Don't have one, don't need one, don't really want one

Tennisnan Yes I am computerate, but I am dyspraxic, which means I have very poor fine motor control and, as an additional problem, the tips of all the fingers on my right hand are permanently numb following a carpal tunnel operation.

It is physically difficult for me to use a mobile phone, the technology is not the problem. I also have problems with sequencing actions, again part of my dyspraxia, so between not knowing how hard or soft, or if at all I am touching the screen, finding for every letter I hit correctly I hit several incorrectly, and then knowing the sequence of commands needed, but entering them in the wrong order, compared with which the technology is a doddle.

But the point is, I am not alone in this, there are others with similar disabilities, dyslexia causes problems, some eyesight problems, deafness, not to mention those whose poverty means that even the cost of replacing their non-smart phone, let alone buying a smart phone is beyond their finances.

DD was an early adaptor of smartphones and when she showed me her first one and all it did, I couldn't get one fast enough. It was a real shock when I encountered my personal problems with it. Over 10 years and three phones on, I am still struggling, I do now understand my problems and the extra problems of numbness in my fingers since I got my first phone doesn't help.

I have actually paid for tuition to see if it would help me but it cannot it as mine is a physical problem, not a question of understanding the technology or the device.

To have made a post here you are obviously up to speed with computers. May I politely suggest that you might not realise that smart phones are really hand size portable computers that can be used as phones. I know of two older friends who, once they discovered quite how useful they can be, wondered why they held off getting one for so long. May I politely suggest you get a friend/relative to run through with you what functions they have to help you be certain you don't need one.

geekesse Thank you, it is not I specifically want to highlight my case, but there are many people with problems using smart phones, and I do think that there should be more effort to recognise and address their probems.

It is just that some of the replies on this thread are almost dismissive of anyone who isn't as adept as the poster is at answering the phone, sorting out a childrens teaparty and organising a meeting with friends, all while swinging on a high trapeze.

I use my phone to listen to spotify.
I can't seem to organise play lists or anything, but still...

Today I combined Alexa and my phone to create a shopping list. As I usually lose or forget the lists I make on the back of an envelope, this is a huge benefit. I then used my phone to claim Waitrose vouchers which saved me around £3. I wouldn't call myself a technophile as I don't play games on the phone and I'm not using it now. I am on my laptop,

M0nica

Sad to note that there was no comments on the problems I have using a mobile phone because of dyspraxia, nor consideration in any one's post for the problems of anyone who actually has problems, ohysical or cognitive, using a smartphone.

Actually, yesterday, I specifically said ‘ I understand that some people can’t easily use them because of physical disability or extreme poverty’. I’m happy to add to that ‘or cognitive disability’.

It has a torch - I love that!

We did not have one for ages as we lived where there was no reception - so not a lot of point.

I remember trying to open a Santander savings account many years ago, and backed out of it because every transaction required sending codes t a mobile - which I did not have!

I use an iPad mini, it dos fit in my bag on the rare occasions I need to carry it.
appleinsider.com/articles/21/11/15/compared-ipad-mini-vs-kindle-paperwhite

Thank you dustyangel and no thanks to Thisismyname1953 Bully for you that you can use a phone so easily.

Do you ever think about those who for physical and other reasons cannot use a phone as you do? I am not talking about about those who are elderly and cannot cope with modern technology, I am talking about those, of all ages, with some disablity, however slight, that makes using something as small and fiddly as smart phone very difficult indeed.

Monica I too would be much happier if my iPhone was the size of my Kindle. I find it hard to see well enough and have less dexterity in my fingers to be able to use the phone easily for texting. It would also mean that if I know that I’m likely to spend time waiting for an appointment, I wouldn’t need to carry both phone and Kindle with me.

For those sneering about being on one’s phone , what are you doing on grams et? You must be accessing it somehow . I’m on my phone following this thread right now .
I don’t have a laptop but I do have an I pad . I prefer to everything on my phone . The iPad is too big to hold in one hand and too heavy so I use my phone , a lot.
The iPhone has all my apps on it . The only thing I don’t really use it for is calling people , I hate speaking on the phone ?. It’s texting all the way for me . We have a landline because of the internet but none of us know the number and we never answer it if it rings . If people really need to speak to one of us they will phone someone’s mobile .

I was certainly glad of mine recently, after I walked into town (25 minutes, downhill) and only realised when I’d finished my shopping that the buses were on strike.

Quick (free) WhatsApp call to my chauffeur, aka dh, phew. Otherwise it would have been a tenner for a taxi. I’d have paid that, mind you, rather than the uphill walk with heavy shopping.

Sad to note that there was no comments on the problems I have using a mobile phone because of dyspraxia, nor consideration in any one's post for the problems of anyone who actually has problems, ohysical or cognitive, using a smartphone.

I think it would be very beneficial to get one now and learn how to use it while you can. So many things in life now require or are made a lot easier by having one, ie covid passport, GP apps for appointments and health records, parking and paying, shopping, even games such as Solitaire for brain exercise.

I got my first mobile phone in the 1990s. I had a "care in the community" neighbour who cut my phone wires to my flat because I wouldnt give him money. He was arrested and the experience made me get a mobile. It was like a brick back then.

I was also provided with a mobile when I became an academic as i had to go into the field to interview people. It was a departmental requirement. However I always turned it off outside working hours.

The "smart" phones did not really evolve until after I had stopped working for an employer. I stuck to my old dumb phone because I dont want people to be able to contact me too easily.

And life still went on. I have neever got addicted to social media. Its a monumental time waster.

More recently I got a nicky-no-name PAYG smart phone because my security system would not run on a tablet. However its smart enough to stay out of my way unless I need it.

What I find really sad about this type of thread is that generally people seem to be proud of the fact they are not using technology. Either through ignorance, lethargy stubbornness or simply lack of interest it seems such a shame that they are not enhancing their lives with this absolutely amazing piece of equipment. Nowadays they are simply not difficult to use. Like many others I use my iPhone constantly, from shopping to moving money around to identifying plants to catching up on the news to playing games and keeping in touch with friends and family. Just a few examples! I have just used the phone to find our way around an unfamiliar town. In the last two hours I have photographed images of the canal, located the local Spar, emailed an important message and looked up the weather for tomorrow. Personally I would be very frustrated without it and it definitely improves the quality of my life. All for £7 a month. I wonder if the technophobes ( I won’t use the term Luddites!) know what they are missing! But hey, everyone to their own!

I find I don't miss what I haven't had. I had a mobile years ago which was just a phone. I have a tablet. A mobile phone is useless because I can't see things properly on one. If I have a big enough handbag then the tablet is used but otherwise I don't need to be contacted every moment of the day or night.

On the occasions when I have tripped and caused myself grievous bodily harm, I've been rescued by people with smartphones; a third time, I use my own.

The problem is that before mobiles we had phone boxes for emergencies!

I read that by 2024 landlines will be phased out. If that is true, we shall not have a choice

As PP's have said, I feel almost bullied to get a smartphone. I'm really peed off about it. I happily have a dinophone which is switched on 24/7, but I enjoy sitting at my PC emailing my sis (yes, we are SO old school that we still email) it's like getting several lovely letters each day!
I shop online, bank online, but am getting older & fed up now with tech. :-(

My house phone is long gone and I've no internet in my home, I just use the data on my mobile. I find it useful in many ways, I've my calendar, Google maps, take loads of pictures, etc, but the best thing about it for me is when I'm walking my dog would you believe. She has epilepsy and when she has a seizure I phone my friend to come pick us up as she's too heavy to carry home. I really wouldn't be without one.

I refuse to have one because I cannot hear what is being said on voicemails because most people gabble by talking way to fast...deafness on my part and I cannot see the screen unless it's a huge screen. Apart from that the phone companies here in NZ cost way too much to have one. I don't have a landline either...same reasons. Yes I use a computer for my every day use to communicate by email & Fbook for texting if needed. It is so sad that most people I see along the way when I go out are so fixated on their small screens that I'm sure these people won't know how to survive in a disaster. I see my great grand kids totally absorbed in their make believe world via their phones and I have given up being a part of their lives. I'm supposed to be going to two Mothers' day 'parties' but I know everyone is going be glued to their device! I hate the way these phones have changed manners, conversation, and family life, so no I do not need one!

I have one. I don't though have it glued to my hand like some. I often when bothering to check it, find I have missed calls, messages waiting for response and a load of rubbish postings on FB. If you drive, good in case of breakdown or emergency as I experienced a few weeks ago. You don't need to use the internet, a phone can be just a phone.

I’d just like to point out that an iPhone (for instance) is just a tablet with a SIM card. I use my old iPhone to listen to audiobooks and also to look at various apps, to save my new phone’s battery.
We’ve had our landline disconnected because of the volume of scams and sales calls that we were receiving. At least I can block unwanted calls on my mobile.
I wish mobile phones had been around 50 years ago!