Would someone explain "Smart Phones" to me

[SeilerBird]

I have been using dumb phones forever but recently the display screen on my dumb phone broke so it is time to invest in a new phone. I really don't use a phone very much, so I have had a pay-as-you-go phone for the last ten years. I have been with Verizon for the last two years. $100 worth of air time would last me a year. I went to Verizon's site to order a new dumb phone and discovered that they now offer pay-as-you-go smart phones. I don't really know if I want one mainly because I have paid no attention to the smart phone market so I don't understand anything about how it all works. Would someone please give me a Smart Phone 101 explanation?

The phone I would be getting is the Samsung Illusion. Where does that one fit into the scheme of smart phones.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Illusion-Prepaid-Android-Wireless/dp/B007XWA0JE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338644263&sr=8-1

Please don't bother telling me I should get an iPhone. I would rather eat bugs.

[Ken & Sheila]

I think all the prepaid Smartphone plans are 30 days at a time. Not cheap! I would be ok if they would sell a 1 gigabit or 5 gigabit plan with on time limit, but I don't see one.

[SeilerBird]

My plan with Verizon is not a 30 day plan. I buy $100 worth of air time and that gives me one year of service. Air time is 25 cents a minute so that gives me 400 minutes a year which is all that I need right now since I don't surf the web or talk very much on my phone.

[Gary RV Roamer]

I see little reason to get a Smart phone is you aren't going to use it much. All it will do is cost more because it requires a data plan as well as voice service. Data services cost anywhere from $30 to $80 per month, depending on the volume of data you need. YOU are required to have a data plan for a smart phone, whether you plan to use it or not. I am not aware of any "pay as you go" data, though you can pay for text and photos.

A Smart Phone is a handheld computer with its own internet access. It can do lots of things, including browse internet, do GPS navigation, keep notes, take and send pictures to others, etc. If you get into that stuff, it's a terrifically handy tool. If you don't, it's a waste of money.

[SeilerBird]

You are right Gary, there are no pay as you go data plans. Verizons cheapest data plan is $30 per month. I forgot all about data plans. I don't think I would use it enough to justify it.

[Barb]

Take a stroll over to the local wal mart, and check out their pay as you go dumb phones.

[SeilerBird]

Take a stroll over to the local wal mart, and check out their pay as you go dumb phones.

There is no local Walmart. I have seen the pay as you go dumb phones at Walmart. I don't really need a new phone, it works fine like it is. The phone screen has broke and I am considering replacing it with a smart phone.

[Barb]

They have pay as you go smart phones also. Check out Radio Shack. There are lots of places that sells pay as you go. Is pay as you go an option from the Verizon store?

[Lowell]

I'm in the same boat as Bob.  I am ready for a new phone but don't really have the need for a smart phone.  If it wasn't for the high cost of the data plan I would get one.  I just don't think I would get $30 of benefit out of the smart phone each month.

[Tom]

Run a Google search on 'smart phone without a data plan' and you'll find a number of options, although they're mainly back-door solutions One of the carriers has been reported to be closing the door. Besides making phone calls, how do folks use a smart phone without a data plan? They use someone else's WiFi.

[Molaker]

Tom, if there are any Verizon stores or franchises nearby, I'd check with them.  It is entirely possible they can provide you with a "simple" phone - possibly at little or no charge if you ask if they have any returns available.
 
I'm like you in that I don't use a cell phone much so I use the Verizon pay-as-you go for $100/yr.  So far I've not come close to using all my time, but it's nice to have in case of emergency.  I got a notice I could upgrade to a smart phone, but since I use Verizon data services (MiFi) I have little or no use for it.

[SeilerBird]

They have pay as you go smart phones also. Check out Radio Shack. There are lots of places that sells pay as you go. Is pay as you go an option from the Verizon store?

I am looking for a pay as you go smart phone from Verizon. I will not consider any other carriers since I am a full timer. Pay as you go is an option from Verizon, I have been using one for the last two years.

[SeilerBird]

Run a Google search on 'smart phone without a data plan' and you'll find a number of options, although they're mainly back-door solutions One of the carriers has been reported to be closing the door. Besides making phone calls, how do folks use a smart phone without a data plan? They use someone else's WiFi.

I did the search and was not impressed. I don't want a smart phone with no data plan and I don't want to depend on Wifi. So I guess I am going to have to bite the bullet and get a data plan.

[SeilerBird]

Tom, if there are any Verizon stores or franchises nearby, I'd check with them.  It is entirely possible they can provide you with a "simple" phone - possibly at little or no charge if you ask if they have any returns available.
 
I'm like you in that I don't use a cell phone much so I use the Verizon pay-as-you go for $100/yr.  So far I've not come close to using all my time, but it's nice to have in case of emergency.  I got a notice I could upgrade to a smart phone, but since I use Verizon data services (MiFi) I have little or no use for it.

I was at the local Verizon store yesterday and they had no pay as you go phones. I can get a new dumb phone for only $20. I am just trying to figure out if the $30 a month data plan would be beneficial for me.

[Wendy]

How do you get online now? I know people who use their smart phone to access the internet. They make their phone a "hot spot" and use it to get online. It costs them the same for the phone data plan as they were paying before for access.
 
Wendy

[eliallen]

  I am just trying to figure out if the $30 a month data plan would be beneficial for me.

You would be surprised with what you can do and will do with the $30.00 plan. It is great for the weather, and road conditions.

[SeilerBird]

Wendy - I have a Verizon 4G air card.

There are some cool things that can be done with a smart phone, I just can't see that it would be worth $30 a month to do cool things.

[Great Horned Owl]

Smart phones have a huge variety of apps (short for applications or programs) available. Many are useful for RVing. See http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php?topic=52362.0;topicseen

[Marsha/CA]

I am one of the long time die-hards that did NOT want a smartphone, thought it was ridiculous, waste of $$...yada yada yada.   Every where you go people are on their smartphones texting, looking up stuff.  Well, Tim's Verizon phone bit the dust and he got a smartphone with the $30.00 data plan.  I LOVE the darn thing.  It is amazing what it can do and it can hook up to any local wifi not just the 4G Verizon service.  We are in the Olympic Peninsula and it even warned us that we were close to the Canadian border and would be charged so much a minute for usage.  I can't wait until I can get one of my own.

Marsha~

[Wendy]

I'm the same as Marsha. Didn't want no stupid smart phone. Mike talked me into an iPhone and I'd cut off your hand if you tried to take it away from me. Now Mike's sorry he got me one and not one for himself. He'll be getting his own smart phone (probably not an iphone) when he gets to his "free every 2 years" date. We have tons of aps on the iphone including a 360-degree ap that does pano pictures, lots of RV-related aps, hiking, pedometer, all my field guides (birds, trees, flowers, scat, all in one place), weight watchers, festival locations, and more. For us, it's easily worth the $30. And with a smart phone, you can set up the phone as a hot spot and use it for internet access. You never know, Tom, you might like it. I remember a few years ago when you never paid to stay at campgrounds and look at you now
 
Wendy

[SeilerBird]

You never know, Tom, you might like it. I remember a few years ago when you never paid to stay at campgrounds and look at you now

I never had a period of time when I never paid to stay at campgrounds. It was RV parks that I never paid to stay at, but only because I could not afford $30 per night. Now I can afford it so I am staying in RV parks.

There is no question that I would use a smart phone and that I would like it, I just don't know if it is worth the $30 per month. The only way I can find out is to spend $150 on a smart phone and $30 per month for two years for a data plan. That is almost a grand to see if I like it.

[jje1960]

While I pay plenty for my kids (yea right 'kids' 18 n' 21) I don't use a "smart phone", I still use a 3G Moto Razor, blue tooth to the netbook for internet when RV'ing.  Careful with the smartphones, they are so 'smart' they may eat up your time by updating all the 'smart' stuff that is resident on them through the online airtime.  By the way.... I won't even tell you what my monthly bill is for all our phones.... Might give someone a heart attach....

[Wendy]

McDonald's is a great place to go to update your aps. Libraries are good, too.
 

[Lou Schneider]

Tom, consider taking the plunge and signing up for a two year contract.  You'll get a better phone for free, saving $160 up front.  Right now Verizon offers the Motorola Droid 4G for free, you'll get 2 Gb vs. 1 Gb per month of data, more minutes than you'll need (450 per month) AND you'll save $10 per month.  PayGo requires $50 per month basic service plus a $30 1 Gb data plan, the contract offers $40 per month for 450 minutes talk plus $30 for 2 Gb data.

Yes, it means committing for 2 years (24 months or $1680 plus taxes) but you'll pay $240 more if you Pay As You Go for the same period.  Add to that the $160 cost of the phone if you buy it yourself and PayGo will cost $400 more than signing the contract.

[Ned]

Wendy, hold off a bit on Mike's smartphone.  Verizon will be announcing shared data plans this summer and that should be less expensive than 2 separate plans.  We have our two phones (my Droid Bionic and Lorna's feature phone) on a shared voice plan and if/when we move to a shared data plan I could just activate my old Droid on her number.  But that won't happen as long as I can keep my unlimited data plan

[Wendy]

Aren't you paying something for your MiFi ?

[SeilerBird]

Tom, consider taking the plunge and signing up for a two year contract.  You'll get a better phone for free, saving $160 up front.  Right now Verizon offers the Motorola Droid 4G for free, you'll get 2 Gb vs. 1 Gb per month of data, more minutes than you'll need (450 per month) AND you'll save $10 per month.  PayGo requires $50 per month basic service plus a $30 1 Gb data plan, the contract offers $40 per month for 450 minutes talk plus $30 for 2 Gb data.

Yes, it means committing for 2 years (24 months or $1680 plus taxes) but you'll pay $240 more if you Pay As You Go for the same period.  Add to that the $160 cost of the phone if you buy it yourself and PayGo will cost $400 more than signing the contract.

First off I have not used credit in the last 30 years so I have no credit rating and no one is going to sell me a data package.

Lou, your numbers do not make sense to me. A $50 voice plan and a $30 data plan adds up to $80 per month which is almost $1000 per year. Right now I am paying $100 per year for a dumb phone. If I upgrade to Verizon's pay as you go smart phone it will cost me $460 per year ($30 per month data and $100 per year for voice) plus $150 for the phone.

[Barb]

So all you really need is a dumb phone that has wifi, so you can connect to your air card, anywhere you wish to carry it to.

Smart phone apps are just a convenience. One can find out any info they need with a simply search, with a phone that has wifi.

Anything you can do on a smart phone, you can do on your laptop. Like playing some games from facebook, or buying apps from the intel app up center. If that's your thing.

Figure out what do you really need. Or what you really want. And what your willing to pay for.

And there's your answer.

[Lou Schneider]

Are you sure you can transfer your existing Paygo to a smart phone?  The Verizon site says it's only available with a basic phone - otherwise it's $50 per month for 450 minutes of talk plus $30 for 1 gb data per month on a Smartphone.

Versus $40 for 450 minutes and $30 for 2 gb data per month on a 2 year contract - with a phone included.

That price is plus taxes, of course.  I'm paying just under $80 per month for my Smartphone, on a contract that's about to expire.

Any of these come to about $1920 per year - you can buy a lot of doodads like a separate GPS, netbook, etc. for that amount of  $$.

If/when Verizon terminates my unlimited data plan I'll probably go back to a regular phone and get my laptop Internet elsewhere.  A Smartphone is nice, but it's not worth that kind of money for stuff that I can do with other devices.

[Lou Schneider]

So all you really need is a dumb phone that has wifi, so you can connect to your air card, anywhere you wish to carry it to.

Barb, a dumb phone doesn't have a data plan, so even if it could wi-fi (or Bluetooth) connect to a laptop, there's no Internet access.  Some phones have limited on-screen web surfing through a mobile portal, but these can't connect to a computer.

I agree - Tom's best bet is probably staying with a regular phone, especially if it's only costing him $100 per year.  I may do the same when my Smartphone contract expires.

[SeilerBird]

Are you sure you can transfer your existing Paygo to a smart phone?  The Verizon site says it's only available with a basic phone - otherwise it's $50 per month for 450 minutes of talk plus $30 for 1 gb data per month on a Smartphone.

You are losing me Lou. I don't know what Paygo is and I don't use it. I did a search on Verizon's site and got no hits with Paygo.

[jje1960]

Barb, a dumb phone doesn't have a data plan, so even if it could wi-fi (or Bluetooth) connect to a laptop, there's no Internet access.  Some phones have limited on-screen web surfing through a mobile portal, but these can't connect to a computer.

I agree - Tom's best bet is probably staying with a regular phone, especially if it's only costing him $100 per year.  I may do the same when my Smartphone contract expires.

Not exactly true, however not sure how available.... I in-fact do have a 3G, unlimited plan for $19.95/month, blue tooth to laptop, have had it since 2008.

[Wendy]

Tom, If it's too confusing and too costly, then you probably ought to stick with what you have.

[Lou Schneider]

Sorry Tom, Paygo = Pay As You Go, the prepaid plans.

[Ned]

While there are feature phones with WiFi, there are none available in the US to my knowledge, and definitely none from Verizon Wireless.

[SeilerBird]

Tom, If it's too confusing and too costly, then you probably ought to stick with what you have.

It is not too confusing. I am just perplexed as to why people pay $30 a month for a data plan so they can have the Internet 24/7. I don't need to be hooked up endlessly. What is it that the smart phones can do that I can't do with my laptop or netbook besides fit in my pocket?

[Mavarick]

I had the Iphone for years because of work. Email, web browsing, sharing a calendar, intl calling, camera, GPS for navigation, etc, etc, and work paid about $120/month.
Gave it up and don’t miss it a bit. I will say I went with Verizon, and did get a smart phone just in case I had withdrawal. If needed, I could turn on the data plan for about $30 per phone. When I purchased the phone and signed up I didn’t turn on anything except the phone and text plan. I actually had to get two but the phone bill and text plan is about $80/month for both phones with no data. Gives us plenty of talk time and text messages. I only surf the web on my laptop, have GPS for my laptop and don’t need to get email or calendar info during the day anymore. If someone needs me they can call or text. When my contract expires I will probably look for something less expensive now that I know I can live without all the bells and whistles, I say save your money. I have never found an app that I couldn’t do on the laptop or live without. I got the phone (Pantech Crux) and service thru the Verizon store. JM2C

[taoshum]

It is not too confusing. I am just perplexed as to why people pay $30 a month for a data plan so they can have the Internet 24/7. I don't need to be hooked up endlessly. What is it that the smart phones can do that I can't do with my laptop or netbook besides fit in my pocket?

If you wanna try it without the VZ 2 year contract... buy a phone outright and then activate VZ on a Month-to-Month basis.  If you like it, keep it; if you don't, drop it... no penalties.  You can find phones for sale all over the place: new ones, used ones; big ones, little ones; some with cameras, some without; some with memory cards, some without; some with good reviews, some not; you know the drill.  We found a pair of Samsung's on eBay for $75 each; works fine; set up for VZ and took about 5 minutes to activate... then it has taken us about 2 months to learn how to use most of the features.  If you can find a phone guru to wipe all the VZ bloatware off the phone before you activate it, you will benefit in the long run.  The utility is in the "apps" which need a data plan to load and operate... that and the sync feature with your google accounts (or APPL, if you drink the cool aide). 

We were Tracfone addicts for years and now "like" the new technology but it is very expensive.

[ArdraF]

Re: Would someone explain "Smart Phones" to me

Tom, they're smarter than all of us put together!    Sorry, I just couldn't resist that comment. 

Jerry finally dragged me into the 21st Century a few months ago.  We ditched my old "telephone only" instrument for a Droild like his.  Every day I'm amazed by it.  The GPS function is unbelievable, including seeing the backyard swimming pool of someone we visited yesterday!  But I had a really neat use for it a couple of days ago.  We fueled at a huge Pilot/Flying J.  When Jerry went into pay I told him to ask them how to get out of there because it was really crowded and I couldn't see an exit or any trucks leaving.  He turned on the Google GPS function, zoomed in on where we were, and I studied it when he went inside.  Darned if I couldn't see the entrance where we arrived and the exit to leave with several rows of trucks in front of me to drive around.  THAT was really useful!  Also, when we called our current campground they weren't very forthcoming about how to enter.  They definitely are clueless about driving an RV because we were told to just drive into the parking lot of the store in front which turned out to be a gas station and convenience store.  Yeah, sure, a 40-foot motorhome and toad in a standard C-store parking lot.  They could have told us to drive another 100 yards to the "real" campground entrance!  Again, Jerry zoomed in with the satellite view and we could see the layout.

The best part is when you want to search for something, you don't have to type it.  You simply speak it into the phone and most of the time it starts the search before you're finished talking.  Jerry loves it for messages because he's not the greatest typist.  When we go somewhere we've been before Jerry doesn't always want to carry the camera, but we've now taken some really good pictures with the Android phone.  The clarity is excellent!  AND - we even use it to make phone calls!  So, like Wendy and others I'm learning to like my new phone that is smarter than me. 

ArdraF

[SeilerBird]

AND - we even use it to make phone calls!

You should post this on an iPhone forum. I bet there are a lot of iPhone users out there that don't realize they can actually make calls on their phone.

I held a BBQ for some of my family members yesterday and there were two teenagers there that I didn't get to talk to very much because their face was buried in their iPhone most of the time. They would sit there leaning against each other and type away. I was wondering if they were chatting with someone else or each other.

Thank you Ardra for your informative reply. I can see that there really won't be an advantage for me to get a smart phone. There is only one of me and so there is no one to look at the iPhone when I am driving. I only have a 32 footer with no toad and it is like a sports car to me. I have no problem just about anyplace I drive it.

Yes the camera is excellent but since you can't put a 500mm lens on it then it is worthless for me.

[Gary RV Roamer]

I can find out is to spend $150 on a smart phone and $30 per month for two years for a data plan. That is almost a grand to see if I like it.

If you don't get the latest and greatest model smartphone, it shouldn't cost you anything to buy. My Droid X was free with two year contract because newer models were available, and that was only about 9 months after the Droid X first came out. Not exactly obsolete! If Verizon isn't offering any freebie deals, look at some of their agents, e..g Tiger Direct. Right now they have at least 4 smartphone models that are free with a contract.

[SeilerBird]

Gary - I cannot do a 2 year contract. I have not used credit in the last 30 years so therefore I won't pass a credit check. I do not want to sign a two year contract. That only means you are paying less for the phone initially but then paying for it with the contract. That is credit no matter how you look at it and that is against my rules. I don't do credit on anything. Then when the contract is up you continue to pay the higher rate even though the phone is technically paid for. But by then your phone is obsolete so it is time for another 2 year contract. I am not hopping on the $80 a month treadmill.

[Tom]

I bet there are a lot of iPhone users out there that don't realize they can actually make calls on their phone.

That's probably very true.

I'd had an iPod Touch for several years with lots of apps on it before I upgraded my dumb phone to my first Droid smart phone. Signed the contract, paid for the phone, and walked out of the store. I got to the car, went back in the store and asked my dumb question: "how do I make phone calls on this thing?" 

[Clay L]

I am one of the guys that still wants a phone that is just a phone. We do our internet stuff with our Verizon aircard, two laptops and wireless router so we can both access the Internet at the same time and access each others laptops and wireless printer via a home network.

Since I don't want to do all that cool stuff on a little bitty keyboard and tiny screen, I cant see paying for another data plan to get what I already have.

I am using a Verizon Samsung Convoy phone - the latest one is a Convoy 2 I think. It is built to mil specs with a water resistant keyboard, BIG numbers and a battery life of two weeks or so when left on all the time. It is drop resistant.
If all you want is a phone I think the Convoy is a good choice.

[SeilerBird]

My current dumb phone has a battery life of one month on standby. I didn't believe it when I bought it that it was rated for 679 hours of standby, but it goes a month on a charge. It would be annoying to have to charge my phone every day. I hated it when I had to charge it every week.

Before I started this thread I researched smart phones and spent some time looking at apps that were available for Android. The only app that really appealed to me was the Sibley's Bird Guide for $20. It would be a great help for identifying birds in the field. But then I realized that I recognize 99% of the birds I see so it wouldn't be that useful.

[Bob Buchanan]

Tom, I believe you could drop your air card and 5g/mos plan and pick up the $30/mos plan instead. You could then tether for internet with your laptop and netbook while at home or wherever plus have the smart phone for internet and the tons of uses while out and about.

Have been amazed at tethering usage of my phone. Mine does not require rooting the phone and once set up, is just a matter of plugging in the mini USB cable between the phone and computer. As soon as the cable goes in, the note on the screen of either my desktop, laptop, or my netbook displays that I am on line. And, the service is always as good or better than with my air card and available wherever there is a tower.

As to a two year contract with the smart phone, I can solve that for you too. I have a huge screen Droid X that I had lost and then found - and in the meantime bought a used Samsung Charge. And it is for sale at a reduced price to my friends or family. Am just about to post it on Amazon. It comes with a desk stand and RV window holder. Makes it nice for the built in GPS or 500plus music tracks I had put on it.

As to the need for a 500mm lens - there is an app you can download that will allow you to use any of your Sony lenses with a Droid X. Trust me on this, Tom. 

Actually, have been amazed at the quality of the later smart phone cameras. It is nice to be able to catch a snap shot type pic when out and about w/o my 50D. All of THESE were taken w/my smartphone.

As to likening your RV to having a sports car . . . 

[taoshum]

then there's this:

http://www.ted.com/talks/avi_rubin_all_your_devices_can_be_hacked.html


the solution: security via obscurity...?

[Ned]

Bob, have you tried FoxFi?  It turns your Android phone into a hotspot.  No rooting, no cable, and you can connect multiple devices to it.  I use my Bionic with FoxFi as the backup to HughesNet, and since I still have unlimited data on the phone, it's great for those large downloads that I can't do easily with HughesNet.

[Ned]

the solution: security via obscurity...?

Security by obscurity is worse than none at all as it gives a false sense of security.

[Bob Buchanan]

the solution: security via obscurity...?

Then there's the guy that spent an hour w/his analyst - and was then told, It is my opinion that you are "not" paraniod. Everyone "is" against you. 

Notice that on most all of the demos of smartphone hacking, the hacker is within a few feet of the hackee. That is because, as I undertand from what I have read so far, bluetooth is the media of attack. So the attacker must be within 33 feet of the phone.

[Ned]

Bob, Bluetooth so easy to use that it has virtually no security at all.  It's greatest advantage is also it's greatest weakness.  But I'm not giving up my BT Jawbone   I rarely talk on the phone without using it.

[Jim Johnson]

have you tried FoxFi

Ned,

I thought you used Easy Tether?

[Ned]

Jim, I did until I found FoxFi   Just turn on the hotspot, connect wirelessly, and that's it.  No software on the computer needed.

[Gary RV Roamer]

That only means you are paying less for the phone initially but then paying for it with the contract. That is credit no matter how you look at it and that is against my rules. I don't do credit on anything.

Tom zzyzx,
How did you get your Verizon USB modem?  As far as I know, they don't have pay-as-you-go data and it requires a contract. And did you pay full price for the modem?

Oh well, never mind. It's pretty clear you have decided that smart phones are dumb to have.

[SeilerBird]

Tom zzyzx,
How did you get your Verizon USB modem?  As far as I know, they don't have pay-as-you-go data and it requires a contract. And did you pay full price for the modem?

Oh well, never mind. It's pretty clear you have decided that smart phones are dumb to have.

I found out about air cards when I was living with a girl a few years ago and she signed up for the 2 year contract since she had good credit. When we broke up I kept the modem and have just paid the bill for the last few years. I can't get the account out of her name since I don't have credit.

I have always thought smart phones were dumb to have because I could not afford them nor could I qualify to get one since I didn't have credit. But now I can afford one and they have them available as a pay as you go thing so I have been trying to find out what it is that people use them for that makes them worth so much money per month. So far no one has been able to impress me with the way they are using their smart phone so I am still not interested. Anyone can change my mind if they can explain some things that I could use it for that would be worth my money.

[Wendy]

So far no one has been able to impress me with the way they are using their smart phone so I am still not interested

So don't get one. QED

[taoshum]

Security by obscurity is worse than none at all as it gives a false sense of security.

Granted.  Nonetheless, there's little I can do to "secure" the car when an attack thru the TPMS occurs, the V-Fib (thru its wireless interface) I might need someday gets hacked or the determined hacker via WIFI decides to attack.  There's another TED presentation that says there is absolutely no reason to have our names on credit cards anymore...   Seems pretty clear that "security" is way behind function, sales and history when it comes to consumers... not surprising I guess.  There are now over 6 billion cell phone subscribers on the planet, 2 billion more than the number of toothbrushes (LOL), almost a billion "smart phones" (2/3rd's are Android) and the projections are for advertising and malware to skyrocket.

Purposeful Obscurity seems worthwhile...certainly not a great solution but keeping a low profile in the midst of the turbulence might help.  I'm no expert though, just passing the perspective along in case someone is interested.  Ironically, posting on forums doesn't contribute much to obscurity... oh well....

[taoshum]

So don't get one. QED

see the attached graph... smartphones are growing exponentially...  but they are not mandatory, LOL

[Tom]

We know 

[jje1960]

Well now, after careful review of the extensive posts attempting to assist the OP's 'dilemma'.... I think Tom (sorry, zzyzx) has made a very persuasive argument for getting another simple phone for $20.00 and happily making phone calls again! 

[AndyinLexington]

I had a smart phone for a couple of years.  Finally figured out that I can get a prepaid AT&T dumb phone that does have the capability to get on the web but isn't smart, and it costs $50/month prepaid, with no contract.  I saved approximately $60 per month from what I was paying for the smart phone on a contract.  I spent $25 per month of my savings on a data plan for my I-pad.  Now I can actually read my email due to the I-pad screen being so much larger than the former smart phone, and I'm still putting $35 per month in my pocket in savings.

[Gary RV Roamer]

I find that my smart phone has made several things more convenient than previous semi-smart and dumb phones, so that I do them more. Not that any of those things are necessary, but it has lead to extra enjoyment for me and (hopefully) for some others as well. I don't expect any of this to impress Tom, but it does speak to his "why" question:

Some of the more convenient functions I use (in no particular order):

1. I text more and more often because the keyboard is easier to use and the "smart" keyboard makes typing easier.
2. I snap photos of interesting or whimsical things and send them to close friends/relatives whom I believe would be interested
3. I occasionally add events and photos to our Facebook account to keep friends advised of what we are up to
4. I look up trivia immediately when a question arises in conversation, e.g. "what was the name of that actor who played...". Not at all important, but fun in a social setting.
5. When shopping for anything at all I can and do price compare instantly.
6. I check weather forecasts as needed and also get severe weather warnings for my immediate geographic area (because my smart phone knows where I am via its GPS and also via the IP address). I think this is really valuable function for an RVer or anybody who travels a lot.
7. I carry a lot of photos with me now because the screen is large enough and the images good enough to make showing others a reasonable thing.
8. I use the phone to listen to and identify broadcast music that I have forgotten the title of or the recording group or whatever. Great assist for my failing memory...
9. When I find myself waiting around somewhere, e.g. a doctor office, I whip out the phone and start reading one of the several e-books I have stored there.
10.I use the Flashlight function every once in awhile. Maybe about every 6-8 weeks. Handy to have a flashlight in your pocket at all times.
11.I use a Shopping List app to help me remember what I went to the store for, something that is increasingly necessary for me.

I could do many of these on my previous semi-smart phone (aka "feature phone"), but it wasn't any where near as easy or quality, so I seldom did it. Therefore I have to say that the smart phone "enabled" me to do more.

[jje1960]

Well said Gary... That's why I pay for smart phones for my two 'young adults' !!!  They love taking advantage of all your points!!!

[SeilerBird]

Thank you for that post Gary.  I don't know why you think it would not impress me. That is a very impressive list. It just doesn't impress me enough to want to spend $30 a month for a data package.

[Juanita and me]

A smart phone is a dumb phone that isn't smart enough to operate by it self- it has to have internet to operate as a phone and with Verizon, that was $18 a month hidden costs. Got rid of the Droid and the expense and flip phone is great. Rarely call a wrong number because of my big fingers now. Love Verizon's coverage though.

[Gary RV Roamer]

It just doesn't impress me enough to want to spend $30 a month for a data package.

Well, yes, that's what I meant. 

I felt the same for about three years, but eventually I saw enough things interesting things to do that I relented enough to try it. Once I got it, I found even more things that became attractive because they were now easy to do and/or more timely. That's the nature of an enabling technology - usage grows because people learn to do things they had not considered practical or beneficial before.

[Gary RV Roamer]

it has to have internet to operate as a phone and with Verizon

Not so. It can make phone calls all day long without an internet connection. If you were thinking that smart phones use VOIP to make voice calls, that is not the case. They do have that capability, though, which is yet another thing one might do with a smart phone.

[taoshum]

I find that my smart phone has made several things more convenient than previous semi-smart and dumb phones, so that I do them more. Not that any of those things are necessary, but it has lead to extra enjoyment for me and (hopefully) for some others as well. I don't expect any of this to impress Tom, but it does speak to his "why" question:

Some of the more convenient functions I use (in no particular order):

1. I text more and more often because the keyboard is easier to use and the "smart" keyboard makes typing easier.
2. I snap photos of interesting or whimsical things and send them to close friends/relatives whom I believe would be interested
3. I occasionally add events and photos to our Facebook account to keep friends advised of what we are up to
4. I look up trivia immediately when a question arises in conversation, e.g. "what was the name of that actor who played...". Not at all important, but fun in a social setting.
5. When shopping for anything at all I can and do price compare instantly.
6. I check weather forecasts as needed and also get severe weather warnings for my immediate geographic area (because my smart phone knows where I am via its GPS and also via the IP address). I think this is really valuable function for an RVer or anybody who travels a lot.
7. I carry a lot of photos with me now because the screen is large enough and the images good enough to make showing others a reasonable thing.
8. I use the phone to listen to and identify broadcast music that I have forgotten the title of or the recording group or whatever. Great assist for my failing memory...
9. When I find myself waiting around somewhere, e.g. a doctor office, I whip out the phone and start reading one of the several e-books I have stored there.
10.I use the Flashlight function every once in awhile. Maybe about every 6-8 weeks. Handy to have a flashlight in your pocket at all times.
11.I use a Shopping List app to help me remember what I went to the store for, something that is increasingly necessary for me.

I could do many of these on my previous semi-smart phone (aka "feature phone"), but it wasn't any where near as easy or quality, so I seldom did it. Therefore I have to say that the smart phone "enabled" me to do more.

adding a few items:

1. App called "gas buddy" shows where fuel/gas stations are located on a map centered on our current location with prices of fuel.  The fuel prices have been updated, often hourly, by customers using the app.  So you can find stations and prices easily.
2. Voice search for "whatever"... for instance, if you are in a new city and want to find a CostCo, do a verbal search and in 10 seconds or so, you get a map and directions to the store... or restaurant, or grocery store, or repair shop or wh, atever
3. draw app: amazing app that allows me to make a sketch of anything using the touch screen, save the image, print the image, etc
4. engineering calculator/unit converter: instantly recall many engineering constants and make unit conversions as needed.
5.financial apps: fidelity, credit union, banks, etc... get stock quotes anywhere, check orders, do transfers, etc
6.internet forums: lots of forums have mobile apps
7.twitter app: nuff said
8. TED app: listen and view TED talks
9.Google apps: instant contacts sync; email sync; calendar sync;... many others across PC's, phones, tablets, etc
10. moblle hotspot app: modem/router for other computers as needed
11. golf gps app: instant distance from your location to the front, center and back of the green at any golf course in the country
12. 500,000 other apps on every conceivable subject you can imagine. just go to Google play and do a search of apps.
13. angry birds apps: endless entertainment by the angry birds... crazy
14.  news apps: endless
15. eBay/ amazon apps: shopping, info, streaming movies, tv shows, cloud storage of documents, sell stuff
16. travel apps: make reservations, check availability, see photos of sights,
17. Verizon wireless app: check on phone minutes used, data used, bills, etc

you probably get the point... other people probably have much longer apps lists

[SeilerBird]

you probably get the point... other people probably have much longer apps lists

Not really.  I can already do most all of that on my 17" laptop and actually be able to see it.

[dave61]

Tom, I think you have answered your own question. Smart phones can be a great tool to have if you want to use them for many of the uses described in this thread. If you just want to use a phone for phone calls you have no good reason for a smart phone and it's additional costs.

[Dave 430]

I did not read all 3 pages..so I might be saying something already said....If you like the phone you have....just Google the model # and I'm sure you should or could find it somewhere.  Then it a simple swap of the chip by the carrier to change the new phone serial #.  That way you do not need to get a plan you don't need or want...Just a suggestion.

[Juanita and me]

Verizon told me correctly or incorrectly that my Droid 2 will not work if I turn off the Internet-which I did and got the Convoy. I can still use the Droid as a Browser if I turn on my MIFI or am near a hot spot but usually just use my laptop and MIFI. Might consider taking the MIFI and Droid with me when running around so I can use Google or Google maps? Right now I'm trying to upgrade to 4G without upgrading my costs. I'm coming up on our two year renewall.

[RossM]

When we travel my wife and I use her phone, a five year old "dumb"phone that just makes calls.  This is all just my opinion but I use my laptop to access the web when we can find a site with wifi, or just do without.  We have a fairly good digital camera to take pics and we both have ebooks, which are amazing for my old eyes, backlit and can make the font as big as I need.  All of our kids have smartphones and are looking forward to the new iphone coming out but I just don't see the need for it myself.  I would probably change my mind if I got to futzing around with one but cant really justify the expense.

 Just my 2cents...