Like many here, I think Cell phones are a retrograde step. Cell phones have their conveniences but seem to be the bane of most peoples lives. One easily solution is what I did. People were made aware that when I retired for the evening, my cell phone did as well and I turned it off. As to be expected, there was a degree of infighting. I wouldn't budge. I rarely use my cell phone now.

I leave it on now and I don't get calls unless it's an absolute emergency. Home time is just that, time with loved ones and I don't let anything or anyone interfere with that.

I just broke my HTC One (M7) yesterday, but accidentally.. :D
"Spider app" as they say (=broken glass looks like cobwebs), but all still works. Heard the three-year-old device will not be repaired anymore, so either repair it myself (parts can be bought) or get a new (other) one.

Found it very practical in Rome or wandering, using "Komoot", "Google maps" or "Here we go". There are also compass apps, an altimeter and a lot of other practical stuff, but of course it is not absolutely precise. Using the phone for communication, internet, taking pictures along with translation apps, this "roaming" in Europe did not cost extra, because of the EU.. nice.

Then the public transportation apps for cities with schedules, tips, opening hours, booking guided tours or being informed on belated flights or changes.. although i'm aware of the Google kraken it was nice to have for orientation and search. Then you can use it as a remote control at home for some smarthome devices like Hue, TV and whatnot.

I usually switch the position off, but connecting to the cells it still gives away your metadata while you move around – who can really control this thing. Even switching off is not sure, and the batteries cannot be removed anymore with those newish devices.

So it is practical, but be aware of what it might tell to unwanted listeners. :hmmm:

I don't see why everyone is blaming the phones as if they're the tool of the devil, when the actual problem are the users. They are the ones abusing the possibilities.

It can be a tool of the devil. A tool to bully, ruin a marriage/relationship, work in constant contact. The cell phone is invasive and demanding of our time. Some exploit that "feature".

@Catfish

It also came in "Handy" at Laboe.:D

As a person who grew up with a telephone that hung on the wall and a cord that was never quite long enough, I think the cell phone is a wonderful thing. I can say without a doubt that I'm not infatuated by it but that it simply makes my life better and easier in so many ways. Some cool things....my Son sends me Instagram pics and videos of our year old granddaughter. I like that. When away from my computer I can log on to SubSim. I like that. It's handy at work if I need to find out something which I had to do today.

Some things I don't do. I don't play games on it. I don't call or text people if I'm bored. I'm not on Facebook. We got rid of our home land line and what I like about that is that if my phone rings now it's for me. Like all modern tech toys you have to be the master. I see lots of abuse especially among the very young users but that's not going to ruin it for me.

Oh yea... did I mention it's got a flashlight.:D

@Schroeder shsh don't reveal our navigation skills :wah:

edit: ah you mean calling the Uncle! Yes, would have been difficult without a mobile :D

Soo... "guns kill people!" afterall?

"Smart" guns probably would.

My smart phone is always deciding to do things I didn't want it to do. If you're such a smart phone why are you opening up ebay? Have you ever seen me do that in the three years we've been together? Don't you think I just meant to make sure the volume was up? Oh, and why is the volume down in the first place if you're soooo smart Mr. phone? :D As soon as I don't have to answer every call I receive I'll be cell phone free for the rest of my life, contact me with email. I might check that once a day if I feel like it.

...and USPS I'm pulling out just like Kramer. :03: No way I want to receive my someday deceased mother's mailings from hundreds of flim flam charities. :up:

...and the new grocery store thing I really don't like is the get in line before your minions have returned with all the items you're looking for. If they haven't made it back yet, make everyone behind you wait till they do. Maybe have a cell phone conversation or text yet while you wait for them. lol

What does this have to do with the price of eggs in China? :hmmm:

People blame an object for bad things happening, even though the object itself can't be at fault.
Here at subsim, in the guns thread, some people loved to use the "guns don't kill people" catch-phrase, to defend something they like.
Now, some of these people (iirc!) actually blame another tool for being "bad", just because they don't like it - though the same principles should apply here.

Do you see what I mean?

What a ridiculous argument to make.

Following the line of reasoning a little further maybe we should consider registering and/or outright banning smart phones. :hmmm:. That seems to be the go to response to "some" people in the subsim gun thread who feel that free people shouldn't have guns at all.

After all smart phones are responsible for increasing amounts of death and injury on our roadways due to distracted drivers and nobody really needs one when an 1990's vintage flip phone will do fine for making and receiving phone calls, even better yet limit them to just an even older Western Electric Princess phone and a pager because nobody who sponsored or signed the Bell Telephone Breakup Bill could ever have foreseen the downsides that Pokemon Go would have on pedestrian traffic awareness.

I just want them banned in grocery stores... specifically the grocery store I am in. :D

No that's way to fancy. :O:

When I first got my smart phone I had to google to find out how to turn on the flashlight. To stubborn to ask anyone.:oops: