cell phones and data plans

[gigglefest]

In the "ask LJ for advice" category of posts: I've decided it's time to upgrade my cell phone (it's over 4 years old, and I can either upgrade the phone or buy another replacement battery, which may not even be available any more). I can't quite decide between these options

Comments

[gigglefest]

I'll check it out, thanks! I don't think I am an internet-phone girl either.

[dzm]

I do like having the Internet in my pocket. (It lets me comment on LJ from the mall!). I don't find always having access to LJ/Facebook/email a huge distraction; it helps that getting at my work mail is *just* hard enough that I won't do it casually, but straightforward enough that I can get it when I need it.

One thing I would think about is data usage. I'd be terrible at metering myself, and when I was looking it seemed like unlimited data plans ran about $30/month on all providers. So far I haven't regretted the iPhone tax…

[gigglefest]

Oh, that's a good point. I would hope it's easy enough to check my current balance (and how close I might be to any data limits), but who knows. It is Verizon, after all.

[chenoameg]

D'oh, I just placed an order for replacement batteries from zbattery. They probably carry your phone battery if you change your mind.

[gigglefest]

Thanks for the info!

[yakshaver]

I'll echo David: I like having the Internet in my pocket and don't find it a distraction. I've set my iPhone up with its own email account, so I can't check my work or MIT mail from it: Only a very few people have that address, so I know that if my phone gets mail, it's something I want to be interrupted for. I mostly use it for instant curiosity gratification (the google app that lets you speak your search is great: half the time it's useful; the other half, its misunderstandings make for a good laugh. The one life-changing thing about it has been GPS + google maps. I never owned a GPS: It always seemed like a lot of money to spend when I alerady have good maps and know how to read them. But when it came free with my phone, I started using it and it's totally changed how I go places I haven't been before.

[dzm]

"Dear Phone: please tell me to get from the place I'm standing right this instant to the place I want to go, via the T, kthxbai" - approximately greatest thing ever

[yakshaver]

Yup. Also, failing to notice that you've accidentally asked it for walking directions when you're driving can give you a chance to see wonderful scenery on remarkably narrow roads you'd never otherwise have seen.

[gigglefest]

Aww. Now that sounds nice.

[puffy_wuffy]

I'd go without a data plan, personally. I don't have the internet in my pocket and I'm happy without it. :)