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Upgrading to a Smartphone?

Still using an ‘old fashioned’ REGULAR phone even though most people around you have upgraded to smartphones? Thinking of upgrading, but still not ready to commit? While you are busy fighting this inner conflict, let me assure you, you are not alone.

Hi, my name is Molly and I am the not so proud owner of a used LG-CU575. This is also my seventh phone in the past six years. Seven phones in six years makes you wonder how it ended up that way. First off let me explain that I am a magnet for disaster, that itself should clue you in on the problem.

My first two phones were the usual flip phones, I dropped them so often that they gathered many frequent flyer miles from their trips down to the floor. This, however, did not deter my cell phone from it’s determination to stay alive. The old flip phones were well made and they still generally tend to outlive the younger generations of cell phones which still amazes me .

When the second phone’s battery would die merely hours after it was fully charged, I decided it was time to move on. My brother, being a techie, had a collection of backup cell phones he deemed below him so I went through the pile and a Blackjack II won my affections.

I adored the full sized keyboard and solitaire. I had my third phone for an entire month before I lost it. My brother, needless to say, wasn’t pleased.

The fourth phone was a Samsung Magnet. I kept dropping the little guy so I got a case for it which sheilded it from most bruises. After three months, it disappeared, as to where, I am still uncertain.

My fifth was a decent Samsung flip phone, courtesy of my sister, but still, I mourned greatly over the keypad which made texting a great big bother.

Deciding enough was enough with the keypad, we come to the sixth phone, a Samsung Strive (Yes, another Samsung:)) I loved the color, and yes, the full QWERTY keyboard. I knew better this time, and ordered a case soon after the phone arrived. The case however, did little to protect it from being dropped in numerous puddles which eventually led to the buttons not working, which eventually led to it’s untimely, tragic death.

Now, I come to my LG-CU575, a battered flip phone and a gift from my brother. (Though I’m pretty sure, due to my history, he’s not expecting it to make it back to him alive.)

It is here that I debate the Pros and Cons of upgrading to a Smartphone:

COST: While I agree that Smartphones aren’t recession friendly, if you wait until you’re eligble for an upgrade on your plan, they are usually decently priced. It’s generally the Data plan that puts a nice dent in your wallet.

PLAN: Data plans can get quite expensive so make sure that you will be taking full advantage of all the features if you are paying for it. If you need the mobile access for work or business, then it is super convenient and well worth the price. If you need the mobile access to tell everyone about rude lady on the bus who was chewing with her mouth open, make sure that you have the cash flow for it.

APPS: One of my favorite things about smartphones are the apps. The convenience of smartphones nowadays still ceases to amaze me. Translator, Weather Man, GPS, Music Player, most smartphones will pretty much do it all for you at just the click of a button. (And let’s not forget, an app to track your phone if you ever lose it )

PHONE LIFE: If you are going to invest in a smartphone, be smart and invest in a stable, sturdy case. It will preserve your phone’s life and beauty. It will also keep your mind at ease to know that your tiny baby is in good, safe hands. Another smart investment is an extra charger or battery for your smartphone. Because you can use your smartphone for practically anything, the battery tends to drain much faster than on a regular phone. Keeping one of these handy can definitely be a lifesaver. (Especially when you’re all alone in a dark allyway for some unknown reason, your phone is all you have, and it chooses that moment to die on you, leaving you all alone in the hands of possible mortal danger.)

VERDICT: If you don’t care much for high-tech gadgets, I’d say to stick with a regular, old, basic cell phone. You’ll save loads of money over time, plus, as we advance in technology, prices tend to get much friendlier for the cost-conscience.

Then again, the convenience of a smartphone will save you loads of time and if time is money…

All4Cellular Blog

Upgrading to a Smartphone?

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