Major confession time. I don’t have a smartphone. Not even an outdated Android or Apple model that I limp along with to keep up with the rest of the world. That’s not to say I’ll never get one, just that it hasn’t proved essential yet. Whenever I feel inclined to consider it, I measure the pros and cons, talk to Mr. Fluffster, and come to my senses. Or maybe I just get distracted by something shiny.
The photo above shows what I do have. A basic flip phone (inherited from the Fluffster offspring when he was forced to get a smartphone for work*) and a two-year-old iPad Mini. Pay-as-you-go and Wi-Fi, respectively.
The iPad is my second one, and I use it All The Time. I’m attached to that device in much the same way most of you are glued to your smartphones. Email, photographs, entertainment, wayfinding, videocalls, texting, phone calls, shopping, etc. Within range of Wi-Fi, that is.
My hesitation isn’t for financial reasons, but rather a matter of, gee, I don’t know, pig-headedness? Refusal to conform? Desire to be different? I’m sure I could adapt to using one; I managed to keep up with all the new tech flying past when I was still working (a never-ending stream of it). I took pride in adapting quickly to new digital programs/tools and helping colleagues adjust to them. Put one of these thingamajigs in front of me and tell me I’ll find it hard to use, and I’ll go out of my way to prove you wrong!
I’m rapidly getting used to my new MacBook, which requires breaking the PC habits of 30 years or more (as, right on cue for the umpteenth time, I accidentally hit the key that locks it and have to log in again; thank heavens for Touch ID). Sure, some things take a little longer than others to become second nature, but they won’t defeat me!
One key factor is that I grew up with telephones that stayed home when I went out. If anyone wanted to talk to me, they had to either call when I was home, or leave a message and wait for my return. And I’ve always been fine with that. I go out to avoid calls, not to have folks follow me everywhere (especially those who just want my money or vote).
Lately, since very few real people call us anymore, we’ve taken to just not answering the phone even when we’re home, as most calls are just robocalls, telemarketers, or charities wanting donations. (If you want to old-school talk to us, leave a message.) I’m not opposed to charitable donations, by the way; I just prefer to choose my own time and place to make them (generally online and close to tax time).
Rant over. My latest iPad is cellular enabled, so I likely will get a SIM card one of these days and put a pay-as-you-go plan on it. With that, I’ll be as connected as any of you, so why get another device to clutter up my purse/backpack/pocket/table? I really don’t need yet another power cord in the drawer to scratch my head over.
* Yes, the Fluffster offspring is a chip off the old block.
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