Smartphones...

[MRAHoffman]

Do you have one? Do you NEED it? Do you like it? Does being frugal make you something of a Luddite or do you find being frugal makes you more tech conscious? Thoughts...opinions...

[zakity]

I have a blackberry, but I don't have a data plan for it. I use it as a phone and it has my calendar in it.

[lisaflex]

hated my "crackberry" couldnt stand it. big and lumpy and does NOT fit in an evening bag very well.....

and no, i have no need or desire to check or receive email on my phone or surf the net. if i was some highpowered banker or the likes, probably, but, i am not, i sell insurance for cripes sake! no need to constantly be "in touch" as people say....

[stinkbug]

Don't have one...don't care.

[Squidge]

I have a Palm Pixi Plus. I get unlimited internet and unlimited texts for £15 per month. I could not live without a smartphone - it's too crucial for my work. That said, I think even if I no longer needed it in a work capacity, I am too used to the convenience of having one to give it up. It's brilliant having access to so much information while you're on the move.

[greekislandgirl]

We don't have one but I have thought about getting one - and using it for internet instead of having home internet. You can use it as a wireless router (or something ... sorry I'm not too clear on this kind of thing) and use the internet on your laptop through it - and some of the applications or widgets or whatever they're called might be really good to save money (like telling you where the cheapest gasoline is, that kind of thing) and I'm sure I would spend less money on phone calls if I could send emails or post to FB from anywhere. They sell phone plans here where the smartphone is basically free as long as you get the service and it's usually not for more than a year - but I'm not sure. I know the internet is not that fast and it's limited in amount of memory you can use for uploading or downloading. I am very divided. My husband actually needs a new cell phone because his is dying. My cell phone is probably good for another few years. Wait and see I guess...

[Debbie-cat]

I don't have one and don't need one but I hear they are handy. Worth the expense though? Not sure on that one.

[FrabjousDay]

I don't have one, and I don't feel as though I personally need one. I have easy access to computers at home and work, and honestly, I don't care to be more accessible than I already am. However, I do like that my husband has one provided by his work. It is very very handy when we are out of town.

[Sophiasmama]

I don't have one...and not interested in owning one...I have a pay as you go...that I paid 70 bucks for...and costs 10.50 every 2 months...my GF has one...and she said it was 'free'...I told her nothing is free...she informed me she has a 3 year contract @ 90 bucks a month...and the phone was free LOL.

[flashyMcGee]

I love mine. I use countless apps daily. It has my fitness calorie counter, GPS, music for the gym, email, planner, and download books to read. I just started using a video chat so I can talk to my family in another state.

[Michelle68]

I just got one for Mother's Day, bought on Ebay. We have the family plan for our cell phones, since there are three of us, and the lowest level internet plan included. I've had the phone for about 3 days now and I am enjoying it. It's a T-Mobile Comet and is one of the smaller smart phones. I didn't want one that was bulky and hard to carry. It's nice to have the features, but I can't say that I wouldn't be able to live without them if I had to go back to my "regular" cell phone.

[baxjul]

All three of us have the LG Optimus... I love it. I have an app that I can track dd's phone, and always know where she is.

[savvy_sniper]

I have no need for one and I see no reason to spend the money for one and the increased monthly fee. Heck hubby and I don't text much either. I HATE seeing people on their smartphones constantly. Went on a group motorcycle ride to lunch Saturday. We only rode about 30 minutes. As soon as we parked half the people were on their phone and using them DURING lunch.

[Cricketlegs]

I have a Blackberry Torch. I like it fine. I am not really one for bells and whistles but I also felt like I needed to upgrade because technology keeps moving forward and if you don't move with it you do lose the ability to do quite a few things in our society.

Example--some places( my dds student loans) make it almost impossible to mail them a check. They want to draft it if. Fat chance. I do pay them online but I do it through my bank on my terms..so far so good.

What if I had refused to embrace online banking. I would be up the creek without a paddle. Now I online everything. So fast and simple.

You gotta move with it.

My last phone didn't have the data on and had no touch screen. It has been a real learning experience but one I CAN learn.

Another example is my Kindle. I thought who the heck needs that? Buy a book..geeze louise......erhum.. guess who LOVES LOVES LOVES her kindle like nobodys business? That would be me.

Now I am eyeballing that blackberry playbook tablet lol!

[Mom2-3]

I love my iphone. I use a ton of apps for shopping/price matching. I have my grocery list, calendar, emails, music, some movies, a decent camera/video, a flash light- lol there are endless free apps.

I find that I have saved money since having the phone. I thought about this purchase for over a year. I figure, we are credit card/auto loan debt free and I wanted one!

I do try and not use the phone while talking with someone. I don't care what phone/plan you have, it's rude!