Cell phones vs landlines

[Kelt]

I dropped having a land line about 6 years ago because my land line carrier was so horrible. I have since learned their affectionate nickname is "those rat bastards".

I had both for a couple of years. When I was going to move to a new state I got my first cell as a way of having a local number in my next state for job hunting purposes. When I moved here I kept it.

I have a love hate relationship with any phone. I pay for it so I consider it to be a tool for my use and convenience. If I have a reason to expect a call I leave it on and I can go about my day without waiting around for it. If I am not, I will turn it or the ringer off so I can be left alone. I don't tell anyone other than friends it is a cell so that the expectation that I will jump to answer it is reduced.

Texting is something I used very little until the last year. I have now used it quite a bit and had a chance to evaluate it for myself. To get a quick bit of information conveyed without getting sucked into a call that is unneeded it is fine. But if I am to talk to someone for anything more than that I much prefer an actual human voice. I treat it much like Kobi does and usually have longer conversations at home to minimize distractions.

I like having options. I usually use it as I would a land line, but have the versatility if I want it. I recently went to a smartphone just to keep up with tech and must say having a small computer and camera in my pocket has proven to be pretty handy.

Manners are still manners though, and I don't check it or use it around others. I still think that the "screen heads" are generally rude. I guess we will all have to get used to it to a degree especially in those growing up with it, but I do not have to behave that way myself.

Short answer: Cell only, no landline. LOL

[Tony]

I don't have a land line & haven't for some time. I do miss it sometimes; like when I've misplaced my cell & need to call it.
I've had the same cell number for 20 some years. The area code has changed here a few times, but it's been my main number since the enormous brick phone. Lol

[clay]

Cell...period!
The Straight Talk Plan provided by Verizon through WalMart is an awesome plan!
No contract!
I have incredible coverage everywhere. I even used it on Amtrak last year!
Like Parker, mine stays close by me...everywhere. Esp. when I am in shower...And I usually do NOT answer it when I am eating, doing something I don't want to interrupt....NO, not that....lol...like watching one of my shows, etc. or if I just don't feel up to talking.
With the institution of phone etiquette and manners, a cell can be a pleasant experience!
I turn the ringer off at night so as not to be disturbed. None of my loved ones are remotely close by, so what can I do at Oh Dark Thirty anyway. I am prone to check it when I wake to go to BR anyway.
TEXTING is the Bomb diggety!! I love to talk BUT with my phone currently in 2 pieces, NOT! My arm goes to sleep from keeping it bent..lol.
My card I get every month to replenish my phone is $45 with UNLIMITED anytime, anywhere minutes, texts, and data.
I am VERY satisfied with my cell and coverage!!!

[~ocean]

I'm a landline user . less expensive ... clear voices and u dont have to recharge it .. oh yeah !! no controversy .. as if it will cause brain damage.. i have a cell for emergency only .. i never use it .. i did learn to text last year but i havent texted since ! .. mybe u can call me old fashioned.. i like to refer it to as common sense ...

[tazz]

i'm an iPhone person... it's on me 24/7. i use my iPhone for everything.

i also prefer texting, messaging, or webcam instead of phone chatting.

landlines used to frustrate me.

[Corkey]

Originally Posted by tazz

i'm an iPhone person... it's on me 24/7. i use my iPhone for everything.

i also prefer texting, messaging, or webcam instead of phone chatting.

landlines used to frustrate me.

Having grown up tethered to the wall, I feel your frustration.

[Cin]

I truly do not understand the lure of the cell phone. I can't work out why I would want to pay at least 5x the price for sub standard phone service. I do get that it isn't about the ability to actually talk to other people that makes cell phones so popular, it's the convenience, the texting and I guess the access, via a tiny little window, to the internet ,while you walk about the world unchained. It is more pracitcal, I suppose, than lugging around a laptop or even a tablet. So while I understand what the attraction is, I just don't get why it's attractive.

In all fairness I really don't have a ton of friends, and of the ones I have I don't have many who I want a constant connection to. And I don't want to have to explain to anyone when and why I have turned off my cell phone. The only person I want a constant connection to and to answer to as to my reasons for not being available to her is my wife. And contrary to popular belief, I don't need a cell phone to do that.

This is not to say that there haven't been times when I wished I had a cell phone, like if my car breaks down or I need to call for help for some reason. Pay phones are relatively non existent. But the once a year need is not worth the price of admission. I do, however, resent how owning a cell phone is becoming almost a necessity rather than a convenience with the disappearance of pay phones.

I also resent how mobile games, which allow google and apple big % cuts in the revenue, are pushing web browser games into obscurity simply because they don't get the cuts from them. That's really the reason although there is a smoke and mirrors thing about adobe's inability to provide security. There is not a financial incentive for them to try for security because mobile games are much more lucrative so nobody wants to continue to support web browser flash games. Because of cell phones and other mobile devices the death of flash player is pretty much a given and the days of web-browser-flash games are numbered. This makes me sad since I really enjoy my web-browser-flash games. If cell phones fell off the face of the earth and took tablets, notebooks and even laptops with them I for one wouldn't cry.

[Kätzchen]

So, last time I posted here, I had a tiny cell phone that no one on earth could use, but I cut services to landline phone and Internet service because I couldn't afford to ship my notebook overseas to have it fixed (reconfigured, fixed). What's left of my Linux notebook still sits on my dining room table.

Since then, a close family friend gave me a smart phone to use.
I pay for a part of the family plan (my usage fees).

I'm closer to 'smoke signals' than I've ever been because I won't pay outrageous fees for internet, land line phone service or even singular mobile / cell phone service.

My mom is pissed off with me that I won't participate in her version of relentless texts, which happens at all hours of the day or night. I finally banned my mom from texting me because I refuse to text (P E R I O D).

I like having this smart phone but my sanity comes first .

[diamondrose]

In my life, cell phone is more suitable. I rely on my phone a lot at work. Working long hours, I am able to take care of a lot of things via phone. I also have a landline simply because of the bundle, but I never use it.

[Angeltoes]

I haven't had a landline in many years but you're all right, the sound quality is way better. I may get one soon, but who knows how often I'll use it. I'm out and about a lot.

[Rockinonahigh]

I have a cell phone but it took me getting it free to even think of having one, I have to admit it has come in handy a time or two but I still could have done just as well without it, I am also glad it is a very basic one or it would be bits and pieces from hitting the floor. One reason I don't like cell phones is when I talk to someone I am with I hate it when they have to keep looking at the thing or when I am at the pool hall how can you carry on any kind of interaction with a group when all I see is them playing a game or texting or running up ebey. I have forbid them at the dinner table when I am home or out with family for a meal or just out having some family time, to have a normal conversation or just enjoy things with out electronics is a pain in the ass.

[Rockinonahigh]

I have a majic jack system set up that I can call anywhere in the usa and canada with unlimited minits at anytime.With the system set up my son can play games world wide plus some other stuff i never will understand.I know I should have a cell but when I did a barely used it,I prolly will end up getting one sooner or later but I hate to pay for something I hardly use.

[Greyson]

By the way, cell phone numbers are now fair game for marketing calls. You can however have your cell number blocked from unwanted solicitation. You must call from your cell or visit the link provided by the Federal government.

In order to block your landline, that is a different number and transaction. I check this information out before posting and to the best of my knowledge it is legitimate.

________________________________________________





REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month.
REMINDER..... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time.. It blocks your number for five (5) years.
You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number. It takes about 20 seconds.


https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

[*Anya*]

Thank you Greyson!! Much appreciated

[Novelafemme]

I would love to not have a cell phone (I think). My sister and her husband, who both live in NYC, have never had cells and still have one of those old school answering machines at home. They feel the disconnect keeps them grounded. I tend to agree.

My mother in law lives with us and she prefers having a landline, so we do. She is also a HUGE football fan and in order for her to have access to some football package through our cable company, she needs that landline.

I am learning more and more about football whether I want to or not.

I miss the days of rotary phones, getting yanked off my feet by the phone cord when I walk farther than its length, and hiding in the closet twirling the cord while I try to have those "private" talks. I think I just dated myself.

[laruss]

I gave up my landline about a year ago and really could have given it up much sooner. I kept it for the long distance only, then I found Skype, so I no longer needed the landline.

I love my cell, it goes everywhere with me and I have everything on it, all 4 email accounts, facebook, internet, and it is one of the best point and shoot cameras I have owned. I am huge into texting, a quick and easy way to contact people. I rarely used it as a phone until more recently.

I also always keep it close, including when I am in the shower. I have even talked and texted while in the shower. Yes, I am hooked on the cell.

And I am still a diehard Blackberry fan, I like having a real keyboard. I hate touch screens. My new Blackberry has both, and I almost always use the keyboard instead of the screen.

[Abigail Crabby]

I only have a cell phone -

There are times when I think a land line would come in handy - enhanced 911 yanno.

But I pay enough for my cell phone that the added expense is just that, an added expense.

I like having the convenience of keeping in touch out of the house. Never fails when I go to the store I have a need to call home and say -Ohhh this is on sale, should I get some -

I'm just all about the technology - I heard a rumor that Time Warners Digital phone just might have the ability to text soon.

I'd prolly get a land line then - cuz I usually prefer texting over talking most days....

[Blade]

I live further out in BFE than Kenna does and there is. I have to have a land line for internet purposes. I do not have a phone plugged into the landline.

I've always had just a basic cell phone, this time I got a droid I hate it for texting I invent all kinds of new words. I carry it with me all the time. It is a double edged sword. For one if anyone knows u carry it all the time they expect you to always answer it...and Mom thinks all her needs are immediate, no matter how trivial the reason she thinks she needs me at the time. They are like a tracking device.

[dark_crystal]

When did you get your cell phone?

I've had one for over twenty years.

My first "car" phone had a curly cord and a receiver and there was no such thing as a rate plan. You paid by the minute and they were 25 cents each!

Then I had the brick phone!

(I feel like I'm dating myself but I am not as old as that sounds! I just had really paranoid parents!)

[willow]

I have both landline and mobile phones because I want them, use them and have decided I need to have both. If I find myself more than 6 feet from my mobile I will suffer symptoms of withdrawal! That said, I have no problem ignoring either one and often do.

When out and about my mobile is almost always on silent. It will be on silent if I am,

1. driving (NOTHING is that important)
2. on a date (that's a given)
3. in the supermarket checkout (how annoying is it when the customer in front is on half speed because they are chatting?)
4. enjoying a meal, DVD, evening in, with friends
5. anywhere I happen to find myself part of a group of people listening to another person speak (when someone in the group answers their phone and doesn't even leave the room. Acceptable behaviour? Really!?)
6. attending an appointment

Anyone who matters knows not to leave a voicemail because I never listen to them. So, any voicemails won't be from anyone I'd want to talk to. Delete.

Texting is best for me. If I can (read want to) I'll answer right away or the text will act like a visual voicemail and I'll get back to you

If I have network coverage then I want access, NEED access but if I'm somewhere with no coverage it won't bother me at all. I need my phones because they are there.