I take a little pride in my ability to squeeze the life out of my technology. While I don’t consider myself a Luddite, I do place later in a product’s life cycle. There’s no need for me to have the latest and greatest tech, and it has saved me a bundle. Money’s always a concern, and even though I’ve been called a tightwad by more than one person, I’ve still got to make ends meet somehow. The last thing I need is to be neck deep in debt.
However, there is a secondary reason which I don’t see discussed much by other people. It deals with seeing advancement broken out into little glimpses at an individual level. No matter if it’s the computer I’m typing on, or the phone which I waited three years to upgrade, the new abilities often are quite apparent. It’s a good feeling to know you’ve definitely found something superior. Otherwise, the minute changes all blend together and it doesn’t seem to hold as much value. This is by far the thinnest phone I’ve ever had, but replaces so many other consumer goods. I’ve not purchased a wristwatch, camera, flash light, land line, alarm clock, map, or compass in years.
As I mentioned, I waited three years to upgrade my phone. When my replacement battery decided to fail me, I thought I should head back to the Verizon store to see what was available. Maybe I’ve been playing too much L.A. Noire, but I seemed to have sharpened some interrogation skills. Maybe I’m an older hand at the mercantile game? With a little digging, I found out there was a better plan for me to use since I’ve been with them over 10 years. It’s all about asking the right questions.
Granted, Verizon took me to the cleaners for a new phone with its accessories and activation fee but that’s give and take. I knocked $20 a month off my bill, and the new phone, case, display protectors, and extra charger will be recuperated in seven months. By the time this one will need replaced, I expect the next generation of phones to make me dinner.
Corvidae in the Fields 
My mobile phone needs have declined to the point where I now a very old Nokia, with very little capability. As I never use it, I’d be as happy with two tin cans linked by string! I’d love to have seen you give the salesman the third degree:)
It wasn’t as hard lined as a Jack Webb interrogation, but it was often filled with “what’s your best offer” and “is there anything else you can do for me?” Since I know a professional photographer, I have a brief insight into the world. Was there ever a time you bananas over purchasing the latest camera filters or accessories?
I was the last person I know to get a smartphone, in 2011. I belonged to the school of “I use it to make calls, that’s it,” but now I’m not sure how I got by without it. But I have had the same iPhone 4 for nearly three years, and I don’t see myself replacing it anytime soon.
I wasn’t far behind. The phone that gave up the ghost was purchased in December of 2010. I’d still have it, if the repair cost was worth it. That’s a hurdle I’m running in to these days. This technology is designed to fail after a certain period of time. I can prop it up only so many times.
well-played. my 1 yr old phone still does not text or have internet, but i applaud your money sense.
I find texting to be useful, as I don’t typically hold long phone conversations. For me, it’s not a matter of eschewing innovation in as much as it is to maximize the use out of what I currently have without swinging from product to product.
So does that mean you are a Coke or Pepsi guy? (w/ whiskey, I understand)
It often turns out to be the grocery store generic, like Big K, however I’d not hold it against a restaurant to supply either choice. They do taste differently, but I make do with what I’m given.
Big K. I’ve never heard of that. Is it like Big Kola? Here I figured you for a top shelf kind of guy, and now you’re telling me you’re generic.
Gotta make ends meet like everyone else, kerbey. Kroger has their own brand of pop called “Big K.” It’s not so bad. It’s certainly better than Sam’s Choice.
I deplore talking on the phone, but I couldn’t live without the camera and gps.
I do enjoy a good GPS, even though I have moments of pride and go without. I can work it either way though. So, it’s not a matter of throwing out the map and ending up in Idaho.