Have you switched to a smartphone? Do you like texting?

W

Wild1

New Member
Why or why not?
If you have, are you glad you did or are you cursing it all the time and ready to go back to your old flip phone?

What problems have you encountered?

Thinking about getting my grandpa an iPhone. He is 96 though. He has an iPad and does great with it, and loves it - so I think he would have no problem. For those of you who have made the transition, do you like it? Hate it? Miss your "dumb"phone?
 

I only have a landline and a Dell pc now. What I would like is a cell phone with phone, internet, and text ability that I can take with me. I don't want games or any of that stuff. Am trying to decide what phone to get that has all three, is basic, and affordable.

I agree with applecruncher that an expensive iPhone is not necessary for your 96 year old grandpa, but it's your money.
 

PVC said:
I only have a landline and a Dell pc now. What I would like is a cell phone with phone, internet, and text ability that I can take with me. I don't want games or any of that stuff. Am trying to decide what phone to get that has all three, is basic, and affordable.

I agree with applecruncher that an expensive iPhone is not necessary for your 96 year old grandpa, but it's your money.
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We also have several older, perfectly functional iPhones from when others have upgraded so the phone itself would not be an expense. Just the upgrade in plan.

applecruncher said:
@Butterfly

Take a look at the Jitterbug.
Also check out Consumer Cellular.
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We already have him on our Family Plan for AT&T (for his regular cell phone - flip phone and iPad) so we probably wouldn't want to change carriers and have another account out there.

With the Jitterbug, what really is different from it, versus any other smartphone?
Seems to me some of the phones these days esp. the Plus-sized Phones have HUGE BUTTONS (my mom has an iPhone 6 PLUS, it has huge font) have some pretty big buttons! His vision for close up stuff is pretty good though. I think his glasses are for distance only.

The one thing about the iPhone that I thought would make it NOT be overwhelming, would be the fact that it is basically same software/layout as his iPad which he already uses everyday. I was thinking it would be easier to stay on the same platform than switch systems (not sure what Jitterbug is like) but I could be wrong.
 
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Yes and yes. It's about the only way to communicate with the younger generation, so that's what I do.

When I REALLY need to talk in person to them, I just call, get their voicemail, breathe heavily into the phone and disconnect. I ALWAYS get a call back, but I can't pull that very many times. Oh, and leaving the message, "Did you get my check?" works, too.
 
Wild1 said:
The one thing about the iPhone that I thought would make it NOT be overwhelming, would be the fact that it is basically same software/layout as his iPad which he already uses everyday. I was thinking it would be easier to stay on the same platform than switch systems (not sure what Jitterbug is like) but I could be wrong.
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Apple technology is fairly advanced and a good make.
 
I love the FaceTime ability. Just was "with" my grandson and his dad. The greatest thing next to being there. It's so wonderful and brings such happiness. Even my cats participate.
 
I use a laptop and carry a very basic flip phone.

I'm thinking about a smartphone so I can use ride-sharing and other apps.

As far as what to do about your 96 yo grandpa, have an oldfashioned face to face conversation with him and see what he thinks about moving up to a smartphone.

Good luck!
 
But Gary, you only text with your thumbs, you'd be great at it! I can't imagine how well I would text if I had 10 thumbs! ;)
 
My Smart phone is in the junk drawer in my kitchen only because it was too frustrating to set up. and I felt like I was defeating the purpose if I had my kids do it. My "dumb" phone is in my purse and does a great job of getting me help when I need it,I can text, & take photos. I survived this many years without, I'm sure I'll make a few more.
 
I am thinking of getting an inexpensive prepaid smart phone now. I have been using a simple LG with trakphone
that costs 7 cents a minute, in my pocket. I want the internet away from home. I still have a landline--also an old corded
rectangular phone from the 80's. Suggestions?
 
Picked up a samsung s9. lots of stuff on it , my main reason for this one is the internet and the great reception. Living in remote
area it gives me some securty. I spoke to some people that live on these things. Good luck
 
Hubby and me both have smart phones.....For a very long time....My kids mostly text on their phones, especially if we are not at home for a while...they are needed when we travel....Wouldn't do without them....
 
I'm still trying to figure out my Tracfone. We use it only when traveling and for emergencies. I have so many roll over minutes I could talk for a month straight. Since I don't use it very often it takes me forever to text.
 
I have an iphone 6s and I love it. Yes, I text quite a bit as both sons are hearing impaired and that is how we communicate when I am not a home although one son does have hearing aids (again) and being connected to bluetooth is a benefit. I am better at dealing with most (tech) things if you show me how to do it first and then I can do it myself.
 


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