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Technology

Smart phones

(21 Posts)
Luckygirl Sun 04-Dec-16 11:05:37

My OH has asked for a virtual reality headset for Christmas. I have looked these up and they are very reasonably priced, but require a smart phone.

I am in dinosaur land when it comes to smart phone as, for the last 30-odd years we have lived in places where mobile phone reception is non-existent, so we have never given them a thought. Since out move in July we now have mobile reception - and fast broadband - a miracle!!! So we could think about investing in a smart phone.

So........what the heck are they?! Are they just mini-computers with a phone facility? Do you pay a monthly rental charge for them? Can they access the internet? Do they work more or less anywhere? Do you have to be connected to a specific company's network for them to work?

Well -there you are - the epitome of ignorance on the subject. So here is a chance for all you techy grans and gramps to help a damsel in distress! grin

tanith Sun 04-Dec-16 11:21:39

That just about sums it up Luckygirl a mini computer but with lots of added features like camera, internet connectivity, and much more. I'm not very good at explaining all the business about contracts and sims but I'm sure someone else will be along with a good explanation. I never thought I'd figure out mine when OH bought it for me but twas simpler than I imagined.
My OH wants those VT headsets for his Secret Santa pressie..

ninathenana Sun 04-Dec-16 11:33:42

I got a Galaxy J3 which I've found simple to use from car phone warehouse 3 wks ago and it came with a free VR headset.
I pay £17 per month on EE which gives me plenty of mins and texts. It's connected to our Wifi when at home so no costs there but be careful of using the net when out and about. That's when your bill racks up.

Luckygirl Sun 04-Dec-16 11:57:39

If you pay this regular £17, do you also get a bill for activity that goes over that amount then?

Anya Sun 04-Dec-16 13:00:33

I have a Motorola from Tesco mobile. Costs £12.50 a month and more texts and phone calls included than I could ever use. I set mine not to do 'something' (not sure what but the helpful man from Tesco mobile told me how to set this up) so I don't use up my data when out and about.

grannylyn65 Sun 04-Dec-16 13:03:58

Turn off data roaming in 'settings '

ninathenana Sun 04-Dec-16 13:16:55

Not sure Luckygirl I think so but I've done as grannylyn says so it's never happened.

Anya Sun 04-Dec-16 13:51:43

That's it grannylyn the 'something' I was talking about. I once used up nearly all my months data allowance on a train ride to Edinburgh, or rather the phone did it all by itself.

starbird Sun 04-Dec-16 18:15:41

I have had a smart phone for a many years but like many of my friends, especially as I now have a mini tablet, I find I am thinking of going back to a simple large button non smart phone just for phone calls.

Is it worth buying a smart phone just to use a reality headset? Have you and OH checked out things to watch on it? Last time I looked there was only about one thing that appealed to me.

If you decide to go ahead, you could get a cheap one, possibly second hand, and top it up with credit as you would with any ordinary phone.

Nelliemoser Sun 04-Dec-16 18:22:18

I had a cheap old phone which was wearing out and I bought a Black Friday bargain two years ago.
Mine is bit small but it is useful to have all those facilities in one gadget. You do have to do quite a bit of practice before you know what you are doing. I have not fully mastered mine yet. Do you have any teenagers about?

ninathenana Sun 04-Dec-16 18:36:37

I use my phone for all my on line activity, like now. This isn't my first smartphone. The only time I turn the lap top on is to print something.
I have a kindle but only use that in bed.

Ana Sun 04-Dec-16 18:39:01

How on earth do you type posts on a phone though? I touch type on my laptop but have to use a stylus pen on tablets etc. It must take ages...confused

tanith Sun 04-Dec-16 18:41:53

Ana you just use the keyboard the same as for writing a text..I find I often can't post to GN from my phone for some reason.

tanith Sun 04-Dec-16 18:43:59

Sorry I meant to type keypad not keyboard...

Ana Sun 04-Dec-16 18:52:51

Well, yes I know but I'm so used to touch-typing. Haven't got a smart phone yet but I'm going to have to bite the bullet soon!

Izabella Sun 04-Dec-16 18:59:49

IPhone here but it's an extra on OH's business account so I have no idea of charges. They are all a nightmare for 'typing' if you can touch type the old fashioned and correct way. I have learned to input text using just a thumb on one hand and index finger on the other. No room for any other digits.

I think I would go for a cheap one but make sure I bought a protective cover. I always seem to be dropping mine!! Borrow a teenager to set it up!! ?

Ana Sun 04-Dec-16 19:12:26

Glad someone else understands about the typing aspect! I'm fine with texting as they're usually quite short, but think I'll have to develop a different technique with a smart phone.

Ana Sun 04-Dec-16 19:13:04

I mean, to post on here, and other sites I visit!

Nelliemoser Sun 04-Dec-16 19:15:21

Ana Yes my keys are far too small and my fingers far too fat. I thought my tablet was bad enough. My phone does have a reasonable camera,I made a lovely movie of DGS1 "shopping." I would always want one like it now.

Pittcity Sun 04-Dec-16 19:40:01

I use the "Swype" feature to type on my Samsung phone your simply swipe your finger from letter to letter and the predictive text does the rest. No problem with fat fingers.
Some smart phones are as big as a small tablet and that is all a smart phone is, a tablet computer that can be used to make calls too.

mcem Sun 04-Dec-16 20:15:16

The settings allow you to have the screen either portrait or landscape and there's a good bit more finger space when the screen is horizontal. (I use my middle finger.)