Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Have you gone three days without your cell phone?

I still don't own a cellphone, which isn't to say I haven't owned one. There were a few moths in which I had a device that ended up like this:

attachment.php


I tore out the oscillator to create a sound effect.
 
I usually go without for weekends. I shut it off. I can roll with a third day. It'll probably be more since an event at work kind of scared me out of upgrading immediately, but I just realized the speakers are karked on my iPhone 5. I can deal with this for about two months, but not until next July.
 
Currently I can go weeks without using my iPhone in the winter, since I don't get service at my house and tend to shop for a few weeks' fresh produce and other items in consolidated errand-running adventures. I could use the thing as a WiFi device at home, the same as I do with my other iOS gear. However, I use the iPhone that way less often; I tend to forget about it sitting there in my handbag waiting for an exciting ride in the car like a tiny puppy! It's different in summer when I'm running around all over upstate NY.

I have to say in the beginning it was a real PITA even to *get* a cellphone while living in a dead zone. You had to put someplace down as your primary place of usage (yah, for a MOBILE phone, wtf), and if it didn't coincide with your billing zipcode you could never upgrade using any automated system, it was always 55 minutes on the phone with the carrier explaining why your billing address was in East Podunk and your primary place of usage was some address 50 miles away. I used to say bring a tower here and I'll use it in my house, meanwhile you're making money off me not using the phone more than twice a month so what's your problem. Finally they must have realized I was right and they'd rather make a lot of money than ponder such mysteries as why rural residents want mobile phones, LOL. What idiots. Mobile phones are so you can get in your car and go somewhere and make a phone call, why should there even be a primary place of usage? I realize that situation challenges the imagination of an average corporate CEO but hey, there it is.

If Verizon and Apple get WiFi calling working great, then I will be gone from ATT, that's for sure. Then ask me the OP's question again, my answer will probably be no, cannot go three days without my phone as I am a slave to its infinite connective capabilities. ;)
 
I have never owned a smart phone and doubt I ever will. I have a cheap $30 samsung with 250 minutes a month that I use for when I'm on the road to keep safe and check the time, and that's it. I sometimes text on it but that's as advanced as I want to go. All the tech can wait for me when I get home :cool:
 
Update: I gave up smart phones last Saturday after deciding carrier contract bs, prices and weak data coverage were not for me. As long as I have something to read and listen to, I'm good on my commutes. I don't mind writing down to do lists and/or emailing to and from home/work. I'll keep a cheapie prepaid phone for necessary calls, but outside of that my needs are more than met.
 
Last edited:
Yes, recently, I was on a 3 days hike, and as usual, I don't carry any phone with me. But my friends were, because it's pretty silly to go in the wilderness without any source of communication.
 
HarryPot said:
I currently have my iPhone in service (battery replacement program), and I'll be three days without it. Already in the second day!:)

To be honest, I thought it would be more difficult. The only thing I'm missing, and may I say, missing dearly, is Whatsapp/Messages. But aside from that, I'm quickly getting used to how things were before cell phones. Less distractions and more time doing things that need to be done.

Above all, I notice I give more attention to the people in front of me. I hate it when you are talking to someone and they keep getting their phone out. But now that I can't even get my iPhone out to check the time, I've noticed that I was kind of doing the same thing to others by checking the time, quickly seeing new messages, etc.

I know that some people do need their cell phones to keep up with work. But, for most of us, I think cell phones (smart phones more specifically) are not that important, and might even be affecting us in the way we communicate with the persons in front of us.

So, do you think we've become addicted/slaves to our smartphones?
Click to expand...

This x100.

It annoys me so much when someone takes out their phone in a social situation, more often than not mid conversation. I have zero tolerance for that disrespect, the only exception I can think of if the other person is trying to find another person in a crowded place. Especially living in Los Angeles, everyone is addicted to texting, and a room full of crowded people are typically texting. It's disgusting how much people use their phone in social situations. What could possibly be more important than talking to a friend? Do you just have to check your Facebook and Twitter?

Do you have social anxiety and have a difficult time talking to people? Not to worry! Just pull out your phone and act important that way you won't have to speak with anyone.
 
I went on a weekend retreat once, and cell phones were collected before the retreat began. It was surprising to see a few of the teenage girls literally have panic attacks. It was two and a half days, you'd think they were being locked up in jail for a year with how panicked they were.
 
Routinely, I'll forgo paying my bill until a week or so after service has been shut off. :D I really don't use my phone for much at all, so it isn't missed much when I can't use it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back