymore.
I got my first cell phone in 2003 to keep in the car in case of an emergency. I keep it in my car. I do not like the horrible reception on cell phones. I love the reliability of landlines. I pay $8 a month for that and I use a phone card for long distance,$12 recharge about every 3 to 4 months. My cell phone I usually charge not even every other month for $25(more frequently when husband is deployed)
I feel these devices take up our time. Your time is so valuable to you and to others.
Natasha reminded me about the usefulless of these "apps" and I remembered my portable device(PalmPilot) had those capabilities. Those applications are definitely nifty!
I fear that we are losing our intelligence with these gadgets doing all of the thinking for us. Are people going to be able to read maps? I fear for our children. We are evolving with little patience. We are used to getting things instantly, our children grow up experiencing it. What would give them the ambition to take on a task that required effort and a lot of time to create something meaningful?
A live teacher is not as entertaining as the shows offered 24 hours a day now? Remember when we waited until Saturdays? The teachers can't top video games or texting, social networks.
I go with the flow though and hopefully can find a middle ground and come up with new tools to teach my children what they are missing in this new way of life.
This reminds me of Wall-E lol I love that movie! All of us riding around in hover chairs with a screen glued to our face!
I have to add that my job in the Air Force was in the field of electronics, I studied microcomputers and computer graphics in college. It fascinates me and I LOVE, LOVE and adore technology and the ins and outs of electronics, but from afar.
I've had an iPhone for almost 2 years now. I love it, I think its great. But, I'm going to downgrade when our contract is up next month. I simply want a phone that I can call, text and take pictures (to show my OB, if she asks, lol). I'm having a hard time justifying my current data plan and phone bill when I stay at home with my kids. Email, facebook and apps are convenient but I don't NEED them. Another thing, with the smartphones...you are always trying to keep up with the newest and greatest. My 2 year old iphone is now obsolete. Kinda silly if you ask me. I'm stayin with something that calls, texts and takes pictures from now on. At least that's my plan :-) Good luck.
Love your post, and I love a simpler life. Oh sweet friend you have to decide what's best for you. And please don't ever let anyone pressure you! I had an old phone forever. However I broke down when my plan ended and got an iphone.
Yes I text, sweet love notes to hubby at work. Or wishing a friend a wonderful day. However this has not stop me from emailing (you would know that) or calling, or chatting personally. I love having a camera on hand, wishing I had my husbands iphone for video. I love emailing pictures asap back home to family from it. I even took pictures of the materials they had at the store for Abigail to decide which one she wanted for her blanket. I play Scrabble with a friend who loves the game but does not have time to sit down and play. I also love having my Bible on it, cause I have forgotten that a time or two for church and Bible study. And I love how Ethan snuggles on my lap and giggles when we go over pictures or play a cute game or learn letters and numbers. And if it wasn't for notes or the address book I would be lost. Did I mention it has saved me from getting lost while driving, and such a big help when I was at Sacred Heart with Miss M for a week.
So there are pros and there are cons. If you have the will power to stay true to yourself, you will be okay. And if you need help our girls can play and I can teach you on something for once.
Michele...I don't have an iPhone and probably never will. I completely agree with you...seems like all of these new technical gadgets take away from what it's really like to have a meaningful conversation. I'm sorry...just not quite ready to give up on that.
A few days ago when I read your blog...I wasn't sure. The main reason why I haven't converted to the new iphone is the cost! But since then I've been thinking more about this. I have to say that so often...I have been at Jocelynne's activities and felt lonely. I so wished to talked to the other women sitting around me, but they all were engaged in their smartphones and I felt like I would be interrupting. I think I would like to be the woman who made someone else feel welcomed if they didn't have a smartphone.
All
Well, Ms. Ingalls, you've given us all some food for thought!
Let's see if you can push this record of keeping your phone on hand a little longer before spurning your Amish ways.
I tried to call my phone to find it this morning, but it went straight to voicemail. Uh oh, dead battery and lost, not a good combo. Tell me you can't relate. If you say you can't, I'll have to ask for some i.d. to prove it. <3
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