What advice can you give about cell phones? (Weekly Topic Inspiration)

1. 83

   Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

   What advice can you give about cell phones? (Weekly Topic Inspiration)
   
   Whether you’re a fan of them or not, cell phones are probably a part of your life. What plans and phones work best for you? How have you saved money? How do you approach new phone technology and releases? Share your advice and expertise as part of the Weekly Topic Inspiration challenge.
   
   For search-friendly titles and group support, stop by the official forum thread: http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/100086
   
   

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2. 90

   Kaili Bissonposted 12 years ago

   Hi Simone. I'm going to come up with something on how I approach new phone technology and releases...it may be rather tongue-in-cheek  :-)

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3. 61

   Mike Summersposted 12 years ago

   I supppose that the answer may vary quite a bit here but since I am in the cell phone business I can offer these observations.
   
   Anyone who is using Verizon or AT&T is paying more than necessary. There are non-contract brands using the same networks which charge less for the same amont of usage.
   
   People think short term when it comes to buying a phone. "Oh it's free with activation? That's a great deal, I'll take it." No it's not a great deal in the long run. The whole buy-now-pay-later mentality costs you more over time.
   
   Most of the females that I know prefer iPhones above anything else.
   
   People who text with a physical keyboard have a hard time switching over to a touchscreen but eventually get used to it and are happy that they did.
   
   If you are likely to break your phone the Samsung Galaxy series will be the most expensive to repair. I'd recommend insurance if that is an option.
   
   Putting a wet cell phone in a bag of rice is a short term solution. Get it to a repair center as soon as possible before the trapped moisture begins the corrosion process.
   
   If you have wi-fi at home and at work you can get buy with a very small data package.
   
   I pay $30 per month for 250 voice, unlimited text and 10 MB of data per month through an AT&T MVNO. That is plenty for me although you can choose from a variety of plans which will work for you. If your cell phone bill is over $60 per month then you are paying more than necessary in the US.

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4. 69

   ahmed.bposted 12 years ago

   I would just say that mobile phones are useful and important part of today's life as long as you do not let them enslave you. I would recommend that practice some self decipline while using them. Get to knoiw the concept of degital dieting and practice it. http://ahmedb.hubpages.com/hub/Digital- … Productive

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5. 59

   oldhorseposted 12 years ago

   Family plans are a good deal for phone service.  The additional lines are pretty inexpensive, even if the people on the plan aren't really a family.  You just have to sign up with people you trust like family.
   
   Unfortunately, data plans, the money sink of all smart phones, don't come with family plan pricing.  You can decide not to get a smart phone, or just grin an bear the financial abuse.
   
   SMS in the US is also a huge rip-off.  In many countries text messages are really cheap an used in place of voice calls, but in the US you are better off getting a data plan and using gtalk, twitter, skype ... over the Internet, if you are going to be sending lots of text messages.

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6. 78

   SweetiePieposted 12 years ago

   Can anyone go twenty minutes, or even an hour without texting.  It seems people are texting away on screens rather than engaging in conversation with the people around the.

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      Larry Wallposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I only text my son about once a week and that is if he does not answer his phone. If you do not answer, I will send you an e-mail. If I do not have your address, it must not be a big deal.

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7. 59

   mahendra1270posted 12 years ago

   As per me a hardcore mobile lover must never buy only touch screen phone due to its limitations.

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8. 67

   rfmoranposted 12 years ago

   I have no idea how we ever got by without them. I once drove off the road into a ravine in a rural area in a snow storm. Were it not for my cell phone, the cops may not have found me until spring. I actually know somebody who doesn't have one ( a newspaper reporter - I'm not making this up).
   
   My advice is this: if you find it annoying to be constantly available, remember the days when you had to pull over and look for a phone booth.

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   1. 93

      cperuzziposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I do.  It wasn't so bad.  You were off the grid and "urgent" problems could wait until the next day at work.

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9. 93

   cperuzziposted 12 years ago

   Practically every cellphone has a camera and practically everyone owns a cellphone. Do you know what that means? If anything ordinary or extraordinary happens to you (or in your immediate area), people will photograph it or video it (depending on the quality of your friend's cellphone). That means we're monitoring ourselves.  And then we post what we see on Facebook or Youtube.  We are putting ourselves under our own surveillance. read more

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10. 93

    cperuzziposted 12 years ago

    Thanks for the inspiration... But you started me ranting on a new hub.
    
    Please read for all the reason you don't want a cell phone.

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11. 91

    JillKostowposted 12 years ago

    In today's society families are running around from place to place like a bunch of maniac. This is especially true for families with multiple children. You find yourself having to juggle work, school, school activities, sports, and what ever else is thrown into this chaotic mix. How do you keep track of each other amidst the chaos? For most of us it is through our cell phones. A prepaid cell phone is great to give your child to reach you if you can not always be present. read more

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12. 79

    EuroCafeAuLaitposted 12 years ago

    Unlimited Cell Phone Plans are still in vogue and can be obtained for a limited time only.  Now that two major carriers, AT/T and Verizon have discontinued unlimited date options (like calls, IM texting, MMS and SMS messages) other carriers may follow suit.  Those researched are Cricket, PrepaydWireless, Sprint and Virgin (for UK users) and the prices range from $29.99 to $35.00 month, among the cheapest unlimited cell phone plans out there. read more

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13. 85

    tamarawilhiteposted 12 years ago

    Tips to reduce cell phone interference, extend cell phone battery life and increase cell phone range. read more

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14. 77

    LiamBeanposted 12 years ago

    I think the best advise is to buy for your primary use. Of course, this is difficult if you haven't used a smartphone before or if you aren't sure what you'll be doing with it.
    
    If all you are going to do is talk then get the most basic phone possible with good coverage and a low monthly (unlimited) rate.
    
    If you are going to text a lot I honestly prefer a phone with a keyboard.
    
    If text is only one facet and you will be sharing pictures, your location, video of your activities, then a phone like the iPhone or Android.
    
    If you are a senior with the need for rapid emergency response, large text, and or the ability to work with a hearing aid then you'll want a phone that will dial an emergency number, automatically text your emergency to five different people and even alert people around you with a siren. There is a phone like that.

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    1. 77

       LiamBeanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       By the way, I've written at least ten hubs on feature/smart phones and plans. Two were specifically for the "older" user. One in particular seems to have the needs of the senior cellular user firmly in mind.

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15. 88

    Suzie HQposted 12 years ago

    The world of Cell phones or Mobile phones is forever changing. For example,the iPhone of today will be a relic in 10 years. This is a humorous look at the cell phone through Words, Art, Photos and Images because love them or hate them, they are here to stay. read more

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16. 75

    SidKempposted 12 years ago

    The Jitterbug idea, a cell phone that's just a phone, is great. Added health support features are fine. But customer service problems are too common. read more

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17. 88

    thougtforceposted 12 years ago

    Is it possible that cell phones are good for teens? Is it also possible that cell phones can be used as a learning tool in school instead of being a problem and being banned from lectures? And is it possible that we as parents today just haven't yet understood all the pros with our teens having a cell phone? read more

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18. 86

    randomcreativeposted 12 years ago

    The topic of cell phone manner and etiquette is just as important for teachers as it is for students.  As a teacher, exhibiting appropriate behavior sets a good example and ensures a smooth, uninterrupted atmosphere in many types of school settings. read more

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19. 80

    Camille Harrisposted 12 years ago

    Ever see those people so enthralled with their phones they don't pay attention to where they're walking?:  You probably think that something like that could never happen to you, but since I ditched my mobile phone, I've noticed most cell phone... read more

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20. 79

    Marcy Goodfleischposted 12 years ago

    Make free international calls and text for free with these cell phone apps.  Here's how to avoid international calling and data charges. read more

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