New toy

[Calidore]

I just got my very first smartphone, as I've decided it's time I joined the 21st century. The first thing I discovered is that since a smartphone has no buttons, I can't use the letters to remember my phone number because there aren't any. Many more challenges await, no doubt.

[cacian]

smartphone. I have heard about it.
my sister has one but I have never seen one myself.
how is this phone different from all the others Calidore?

[Calidore]

smartphone. I have heard about it.
my sister has one but I have never seen one myself.
how is this phone different from all the others Calidore?

It's pretty much a palm-sized computer with a touchscreen, camera lens, earphone jack, and a USB port for connecting to the charger or other device. You can use your fingertip as a mouse, or bring up a virtual keyboard if you need to type. You can use it to play music, videos, games, take pictures, and surf the internet. In a pinch, you can even dial someone and talk, just like phones used to do.

[papayahed]

allllllll riiiiggghhhttt. The best thing about smart phones is that I no longer keep a stack of magazines in the bathroom.

[Calidore]

Turns out that there is a way to bring up a traditional number pad on screen, so now I have a mnemonic for my phone number.

Also turns out that I'm complete s**t at thumb-typing. I was practicing texting with a friend the other day, and she could kick out five messages in the time it took me to do one.

[Paulclem]

Yes - sausage finger syndrome. I too have this malady which means I have to constantly proofread what I type. In my case, the ends of my fingers are not uniform and pointy, but blunt and lumpy. I've had many a text returned with a "Whaaaaat?" due to my typed gibberish. (No point even trying with thumbs).

I've had my phone going on for three years. I keep thinking perhaps I should go for an upgrade but I still like it.

[Lokasenna]

I got my smartphone a few years ago. The ability to monitor email is very useful - and saves having to log into the rather clunky university email host every time. I have some colleagues who, if you don't answer an email within three hours of it being sent, start chasing you.

[AuntShecky]

Smart phones are way too pricey for me. All I can afford is a learning disabled phone.

[Sancho]

Bad credit? No credit? No problem! Have we ever got a deal for you! No money down, no payments for ... one full week. Just sign this li'l ole contract and we'll send you a FREE smarty-pants iPhone 6. You can't afford NOT to own this here phone.