I Just got a Cell Phone

[Andrew Joiner]

I finally got my first cell phone. I was happy with just a landline but it worked out to be cost effective to switch to a smartphone and cut my landline. We discussed it here:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?202575-I-Don-t-Have-a-Cell-Phone
I see the benefit to texting and I do that now. I get wind reports on it so it's great for windsurfing.
The problem is my wife and family want me to respond on it like they do, almost non-stop and compulsive.
I answered a voice call driving like I promised I'd never do. I did make a dash mount so it's a legal hands-free phone now.
When I set up voicemail I want it to say "I don't respond by voice, please email or text me" That seems faster and less hassle.
I originally said I'd leave it at home and only take it with me if I was gone all day. Now I feel like I'm getting sucked into the compulsion to take it everywhere.

Any tips for a recent landline cutter who's never had a cell phone?

[John K Jordan]

My only advice is to train the instant communicators. Do it now before it's too late!

Some people used to get quite upset when I didn't respond instantly. What I did was purposely wait a while, maybe 30 minutes before responding For people I didn't want to talk to anyway I might wait until the next day. It's just like training a horse or llama - patience and repetition. If they complain I tell them I was busy, running machinery, was in a poor reception area, or was throwing up in the bathroom. One of these is always true. After some training no one expects instant responses.

I also had to train myself when I began to have the compulsion to answer when driving. Sometimes I turn my phone off when driving (or working around the farm) - sure improves battery life. Having it off or at least silenced when driving removes the temptation to use it and wreck the car. I know people who leave their phones off until they want to make a call. Occasionally I leave it at home just for practice. Often I just don't answer - there is no law saying I must. If it's important they will leave a message.

One other hint - put everyone's name in your phone's address book so you can see who's calling. If the phone number is unrecognized I never answer it. That eliminates ALL of the noxious robo and sales calls. If it's my Lovely Bride calling and it's time for supper or she is away from home I will answer it. Maybe she's calling because she has decided to buy me a track hoe.

Most of the population has forgotten that life went on just fine for a LONG time without instant communication. I'm convinced now if the cell system goes down it will be the collapse of civilization and possibly the end of the humans in most of the world - no one will be able to find their way around, be unable to find food, shelter, and medical care, will have no idea how to meet up with people, will be unable to date, get married, and reproduce.

BTW, I got my first cell phone sometime between the car phone and the flip phone, late '80s, early '90s? I didn't know anyone else who had a cell phone at the time. It was a huge phone compared to what's available today. I was walking around a computer graphics convention in Los Angeles in a huge hall so noisy you could barely hear yourself think and hand the phone in my back pocket when someone tapped me on the shoulder: "Excuse me, but your butt is ringing!" Ha!

JKJ

[Art Mann]

I check texts once or twice a day just like email. Nobody is going to force me to pay more attention to it than that.

[John Ziebron]

Andrew, congratulations on the technology leap. Although I've had pagers and then cell phones for years for work I didn't get my own until I retired about 6 years ago. And I also got rid of my landline at that time. I know a lot of people that I would say get "addicted" to their cell phones and I can understand that. You just have to be diligent in how you use it. I always have mine in the car when I go anywhere since I feel it's a great tool to have in case of any emergency, whether you have to make the call or someone needs to contact you.

I'm fortunate that my car has a bluetooth connection for my phone and answer and hangup buttons are on the steering wheel. And since the audio goes over the vehicle sound system it automatically overrides the radio. Of course, I get less than a dozen calls a year while I'm driving (helps that I'm single). But having your phone with you also comes in handy if you see something (while not driving) that you would like to share or capture as an idea for a project you can just take a picture.

I also do not do any banking or other financial activity on my cell phone. In fact, the only app I use that required a password is my email. And if someone ever hacked that I think they would get bored in short order.

[Jason Roehl]

I've had a cellphone (I think I'm on #10) since 1996. The compulsion to answer every call went away years ago--I wouldn't have gotten any work done. The one bit of wisdom from a former member here that flipped that mental switch for me was, "I pay for the phone, I decide when to use it".

[Mike Null]

I got my first cell phone before I retired in 1996. Within a couple of years, I had decided that I would scrap my business landline (Southwestern Bell was gouging me) and just use a cell phone for my new business. That was one of my better equipment decisions. I was late coming to the texting thing but now use it often but do not allow it to interupt anything. I've had Bluetooth in my last two cars so I answer the phone while driving. I do not place calls or text.

I use the camera and email so much for my business that I couldn't get by without it.

At first, Motorola seemed to be the way to go, then Blackberry but now, after about 3 years I'm a diehard iPhone guy.

[Jerome Stanek]

I have had my cell phone since 1989 and I still have a land line that I use more than the cell. still have the same number that I got back then also. I remember driving down through KY and getting an automated call to check if I wanted service in that area

[Steve Jenkins]

I've kept my land line because the cell reception is really bad where I live and my business is behind the house. While here I forward my cell ( which is my business number) to my landline and leave the cell lying on the dining table all the time I'm home.

[John K Jordan]

... still have the same number that I got back then also.

An idea when switching from land-line to cell: When we dropped the land line when moving to the farm I had the land-line number transferred to my cell phone. That way friends and family who had that number could still reach us. I still don't answer compulsively but at least communication can happen.

Very few calls are urgent. One thing that works for those who can't live without worrying that every call might be urgent. Have friends and family know that for an urgent call simply call again. A second call from the same person implies some urgency.

Another thing I did some years ago was turn off ALL notifications from every source. That way I won't be distracted but browse on my schedule.

I do have my own compulsions. One is reading the newspaper (especially since I never watch TV, another common waste of life). An article in today's paper with the headline "ARE YOU ADDICTED TO YOUR SMARTPHONE?" reported that 46% of Americans said they could not live without their smart phone! (Pew Research Center) People stare at the screen the last thing before trying to go to sleep. They check it the first thing when they wake up. My Lovely Bride will stand motionless for minutes in the middle of the kitchen or hallway and browse Facebook feeds. Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, even notifications from woodworking forums can control us.

I have people come here for part time work at the farm. I'd see teens and even adults standing stationary next to a wheelbarrow or a bale of hay they were supposed to be carrying, staring at their phones. And I'm paying for that? New rule: all phones go on a shelf in the shop while working. One girl nearly had a meltdown, "What if it's an emergency and my MOTHER needs to reach me??" My answer: she has my number and I'll take the call. Funny thing happened, the kids got used to it very quickly and never missed their phone. One of the first things I ask now when someone wants work: are you addicted to your phone? BTW, the boy who works now, 15, the best worker I've ever had, doesn't even have a phone.

JKJ

[Mike Null]

I can't believe how rude people can be with their cell phones--my own family included. My wife and I do not carry our phones if we have guests or are dining etc. But the kids bring them to the table which really galls me. My grandchildren are even allowed to do it. One daughter, 40 years old is so addicted ---well don't get me started on that.

[Jerome Stanek]

I've kept my land line because the cell reception is really bad where I live and my business is behind the house. While here I forward my cell ( which is my business number) to my landline and leave the cell lying on the dining table all the time I'm home.

I did just the opposite have my land line set to answer anywhere

[Bert Kemp]

Didn't read all the response's here so if this was mentioned before sorry.
There are several apps that will send an Auto Text Reply to Phone calls and text text message. I set mine up so when Im on my bike or in my car It just says " I'm Driving and will reply later " I never text or answer the phone while driving.

[Jim Becker]

Hah...I've had cell phone service since the 1980s when I was selling the big, dorky, heavy "car phones" and "bag phones" in the Radio Shack store I managed at the time. In general, I stay on top of messages which has been a work habit for a long time, but I started to relax that a bit prior to retirement and now in retirement. It depends upon who's at the other end of the message.

As to your own behavior...make it your own. If you don't want to respond immediately, don't. If you prefer to be on top of things, that's ok, too. You also can code certain contacts as "VIPs" and adjust your response accordingly. Your spouse/significant other, if that applies to you, would likely prefer to be a "VIP"... LOL ;)

[Chris Parks]

After carrying several phones for my job after I retired I threatened to run over mine with the car and was greeted with cries of horror and the family would not be able to call me. I fixed that, it lives in my car for me to use when I want and I never look at it. I have educated everyone that unless I am in the car it does not get answered and leaving messages was an exercise in futility. The first thing I after I retired was turn off all notifications and data so it is only a phone and nothing else.

[Harry Hagan]

I finally got my first cell phone. I was happy with just a landline but it worked out to be cost effective to switch to a smartphone and cut my landline. We discussed it here:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?202575-I-Don-t-Have-a-Cell-Phone
I see the benefit to texting and I do that now. I get wind reports on it so it's great for windsurfing.
The problem is my wife and family want me to respond on it like they do, almost non-stop and compulsive.

I answered a voice call driving like I promised I'd never do. I did make a dash mount so it's a legal hands-free phone now.

When I set up voicemail I want it to say "I don't respond by voice, please email or text me" That seems faster and less hassle.
I originally said I'd leave it at home and only take it with me if I was gone all day. Now I feel like I'm getting sucked into the compulsion to take it everywhere.

Any tips for a recent landline cutter who's never had a cell phone?

If you're not going to use email, don't set it up. People calling you will get a message that you haven't set it up and they won't be able to leave a message. I think the new iPhones won't ring while driving unless you indicate that you're a passenger and NOT driving.

[Jim Becker]

I think the new iPhones won't ring while driving unless you indicate that you're a passenger and NOT driving.
Only if you configure that new feature...it's off by default in iOS 11. It's also applicable beyond just the iPhone 8/8S and X as it's an operating system option.

[Andy Giddings]

I've kept my land line because the cell reception is really bad where I live and my business is behind the house. While here I forward my cell ( which is my business number) to my landline and leave the cell lying on the dining table all the time I'm home.
Had the same problem in Coppell TX with all of the carriers - switched to T Mobile due to their Wi-Fi calling capability and dumped the landline

[Andrew Joiner]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm finding short simple texting does save me time. Overall I'm happy I cut the cord on the landline.

[Jim Becker]

I'm finding short simple texting does save me time.

Honestly, this family uses text messaging a LOT, even between one end of the house and the other, such as between my office and Professor Dr. SWMBO's office which are at opposite ends and a one floor difference in elevation. Sometime non-real-time communication is more efficient than "talking", quite frankly. (or shouting, as the case may be... :) )

[Brian Elfert]

I've had a cellphone (I think I'm on #10) since 1996. The compulsion to answer every call went away years ago--I wouldn't have gotten any work done. The one bit of wisdom from a former member here that flipped that mental switch for me was, "I pay for the phone, I decide when to use it".

If these are business calls I hope you return them at some point. I can understand that stopping to constantly answer calls keeps you from doing paying work. If you get enough calls maybe you need to hire an inexpensive receptionist.

I can't stand businesses that don't answer calls and never return voicemails. Maybe the business is booked out too far to take on new work, but at least tell me that. One business I deal with never answers the phone or returns voicemails. I pretty much have to go over there to get an answer on anything. I had the owner's cell phone for a time, but I misplaced it. I understand my project might not get started for two to three months, but if you don't return phone calls I can't even schedule the work. I actually need to talk to them about a project so I might have to take a day off work this week and make the 50 mile round trip to go over there.

[Brian Elfert]

I forgot my cell phone when I went out to run errands today. I didn't really care about the calling, emailing, and texting part. I wanted the phone to use Google Maps. There was a major highway closure this weekend and I needed routes around that. I know how to get everywhere if the highway was open.

I should have a paper map in the car, but I am not even sure where to get a paper map anymore.

[Jim Becker]

Brian, my daughter, who accompanied me to Florida last week to visit my parents, asked me why I was using Google Maps since I clearly know how to get where I'm going. The simple answer was so that I would be re-routed if there were traffic issues and for judging travel time based on actual traffic conditions. So yea...I would have been uncomfortable being out and about without that application when dealing with a closure and the resulting "interesting" traffic conditions!

[Andrew Joiner]

Honestly, this family uses text messaging a LOT, even between one end of the house and the other, such as between my office and Professor Dr. SWMBO's office which are at opposite ends and a one floor difference in elevation. Sometime non-real-time communication is more efficient than "talking", quite frankly. (or shouting, as the case may be... :) )

I'm trying. I have an iphone 4. It doesn't have voice text and I have have big slow fingers:).

I got in trouble with my spouse last night. She was gone overnight and my phone was on silent as I dosed on the couch. I turned on the volume to get in bed and saw she called twice and texted once. She even left a voicemail saying she was in in accident to test my night time emergency response ability! Oops, I called her and verified she was OK and explained. OK must leave phone on at all times. Went bed to be awakened at 5AM by a text from her that she accidentally texted me instead of her sister. :mad: I asked her if there's a way to silence the text but not the ability to get a phone call. More trouble. Evidently the cell phone users in our family need to be in touch by all methods 24 hours a day!
To be fair, my wife's really stressed about a rebellious grandchild right now. I learned a long time time ago to say "yes dear" promptly to avoid trouble. However the switch from a landline to cell has me baffled as far as the relationships in my family go.

[Jim Becker]

Learning to be responsive to texts and calls is a heck of a lot cheaper than a good divorce attorney... :) :D 'Just sayin...

[Mike Cutler]

I forgot my cell phone when I went out to run errands today. I didn't really care about the calling, emailing, and texting part. I wanted the phone to use Google Maps. There was a major highway closure this weekend and I needed routes around that. I know how to get everywhere if the highway was open.

I should have a paper map in the car, but I am not even sure where to get a paper map anymore.


AAA Still has nice maps. Rand McNally still does their big map book, but you have to order them online these days, or search a brick and mortar store. I still have one in each car.
I like Google Maps for the traffic updates. Very convenient.

It's kind of funny because when we're out in public together, I don't keep my phone with me. I had a person ask why not, and I replied that my wife was right next to me, why would I need it.:confused: ;) If we're not together, I do have it with me.
They're convenient and can definitely aid people, but to be a slave to one is just not for me.

[Rick Moyer]

I'm trying. I have an iphone 4. It doesn't have voice text and I have have big slow fingers:).

I got in trouble with my spouse last night. She was gone overnight and my phone was on silent as I dosed on the couch. I turned on the volume to get in bed and saw she called twice and texted once. She even left a voicemail saying she was in in accident to test my night time emergency response ability! Oops, I called her and verified she was OK and explained. OK must leave phone on at all times. Went bed to be awakened at 5AM by a text from her that she accidentally texted me instead of her sister. :mad: I asked her if there's a way to silence the text but not the ability to get a phone call. More trouble. Evidently the cell phone users in our family need to be in touch by all methods 24 hours a day!
To be fair, my wife's really stressed about a rebellious grandchild right now. I learned a long time time ago to say "yes dear" promptly to avoid trouble. However the switch from a landline to cell has me baffled as far as the relationships in my family go.

You need this app: Swype It is almost as fast and accurate as voice texting.

[Chuck Ellis]

I have a cell from Verizon, an LG3... it's okay but a little bulky and actually little hard to hear callers... I liked my flip phone much better. The only reason I got a cell to start with is a few years back when the wife and I were both working we worked in Houston and were on opposite sides of the city over 60 miles apart... on one of her commutes she got clipped by another driver that sent her spinning across 5 lanes of traffic and back... fortunately she wasn't hurt and the car wasn't damaged, but I was unaware until I got home some 2 hours later... she had a cell but I didn't.... I got one right away in case of another such accident... we neither use the phone while driving. I switched to the smartphone last year when I needed a phone that I could use at my craft booth on Saturdays to take credit cards. That is my primary use of the phone and to check on my wife at home as her health is now no so good.... I have contemplated dropping the land line and going to straight cells since we both have one, but my internet is on a DSL that I would lose if I drop the landline... I would have to go to Satellite service for the internet and don't think would save all that much, plus would have change all of my email addresses and sign ins, etc....

[Andy Giddings]

I have a cell from Verizon, an LG3... it's okay but a little bulky and actually little hard to hear callers... I liked my flip phone much better. The only reason I got a cell to start with is a few years back when the wife and I were both working we worked in Houston and were on opposite sides of the city over 60 miles apart... on one of her commutes she got clipped by another driver that sent her spinning across 5 lanes of traffic and back... fortunately she wasn't hurt and the car wasn't damaged, but I was unaware until I got home some 2 hours later... she had a cell but I didn't.... I got one right away in case of another such accident... we neither use the phone while driving. I switched to the smartphone last year when I needed a phone that I could use at my craft booth on Saturdays to take credit cards. That is my primary use of the phone and to check on my wife at home as her health is now no so good.... I have contemplated dropping the land line and going to straight cells since we both have one, but my internet is on a DSL that I would lose if I drop the landline... I would have to go to Satellite service for the internet and don't think would save all that much, plus would have change all of my email addresses and sign ins, etc....

Chuck, I'd be surprised if your carrier took away the DSL just because you no longer need the land line. Don't know how much you would save just by dropping phone service but DSL only should be cheaper (plenty of people do this and use Voice Over IP phones instead).

[Jim Becker]

Chuck, I'd be surprised if your carrier took away the DSL just because you no longer need the land line. Don't know how much you would save just by dropping phone service but DSL only should be cheaper (plenty of people do this and use Voice Over IP phones instead).

Andy, in many areas, DSL is tied to a land line whether you want the land line or not....forced bundling...and they can get away with that.

[Andy Giddings]

Andy, in many areas, DSL is tied to a land line whether you want the land line or not....forced bundling...and they can get away with that.

Thanks Jim - surprised at that as they aren't going to take the copper away even with no service, and some revenue would surely be better than none. The mysteries of the telco business model I guess

[Nick Decker]

I should have a paper map in the car, but I am not even sure where to get a paper map anymore.

Go to your state's website and find the highway/transportation department. They'll probably send you a highway map for free. Missouri does.

And yup, they're still a PITA to fold up. :)

[Jim Becker]

Thanks Jim - surprised at that as they aren't going to take the copper away even with no service, and some revenue would surely be better than none. The mysteries of the telco business model I guess

The same principle applies to the current practice of bundling...it's often less expensive to get a phone/Internet/TV "triple play" than it is to get a "double play" or a single service. "Naked DSL" has always been a contentious thing and while some providers gave in for awhile and offered it, many later recanted and required the bundle. The whole industry is like that and it hurts. These same businesses also work to get laws passed so local municipalities and government/private cooperative efforts to provide broadband are not permitted while they in turn don't upgrade or offer good broadband solutions to consumers themselves. DSL doesn't even qualify as "broadband" by the current FCC 25 down/3 up minimum...but it's the only option in many areas. And some folks can't get anything outside of sat service or expensive, capped wireless services.