Cell phone evolution – when will it tie my shoes?

Was there life before cell phones? Sure! It was different—quieter, less pressured, more trusting.

I liked being able to visit with a friend over coffee and actually visit with that friend, no interruptions. I liked to know that when I was out shopping, I was totally unhindered by reminders of other obligations. Nobody could contact me. I was free. The trust factor came in when one was uncertain of an answer. One made their best decision, and the other party had to trust their judgment. It all worked out in the end, usually. If communication was really necessary, there was a pay phone at every shopping mall or gas station.

When we moved to the country and I began to commute long distances to work every day, I purchased my first cell phone. I did not want to have car trouble and be another statistic of an Alberta winter.

With a cell phone, I had the assurance that if anything critical happened while I was out, I could be contacted. There were many trips to the store saved by a phone request for another item while I was there. I liked to be able to take care of a short call when I thought of it (oh, how we forgetful folk have quickly learned to depend on that feature!), and my phone directory handily contained access codes and other useful trivia for a wandering mind.

The car trouble concern was not ill-founded either. I was en route to work one winter morning when the alternator died. Without even opening the door to cool the car, I called my husband and waited for his assistance. Another time (and vehicle) I was travelling along Hwy 2 when the timing belt broke. With safety a concern, I was able to lock the doors and phone, thankful that I did not need to walk for help.

My first cellphone was large in size and short on battery. Then the Motorola Startac came out, small enough to fit in a pocket, would stay charged all day, and had five ring tones. Wow!

I used my StarTac for several years, until the battery refused to see me through a short conversation. After that came the “Mike”. The two-way calling feature was incredibly handy, but the phone was not of much use outside Alberta.

In 2010, we cancelled our connections to land lines when we moved into our RV. It was a challenge to know what features and how much airtime was needed. Even yet I find that cell plans are geared more to the texting and entertainment user and need to be adjusted to accommodate older, mobile adults with long distance needs. Mobile internet is a whole other story – and a costly one.

The contracts with which we started our adventure are now about to expire. I have spent many hours researching companies, phones and plans for the most economical combination for our situation. Each has advantages and drawbacks.

I have decided to embark on a new learning experience, the smartphone, with more uses and gadgets than one has time to explore. I will be able to talk, text, consult the internet, read books, take pictures, play games and so much more. But it still won’t tie my shoes!

***After further thought and consultation, I have kept my basic flip phone for another two years and will assess my visual and physical limitations next renewal. -ED