Ditching smartphones

[Bayleaf]

My smartphone has many uses. It is a lifeline when I'm working remotely (as long as I remember to keep it charged up! ). It's my clock, ghettoblaster, camera, important message sender and receiver, and very occasionally a 'phone!

I occasionally use WhatsApp on it too - I'm so hip!

It's true though, a generation has grown up with these things being thrust into their hands from a young age, and they don't know any different. It's an all-round toy and doesn't clutter the place up. The downside is it's become a bad habit for so many. I think that's sadly the way of the world now - for better or for worse.

[Spardo]

My smartphone has many uses. It is a lifeline when I'm working remotely (as long as I remember to keep it charged up! ). It's my clock, ghettoblaster, camera, important message sender and receiver, and very occasionally a 'phone!

I can do all that on my unsmart phone, but only use it for calls, texts and time. It receives codes from banks etc. too. It has large keys so I don't need my glasses and a loud option so I can hear without straining. I need nothing more. When people send me a long link, I ignore it, but that is rare as I tell them in advance not to bother.

[Bayleaf]

Oh right, we're just dissing smartphones? I rather like the touch-screen facility, so I'll keep mine thanks! Each to their own .....

As mentioned previously - some people treat it like their mini-mobile computer, that would make it pretty indispensible.

[Quiksilver]

Another one here that wouldn't want to be without it Mainly for the camera, always to hand in the garden. The GPS...invaluable when searching for somewhere in rural France that you've not been to before! Google/Wiki for the library always there when you need info.
It's not allowed to take priority over human beings, though. I too find it very rude to be cut off in mid-conversation because someone's latest FB/Twitter/WA or mail takes precedence

[DominicBest]

I once wrote a list of the things I use my smartphone for when going sailing, it was over 10 uses from visually being able to check the state of the tide through recording my trip, taking photos and listening to whatever radio programme I want. I could write an equally long list for a day out in the car, or like today, my motorbike. Perhaps I’m different in that I haven’t bought a desktop computer or laptop since perhaps 2007, if I want to check the opening time of a local shop or a German sentence i use my mobile device. My watch is on my bedside table, I noticed it a couple of days ago. It’s been there over 8 years! If I need to know the time…

[Hotrodder]

I hope smartphones are waterproof. Some of you must take them in the shower with you.

[Ford Focus]

One thing I would ban are parents pratting with their phones whilst in charge of youngsters in the street. I think if you are found guilty of using it when pushing a baby or youngster in a buggy it should be a custodial sentence for the "adult".

[Loup-garou]

I don't carry a mobile although the vehicles do have cheapies in them - just in case; lost dog, problem, etc.

Why would I need a mini computer in my pocket when my wife knows the answer to everything?

We have one friend who was particularly irritating. She would always immediately look at any ping or pop her phone made. She would read out the received message irrespective of who was present, then, explain exactly who the sender was and what they are to her. This has resulted in a "Pas de téléphone à table" rule in our house. She has eventually registered my "Comme si j'en avais quelque chose à foutre" stance!

[Ford Focus]

Language Loup-Garou.

[Spardo]

Can smartphones display instantaneous sub-titles of incoming phone calls? I might be persuaded if so. Perhaps.