Everybody I know seems to have one.  I've always liked having one less bill every month, and knowing that I can effectively be unreachable does have it's benefits.  Plus, I can always bum one off of someone else if I really need to.

haha I had the same mentality when I got my first cell phone.  "This is only going to be for emergencies", I told myself.  Now, I keep my landline only for emergencies - I understand you get through much faster when calling 911 from a landline. 

You're kidding... most everyone who I know has a cell phone. I have maybe one friend who for sure doesn't have one. I'm glad I have one so that I can make a call from anywhere, anytime, and for whatever reason.

I hate cell phones.  I like being unreachable at times, like when I'm shopping or just bumming around. 

You might be one of the few without a cell phone.  Even most 8 year olds have them.  ;D

I have one but I never get calls on it (except from my hubby), mine stays in the car.

You are not the only one, for I did have a mobile phone for a year about two years ago, but it packed up on me. Now I have the attitude of, I have managed without a mobile phone for 45 years, so why do I need one now?

We broke down and got one a few years ago because everyone b1tched that they couldn't get a hold of us (since we have dial-up). It usually sits here right next to the computer but there are a few times when it leaves-like when we are travelling or go out on the boat. It is great way for people to get in touch with us-or with us with them. Usually, we will leave it turned off but will turn it on a few times just to check (this also saves on the battery because there are many times we are out of range and when it is roaming, it drains the battery). We have used it a couple of times at auctions. When we are previewing stuff, we have called my sister to check how some things are selling. She will let us know if things are worth bidding on it or not (we have only done this twice). And we did use it yesterday. Carlos dropped me off at the mall as he went to an appointment. He called me right before he left so I knew it was time to go and meet him and where he was to pick me up. That way, neither one of us were waiting endlessly, not knowing where the other one was. But, like I said, most of the time, it stays home. We are not the kind who constinately have it glued to our ear. What we like about it is that we only give the # to the people we really WANT to talk to. Everyone else who tries to call us, usually gets the busy signal.  ;D ;D ;D



Cat

we don't currently have one....because we are trying to catch up on other bills, and don't feel like paying an extra $100 a month for 2 cell phones (that's what we were paying with our prior service).

I don't have a cell phone. I occasionally borrow Nicole's though.

Side note: last night I got maintenance call for a room. I arrived at the door and knocked and announced myself. I could hear the guest talking, but she didn't hear me. I knocked again and announced myself again. Still no answer. Then I heard something to the effect of "some idiot put the toilet paper on the holder backwards". Yes, she was on her cell phone while conducting other business...

...One more reason why I'm probably never getting a cell phone.

We have a good neighbor friend who doesn't have a cell phone OR a computer!  :o

I don't have a cellphone, and I never plan on getting one.  I look around at people with cellphones, and i can't help but wonder "who is that person talking to, and is it an important call?"

the idea of cellphones should be for use incase of an emergency, not to leisurely talk with your buddy while you are behind the wheel of a car ::)

I have one and I hate it, just because it’s so expensive. I’m thinking of going to a pay-as-you-go plan, because I don’t use it that much and I’m paying a preposterous amount of money every month for it.

I've had one for about 4 years now. Prior to that, it really was just one less bill to think about. The only reason I hang onto mine now is because where I live I don't use a landline (it belongs to our landlady who uses it, otherwise I'd have to fork out money to set a separate line for myself, which really isn't worth it if the situation is temporary). So, until I get a place where I can use my own line, I will continue using my cell. One of the nice things about cells is that calling someone across the country appears to be far cheaper than if I were to use a separate long-distance company like MCI or Sprint on a landline.

I have a cell phone and sometimes it gets boring to carry one that's clipped to your pocket cause many times in the past my cell phone has dropped in the toilet bowl or was lost and I felt so anxious about it.So In a way,It's good to have one.I like it because of the many different ringtones and my ringtone is just a regular house phone tone.

So to all who have one let's do some phone toasting... ;D

No I don't have on e either for now

No I don't have one either for now


Do you plan on getting one? ???

Do you plan on getting one? ???
Well,the bills are expensive and they tack on a charge for every little thing.I really need to research the true cost before getting one.

Well,the bills are expensive and they tack on a charge for every little thing.I really need to research the true cost before getting one.


try getting one with a cheaper plan.

Cell phones are awesome,over here nobody uses a landline anymore. To me they're the best invention ever, i never had a landline,even growing up we never had a phone,so we would go to our neighbours to receive calls, or to the street booth to make them,it was such an hassle. Plus when you move around so much a cellphone becomes a necessity,mine saved my life so many times,so i kind love him,yes it's an he and i even named him,so what? :P

Cell phones are awesome,over here nobody uses a landline anymore. To me they're the best invention ever, i never had a landline,even growing up we never had a phone,so we would go to our neighbours to receive calls, or to the street booth to make them,it was such an hassle. Plus when you move around so much a cellphone becomes a necessity,mine saved my life so many times,so i kind love him,yes it's an he and i even named him,so what? :P


What'd you name him... Phone-y? ::)

What'd you name him... Phone-y? ::)

Nope 'cause he doesn't understand english ::)

I'll never tell,i'll never tell

Everybody I know seems to have one.  I've always liked having one less bill every month, and knowing that I can effectively be unreachable does have it's benefits.  Plus, I can always bum one off of someone else if I really need to.
You're not the only one ChuckyG. I agree with your reasons and would add, that I don't have a cell phone & refuse to have one., nor do I have any desire to have a phone number that people will inevitably get & be able to call me wherever I am. My wife & daughter each have one & everyone says I should get one "for emergency purposes/use only". Everywhere I go, people are on their cell phones, at the store as they are checking out in front of me, leaving work people are immediately on their phones & when they are behind me, with their hands full & phone to ear, I purposely do not hold the door for them (there are exceptions  ;) ). When stopped at intersections, I am amazed at the number of people in their cars on the phone. In the dugout at my ball games, phones ring & guys stop what they're doing to take that call. On the shuttle to the airport, my friends wife called him to see what he was doing? at the airport she called him again to see what he was doing? No sir/mamn! I am holding on to the little freedom I have from being tracked and hounded as long as I can, or until I have an emergency, then I'll get one.                maybe

You're not the only one ChuckyG. I agree with your reasons and would add, that I don't have a cell phone & refuse to have one., nor do I have any desire to have a phone number that people will inevitably get & be able to call me wherever I am. My wife & daughter each have one & everyone says I should get one "for emergency purposes/use only". Everywhere I go, people are on their cell phones, at the store as they are checking out in front of me, leaving work people are immediately on their phones & when they are behind me, with their hands full & phone to ear, I purposely do not hold the door for them (there are exceptions  ;) ). When stopped at intersections, I am amazed at the number of people in their cars on the phone. In the dugout at my ball games, phones ring & guys stop what they're doing to take that call. On the shuttle to the airport, my friends wife called him to see what he was doing? at the airport she called him again to see what he was doing? No sir/mamn! I am holding on to the little freedom I have from being tracked and hounded as long as I can, or until I have an emergency, then I'll get one.                maybe


I think "for emergency purposes/use only". is the excuse I hear the most, yet the reason I see them used the least.

I read a story about a guy who saw one of the first brick phones being used by someone in a bar somewhere.  When it rang everyone got a little hushed, because hey, this must be important if they're calling him on a phone that costs $2 a minute.  What did he end up overhearing?  "Yes honey, I'll stop and pick up the dry cleaning on the way home".  The author of the story said it was the most important thing he ever heard discussed on a cell phone, and the value of the conversations have been steadily dropping steadily since then.

Electric leash is one of the names I call them.  I already get more calls at work than I want, having another way to be reached by anyone I know sounds like a really bad idea.  What I really would want, is something that filters any call I receive, and make people answer whether it was an emergency or not.  People who abuse the "emergency" function would cease to get the ability to use it and have to leave a message.  Maybe I'm more sensitive to it because my job requires concentration.  I hate to get interrupted when I've solved a problem and I'm building the solution.

I often think back to the days before cell phones went mainstream and how people seemed less "self-absorbed." Now, it's like everyone's in their own world. Usually, if I get a call during dinner, lunch, or anything of that sort that I'm sharing with someone else, I'll seldom receive the call. I often find it rude to pick it up in the middle of a conversation with someone. I also feel that if someone always thinks you're available just because you have a cell phone attached to you 24/7, then it's good to be picky with the calls you pick up on the spot and the ones you let  go to Voice mail.

I think "for emergency purposes/use only". is the excuse I hear the most, yet the reason I see them used the least.

Electric leash is one of the names I call them.  I already get more calls at work than I want, having another way to be reached by anyone I know sounds like a really bad idea. 
first time I heard that term "electric leash"  ;D  and it sounds true for my friend.  and now check this out. My work mate just stopped by as I am posting this, and he's got a band, and he's got 5 songs on CD he wants me to listen to. His cell phone rings as he & I are talking, he answers and immediatley I know it's his wife, and he says "hey, I'll call you right back", why?, because I'm at someones desk talking right now, I'll call you back"  :o  perfect timing for that phone call as I'm on this thread. 


I often think back to the days before cell phones went mainstream and how people seemed less "self-absorbed." Now, it's like everyone's in their own world. Usually, if I get a call during dinner, lunch, or anything of that sort that I'm sharing with someone else, I'll seldom receive the call. I often find it rude to pick it up in the middle of a conversation with someone. I also feel that if someone always thinks you're available just because you have a cell phone attached to you 24/7, then it's good to be picky with the calls you pick up on the spot and the ones you let  go to Voice mail.
It is rude to get phone calls when you're at dinner with friends. Diane & I went out to dinner with another couple, we sit, and they both take out their phones and set them on the table & the female made 2 calls and recieved one during our dinner. WTF!

^ tell me about!! I'll usually keep mine out just in case so I'll know who's calling, but not to actually pick it up.

Speaking of cell phones, I heard my cell ringing earlier, and for some really strange reason I can't find my phone - it's gone totally missing!!  :o

It is rude to get phone calls when you're at dinner with friends. Diane & I went out to dinner with another couple, we sit, and they both take out their phones and set them on the table & the female made 2 calls and recieved one during our dinner. WTF!


That is rude. The only time I could see if they were checking on the kids/babysitter or the kids/babysitter were letting them know some important info-like the house was on fire or something like that. But just to call and make conversation while you are at dinner-that is just rude to the people you are having dinner with.


When I am with one of my best friends, she does carry her cell. If it rings, it is usually her husband who tells her that she needs to stop some place to pick up something (part of their business). Or she will call her husband telling him that we are about to leave town and to see if she needs to pick anything up. Most calls last a total of 2 minutes (if that). And if we are on the rode when the phone rings, she will pull over. To me, that is a legitimate reason for using the cell. Actually, IMO most legitimate calls last no more than 2 minutes if you are out and about. If you want to just talk, you should do it when you are at home but not at the mall, the gas station, in the car, or any other place and to carry on a conversation so loud that everyone in the world can hear your business. 



Cat

That is rude. The only time I could see if they were checking on the kids/babysitter or the kids/babysitter were letting them know some important info-like the house was on fire or something like that. But just to call and make conversation while you are at dinner-that is just rude to the people you are having dinner with.


When I am with one of my best friends, she does carry her cell. If it rings, it is usually her husband who tells her that she needs to stop some place to pick up something (part of their business). Or she will call her husband telling him that we are about to leave town and to see if she needs to pick anything up. Most calls last a total of 2 minutes (if that). And if we are on the rode when the phone rings, she will pull over. To me, that is a legitimate reason for using the cell. Actually, IMO most legitimate calls last no more than 2 minutes if you are out and about. If you want to just talk, you should do it when you are at home but not at the mall, the gas station, in the car, or any other place and to carry on a conversation so loud that everyone in the world can hear your business. 



Cat
yes, i thought it was rude, but i guess their lives are quite busy and people need to get a hold of them.    BS!  ;D
I call Diane on her cell all the time when she's out and about, mainly because she is always going to the grocery store & I'll ask her to pick me up some things.  wasn't Maxwell Smart/Agent 86 the first to utilize a portable phone. the famous shoe phone

yes, i thought it was rude, but i guess their lives are quite busy and people need to get a hold of them.    BS!  ;D
I call Diane on her cell all the time when she's out and about, mainly because she is always going to the grocery store & I'll ask her to pick me up some things.  wasn't Maxwell Smart/Agent 86 the first to utilize a portable phone. the famous shoe phone



I don't have a problem with that. "Oh Honey, while you are out, can you pick up...." I'm sure that call is under 2 minutes (like I said in my earlier post).


I don't know if it was Maxwell Smart (the character, not the board member) who first used the portable phone for Capt. James T. Kirk.



Cat

People use cell phones everywhere.

I was using the restroom at Walmart and I heard the lady in the next stall talking, at first I though she was asking for toilet paper then I realized that she was on the phone.  :o

I was in Walgreen's in NY a few weeks back and the guy working the register was talking on his cell phone.  I don't think that should be allowed. 

If someone needs to get in touch with you while you're at work or at school they need to call the office. 

And like I said mine is mainly for emergencies (I do get the "Honey could you...? calls), I'm female and I have 2 children and I wouldn't want to be stranded on the side of the road, especially at night.  The only time mine actually leaves the car is if my daughter wants to carry it into the store.  ::)

I don't have a problem with that. "Oh Honey, while you are out, can you pick up...." I'm sure that call is under 2 minutes (like I said in my earlier post).


I don't know if it was Maxwell Smart (the character, not the board member) who first used the portable phone for Capt. James T. Kirk.



Cat
oh yes, James Tiberius Kirk.  Now if phones had phasers,  I'd get one

oh yes, James Tiberius Kirk.  Now if phones had phasers,  I'd get one



And you can use those phasers (on stun of course) on all those people who blab constinately on their cells-like when you are at dinner.  ;D ;D ;D



Cat

And you can use those phasers (on stun of course) on all those people who blab constinately on their cells-like when you are at dinner.  ;D ;D ;D



Cat
I would use stun so much I'd need to recharge every night

I don't have one myself, never really thought of getting one.

I dont have one!!!

I've heard people on the crapper using cellphones also.  One time, I was in a public restroom using a stall and some guy at the sink pulls out his phone and calls someone, so as I sat there, I made the usual bathroom noises while I screamed real loud, gross things like how much it burns when it comes out ;D

You might be one of the few without a cell phone.  Even most 8 year olds have them.   ;D

You gotta be kidding me. It just doesn't seem right for someone that age...at least from my point of view. :-\\

I think "for emergency purposes/use only". is the excuse I hear the most, yet the reason I see them used the least.



which was the reason for me getting one. When I was just starting college, I would commute home via public transportation (namely the bus), and on the beginning of my second week, the bus broke down, and I had no way of letting my family know about it, so they became worried. Eventually the bus was back up and running, and I got home (late), and then my mom got home in tears. I had to explain to her (for the first time) that my bus had broken down, "and I had no way of getting a hold of you." So for the rest of the week, my mom let me use her phone, and at the end of the week, I got my first one. So then I could let my family know when I was on my way home, and if any problems arose.

Still...these days I only use it when I need to.

Most calls last a total of 2 minutes (if that). And if we are on the rode when the phone rings, she will pull over. To me, that is a legitimate reason for using the cell.


In Vermont it's probably not as hectic as down here in Mass., but it's still dangerous to pull onto the shoulder of a road and especially the highway to receive a phone call.  My mother pulled into the breakdown lane of a highway to answer a call and a cop pulled up behind her and told her it wasn't safe to be pulled off onto the shoulder except for emergencies.  A side road is probably not too bad, but then again, people drive too fast everywhere now, and are generally distracted (cellphones, eating, makeup, you name it) and even if you're in a wide open space half off the road, you're still at a greater risk for getting hit.  Do a youtube search for accidents where people hit parked cars, even parked cruisers.

my view is, if it's an emergency, don't call me, call an ambulance.  Almost any reason I can think of for having it, usually comes down to someone else's convenience.

I absolutely hate whenever I am at work and the customer I am waiting on/assisting is on their cell phone. I am trying to tell them things and talk to them...and they are engrossed in a convo on the cell with God knows who...that is so rude. >:(

I absolutely hate whenever I am at work and the customer I am waiting on/assisting is on their cell phone. I am trying to tell them things and talk to them...and they are engrossed in a convo on the cell with God knows who...that is so rude. >:(
just ignore them until they are done talking or turn your back on them

I have a mobile phone.  We bought our first phone when our daughter was born so that we could keep in touch with each other.  I have been asked to come home from a meeting because one of the children was very ill.  Very few people know my number and I would say most every call I get is about something rather than just random chat i.e. picking up the children, picking up something specific from the supermarket or being late meeting me etc.  I pull onto a side street and park if my phone rings whilst I am in the car.

Edited to add:  Luke's post below reminded me that I meant to say my phone is pre-pay.  It possibly costs a little more per call (I don't know) but I use the phone so little that it would be pointless paying a plan that gave me 60 free minutes a month because they would not be used.

I have a prepay cellphone which I top up when I need to. No monthly bills etc. I like that you can add numbers to your phone so that if, for example, work called asking if you wanted to come in, you don't have to answer.  ::)

If people want to reach me and I'm cycling, in the shop, studying, driving, watching TV, walking along a tight-rope without a harness, they can bloody wait.  :D

You gotta be kidding me. It just doesn't seem right for someone that age...at least from my point of view. :-\\


Disney currently makes a cellphone line currently aimed towards kids of a younger age.  When I was a kid, i never needed a cellphone. 'Course they didn't exist back then, but even still .. what 8 year old needs a cellphone?

Little Billy: "I like my phone because it enables me to make a conference call to Timmy, my bestest friend in the whole wide world.  He lives down the block, and his mommy won't let him come out and play cause he hasn't cleaned his room.  She is a big stupid poop head and a big meanie"

;D

Edited to add:  Luke's post below reminded me that I meant to say my phone is pre-pay.  It possibly costs a little more per call (I don't know) but I use the phone so little that it would be pointless paying a plan that gave me 60 free minutes a month because they would not be used.
Exactly my reason for using prepay too. I'd never use 500 texts a month or even 60 minutes a month, so those plans aren't worth it for me.

Disney currently makes a cellphone line currently aimed towards kids of a younger age.  When I was a kid, i never needed a cellphone. 'Course they didn't exist back then, but even still .. what 8 year old needs a cellphone?



Ha!  A few years ago I was helping at a camp for Cub Scouts.  It was for the older ones so they were aged between 9 and a half and 10 and a half.  One boy was away from home for the first time and his mum gave him her mobile so he could call home if he needed her.  He was phoning every half hour or so to talk to her the first night.  At least until they left the phone off the hook.  ;D  Overnight one of the other leaders heard him crying.  When she asked what was wrong he said he'd tried to ring his mum and she wasn't answering the phone.  He wanted to know where she was.  This was at 3.30 in the morning!  Bet his mum was regretting giving him the phone

Before I head off to sleep at night,I turn my phone on to "silent mode" so that way,My Parents and I could sleep and we wouldn't have to be disturbed by any loud ringing inthe evening.Does anyone do that? ???

Anybody in the mood for phone toasting?  ;D

Anybody in the mood for phone toasting?  ;D


Howard you've mentioned this before but I'm not sure many people here will remember what you are on about.  I only know because someone (Midas I think) mentioned it afges ago and I searched for the thread (which survives in the archive)

Howard you've mentioned this before but I'm not sure many people here will remember what you are on about.  I only know because someone (Midas I think) mentioned it afges ago and I searched for the thread (which survives in the archive)


Karen,phone toasting is like toasting glasses for a celebration only this time we're toasting phones for everyone that has one. ;D

I resisted for ages but i had a couple of occassions where i got stranded while travelling and couldn't get hold of anyone so I gave in and got one. Now if i use it at all it's for texting people. I find it very useful for my brother and sister who will talk for HOURS when all you want to do is say meet me tomorrow at 7 or something similar so in that respect texting is a god send!

I have one and it drives hubby batty that I'm not attached to it like he is.  Most of the time, the battery is dead or I don't hear it in my purse so I don't answer it and he says "Why do you have a cell phone if you're not going to answer it" and I say "Sorry, I didn't marry my phone, I chose you" ;D

My hubby is addicted to his phone and his treo (yes, he has both)  I've threatened to throw both of them across the room at times because he'll just be "checking his email" a bazillion times a night instead of paying attention to the kids or me.  We've gotten into massive fights over him answering the phone/responding to email when the kids and I are waiting patiently (sometimes for close to 1/2 hour) >:(

My brother & SIL use their cell phones for everything.  They don't even have a landline anymore.  He's usually on tour so it's either use the cell phone to talk to each other or find a pay phone......whenever they call me, they call me on my cell because the mobile-to-mobile calls are unlimited :P

You gotta be kidding me. It just doesn't seem right for someone that age...at least from my point of view. :-\\


I think 8 is too young also, but I know when Megan gets to that age and all of her friends have them she'll want on too. 

I think 8 is too young also, but I know when Megan gets to that age and all of her friends have them she'll want on too. 


You just have to stick to your principles and be a 'mean mum'

Karen,phone toasting is like toasting glasses for a celebration only this time we're toasting phones for everyone that has one. ;D



I'm in

Before I head off to sleep at night,I turn my phone on to "silent mode" so that way,My Parents and I could sleep and we wouldn't have to be disturbed by any loud ringing inthe evening.Does anyone do that? ???


I did when I stayed with my boyfriend so he wouldn't be disturbed, but then there was an incident with my parents and my dad made me feel so guilty for not being available that now I leave mine on right next to my bed (no longer w/ the boyfriend, so no problem there)

I have a cell phone and have had one for 6 years now. I don;t even use it that much. I sometimes will turn off the phone but if somebody leaces a message I will gladly call them back. I am not one of those people in my car using my cell phone while driving. I am not married to my cell phone like some people are.

.

You just have to stick to your principles and be a 'mean mum'


I feel like I'm always a mean mum!!  I think "No" is my most used word!  ;D

In Vermont it's probably not as hectic as down here in Mass., but it's still dangerous to pull onto the shoulder of a road and especially the highway to receive a phone call.  My mother pulled into the breakdown lane of a highway to answer a call and a cop pulled up behind her and told her it wasn't safe to be pulled off onto the shoulder except for emergencies.  A side road is probably not too bad, but then again, people drive too fast everywhere now, and are generally distracted (cellphones, eating, makeup, you name it) and even if you're in a wide open space half off the road, you're still at a greater risk for getting hit.  Do a youtube search for accidents where people hit parked cars, even parked cruisers.

my view is, if it's an emergency, don't call me, call an ambulance.  Almost any reason I can think of for having it, usually comes down to someone else's convenience.



That is true. Up here, our highways are not too hectic. Also, Vermont just past a law about driving with your cell phone to your ear. They tried to include eating, drinking, smoking, putting on make-up, etc. but I think only the cell phone passed. (I could be wrong).



Cat

My hubby wants to get one for our 11-year-old daughter...but I see absolutely no reason for her having to have one!  ::)

No...I've no use for one...

(And, having said that, sometime in the not-too-distant future, the car will most likely break down 50 miles from civilisation... ::))

(And, having said that, sometime in the not-too-distant future, the car will most likely break down 50 miles from civilisation... ::))


Oh, don't say that!  :-\\

Oh, don't say that!  :-\\


Too late...I just have!

There's only one thing I can do...and that's avoid going anywhere approaching 50 miles from civilisation!

Too late...I just have!

There's only one thing I can do...and that's avoid going anywhere approaching 50 miles from civilisation!



lmao  ;D  Here's some Karma to try and ward it off!

Too late...I just have!

There's only one thing I can do...and that's avoid going anywhere approaching 50 miles from civilisation!


And make sure you keep your car tuned up!

I got my first one a few yrs ago when I was at a conference in Denver.  I got Micah a Trac phone when she turned 15 and a cell phone for her 16th birthday (she is on my plan).  It is nice to be able to stay in touch with her when she leaves the house.

Just read through this thread, and based on what I've read, I'd probably be accused of being married to my phone, although I refuse to chat in the bathroom and during other private-like situations.

Ha!  A few years ago I was helping at a camp for Cub Scouts.  It was for the older ones so they were aged between 9 and a half and 10 and a half.  One boy was away from home for the first time and his mum gave him her mobile so he could call home if he needed her.  He was phoning every half hour or so to talk to her the first night.  At least until they left the phone off the hook.  ;D  Overnight one of the other leaders heard him crying.  When she asked what was wrong he said he'd tried to ring his mum and she wasn't answering the phone.  He wanted to know where she was.  This was at 3.30 in the morning!  Bet his mum was regretting giving him the phone
Where she was???perhaps-----in bed??? ::)

I've heard people on the crapper using cellphones also.  One time, I was in a public restroom using a stall and some guy at the sink pulls out his phone and calls someone, so as I sat there, I made the usual bathroom noises while I screamed real loud, gross things like how much it burns when it comes out ;D
That is so funny!if people are obn the cell phone while i'm at the library,i always manage to find something funny to read and laugh loudly.

What's everyone's ringtone?

I did when I stayed with my boyfriend so he wouldn't be disturbed, but then there was an incident with my parents and my dad made me feel so guilty for not being available that now I leave mine on right next to my bed (no longer w/ the boyfriend, so no problem there)



So you can keep it as loud as you want?

I guess I'm sorta in the middle of the division on this (as I am with alot of things). I had my mom's old cellphone in the late '90s and got my own in 2001. I've had one ever since, although I admit I don't give it alot of use. It's pretty basic, which works fine for me, although it's kinda embarrasingly old-school now, lol.

On one hand, I agree it's annoying and sometimes passively inconsiderate how some people are surgically attached to them, but it's nice to have for conveinence sake.

My hubby wants to get one for our 11-year-old daughter...but I see absolutely no reason for her having to have one!  ::)


my sister-in-law bought one for her daughter so that she can ring home when she gets to school and when she starts her journey home  ::)

My hubby wants to get one for our 11-year-old daughter...but I see absolutely no reason for her having to have one!  ::)
Same here.  Next year, the way our school district is set up, the middle school is out in the middle of the boondocks and anyone who stays after school (for sports, etc) is bussed into town around 5:15-5:30 (I think) so we'll probably get him one so he can call when they're on their way for me to go pick him up.

Another thing regarding the common criticism - I don't think it's cellphones themselves that are the problem, it's the way people use them. Because of how human nature works, it's the idiots who talk on them behind the wheel, or make a call when they're in the checkout line (working in retail, I've come across this tons of times and always have to bite my tongue, lol) who get the attention and the stereotype, more than the "responsible" ones.

Another thing regarding the common criticism - I don't think it's cellphones themselves that are the problem, it's the way people use them. Because of how human nature works, it's the idiots who talk on them behind the wheel, or make a call when they're in the checkout line (working in retail, I've come across this tons of times and always have to bite my tongue, lol) who get the attention and the stereotype, more than the "responsible" ones.


yea, I agree. I have almost had numerous people wreck into me while I was driving...and every single time it happened...I looked and they were too busy talking on their phone. I cannot believe this hasn't been a law in every state yet...to ban cell phone useage while driving...it really should be.

yea, I agree. I have almost had numerous people wreck into me while I was driving...and every single time it happened...I looked and they were too busy talking on their phone. I cannot believe this hasn't been a law in every state yet...to ban cell phone useage while driving...it really should be.


It's illegal in the UK but it doesn't stop people.  The fine is something tiny like £60

It's illegal in the UK but it doesn't stop people.  The fine is something tiny like £60
I think there are points on your driving license too.

I think there are points on your driving license too.


You are correct.  Three points

http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/mobilephones/mobilephones.htm

It's illegal in the UK but it doesn't stop people.  The fine is something tiny like £60


£60?  That's peanuts.  People caught using their cellphone while driving should have their license suspended.  It's the only way they will learn

The correct procedure is to pull off to the side of the road if you have to make or answer a call on your cellphone, but no one is ever going to do that :(

yea, I agree. I have almost had numerous people wreck into me while I was driving...and every single time it happened...I looked and they were too busy talking on their phone. I cannot believe this hasn't been a law in every state yet...to ban cell phone useage while driving...it really should be.

Yeah, not like there's not enough bad drivers out there already. ;D

I can sorta understand, say travelling salespeople or businessmen using them on the road (it is alot easier for anyone to not have to go get out and use a payphone - that feels so Stone Age now, lol), but even then, they ought to have the common courtesy to pull over and talk. If it rings while you're driving, wait until you get to a safe place to stop.

Personally, if mine goes off when I'm in a social situation or even in a store, I always wait until later. Even if it's no big deal, there's just something about sharing a conversation with people around me that's kinda awkward. Like you, I also get ticked off when I get customers in line who yak away.

I must admit that there was one time I yaked in public-and that was to a fellow board member (Mama K). That was last year when Carlos was in surgery and I needed her to distract me. At that point, I could have cared less-my mind was on something else. I'm sure everyone who was around me at that time who heard the conversation probably understood because I mentioned (a few times) about the situation.



Cat

Same here.  Next year, the way our school district is set up, the middle school is out in the middle of the boondocks and anyone who stays after school (for sports, etc) is bussed into town around 5:15-5:30 (I think) so we'll probably get him one so he can call when they're on their way for me to go pick him up.


I could understand a child having one for that purpose.  I think that's a good idea.  :)

Disney currently makes a cellphone line currently aimed towards kids of a younger age.  When I was a kid, i never needed a cellphone. 'Course they didn't exist back then, but even still .. what 8 year old needs a cellphone?

Little Billy: "I like my phone because it enables me to make a conference call to Timmy, my bestest friend in the whole wide world.  He lives down the block, and his mommy won't let him come out and play cause he hasn't cleaned his room.  She is a big stupid poop head and a big meanie"

;D


Oh...okay. I didn't know that. Still, when I was 8 I probably wouldn't have wanted one anyway. Not that there were many cell phone users back then, but still..

I got sick of bumming phones and I wanted to call friends (I'm not allowed to use the house phone) on rare occasion, mostly the ones that live far away that I rarely see (the main person I got the phone to talk to I no longer speak to, ironically)... but the cell gets awful annoying. I leave it off unless I need to make calls or it's important I be reached, or someone I want to talk to might call.. I have a few friends who get overbearing on calling all the time.

I think city buses are becoming personal telephone booths,Do Any of you agree with this statement? ???

I think cell phones are cool.I like the way that there are many different ringtones and everybody keeps checking to see if it's their phone that's ringing,struggling to answer it but they know it's somebody else's.  ;D

What pisses me off is people trying to text while they're TRYING to drive. >:(

What pisses me off is people trying to text while they're TRYING to drive. >:(


That doubles their chances of getting into an accident! >:(

That doubles their chances of getting into an accident! >:(


But yet it still happens. :P

But yet it still happens. :P


everyone is in their own world! ::)

everyone is in their own world! ::)


Till there is a misspelled word and a near fatal accident. :P

Till there is a misspelled word and a near fatal accident. :P


Just like walking and talking. ::)

as of today, I still have no phone and even if I have an emergency, I think I still won't get one.

as of today, I still have no phone and even if I have an emergency, I think I still won't get one.


Smoke signals. :)

My phone hardly ever rings, so no problem there.

We have a strict rule that while you are driving, that is the ONLY activity you are engaged in.

Does anyone walk and talk or use those things that you put in your ear that makes you look like Spock? ;D

as of today, I still have no phone and even if I have an emergency, I think I still won't get one.


So you're still using payphones?

So you're still using payphones?


I don't think there is a payphone in the entire town of Big Rapids!

I don't think there is a payphone in the entire town of Big Rapids!


New York as of late still has payphones around somewhere.

New York as of late still has payphones around somewhere.
Where else can Superman change?

Where else can Superman change?


In a dark parking lot?  ;D

Where else can Superman change?
or the Everly Brothers--oh wait,they were just calling someone on the album cover.

So you're still using payphones?
;D  no, I'm not using them either. I don't need to.  I don't have any reasons to be on the phone when I am away from my home or work. If Diane or Julie or anyone else wants to get a hold of me, they'll have to just wait until I get home. If I have a auto emergency, I'll just carjack the first person to pull over  :)

If I have a auto emergency, I'll just carjack the first person to pull over  :)


Why wait for an auto-emergency?

Why wait for an auto-emergency?
Way to go Davey, you're always thinking out of the box.  ;D 

You know what? Payphones actually seem pretty old-school now. ;D

I'd say that's one definer of the '90s versus today. They were everywhere back then, but I started seeing more and more of them torn down c. 1998, and it was noticeable by the early '00s. In my area, they're still around, but it's like one or two per parking lot or per block. Lots of the existing ones are in deplorable shape too (i.e. the phonebook with pages ripped out). Now it's just for if someone forgot their cellphone, I guess. They'll always be around for emergencies, of course.

;D  no, I'm not using them either. I don't need to.  I don't have any reasons to be on the phone when I am away from my home or work. If Diane or Julie or anyone else wants to get a hold of me, they'll have to just wait until I get home. If I have a auto emergency, I'll just carjack the first person to pull over  :)


Do you use Onstar?

Don't have one, don't have the need.  Save craploads of money  ;)

You know what? Payphones actually seem pretty old-school now. ;D

I'd say that's one definer of the '90s versus today. They were everywhere back then, but I started seeing more and more of them torn down c. 1998, and it was noticeable by the early '00s. In my area, they're still around, but it's like one or two per parking lot or per block. Lots of the existing ones are in deplorable shape too (i.e. the phonebook with pages ripped out). Now it's just for if someone forgot their cellphone, I guess. They'll always be around for emergencies, of course.


As long as you don't have the emergency in Big Rapids, you should be ok!  ;D  I have yet to see one around town (and like you said, they used to be everywhere--even in some of the buildings on campus). 

I currently have 2 cell phones, but neither of them are really practical. One is an emergency deal I bargained with Verizon for.. that runs out in June and I will then get a new contract. My other is my UK cell-phone, which works in the US, but it's hard to add minutes to it (gotta use credit cards and spend like 20 minutes on the phone just to do it) so I use that sparingly. But yeah, in June I'll do a new contract with Verizon and probably get us all hooked up on one of those big family plans. Me, the two Steve's, my Uncle and my Grandparents and just split it 5 ways and do like 2000 minutes or something.

I currently have 2 cell phones, but neither of them are really practical. One is an emergency deal I bargained with Verizon for.. that runs out in June and I will then get a new contract. My other is my UK cell-phone, which works in the US, but it's hard to add minutes to it (gotta use credit cards and spend like 20 minutes on the phone just to do it) so I use that sparingly. But yeah, in June I'll do a new contract with Verizon and probably get us all hooked up on one of those big family plans. Me, the two Steve's, my Uncle and my Grandparents and just split it 5 ways and do like 2000 minutes or something.




Verizon sucks.




Cat

Verizon sucks.

Cat


They bloody well don't!!

I've never had a bad experience with them, in fact, I'd go so far as to say that almost every time I've had to speak with them I've had a pleasant experience and have usually come away with some sort of benefit.

I'm gonna assume you had a bad time with them?

I had a real crappy time with Cingular, so I told them to shove their contract up their ass.

They bloody well don't!!

I've never had a bad experience with them, in fact, I'd go so far as to say that almost every time I've had to speak with them I've had a pleasant experience and have usually come away with some sort of benefit.

I'm gonna assume you had a bad time with them?

I had a real crappy time with Cingular, so I told them to shove their contract up their ass.



We use Sprint.



Cat

What's the worst ringtone you've heard?

They bloody well don't!!

I've never had a bad experience with them, in fact, I'd go so far as to say that almost every time I've had to speak with them I've had a pleasant experience and have usually come away with some sort of benefit.

I'm gonna assume you had a bad time with them?

I had a real crappy time with Cingular, so I told them to shove their contract up their ass.



What's the worst ringtone you've heard?


The worst ringtone I ever heard was coming from a Cingular phone that had been shoved up somebody's ass.   :o   ;D

{quote author=Davey Thrashmister link=topic=26615.msg1294623#msg1294623 date=1179004681]
They bloody well don't!!

I've never had a bad experience with them, in fact, I'd go so far as to say that almost every time I've had to speak with them I've had a pleasant experience and have usually come away with some sort of benefit.

I'm gonna assume you had a bad time with them?

I had a real crappy time with Cingular, so I told them to shove their contract up their ass.


The worst ringtone I ever heard was coming from a Cingular phone that had been shoved up somebody's ass.  :o  ;D


;D ;D

I worked in the mobile phone wholesale world when they were still very new to Australia - from 1993 to 1996. So I have pretty much owned a mobile non stop since 1993.

I have always stuck with prepaid plans so I dont tend to use mine for conversations other than "I am here - pick me up" type stuff. I do use them a lot for sms texting.

My friends and I have entire conversations during the evenings via sms. Its great - it means we can get on with our night - be it on the computer or watching tv etc, but we can still have a conversation without interupting the other persons activities.

Re driving: over here its illegal to drive while talking on the mobile or using it to text - since July 2001. It includes even while pulled up at traffic lights. If you use a hand held mobile phone while driving you face a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points.

Re children having them: I think in this day and age if technology allows children and teens a better element of safety then its a good thing. I think back to times when I wished I had the ability to call home in emergencies - like when I missed the last school bus and had no money for a pay phone (if I had found one in working order), or when my friends and I came out of concerts and missed the final train and had to call our parents to pick us up - again searching for an available and working pay phone was generally impossible.
I know here in Aus there are many kid friendly mobile phones that enable just emergency numbers and 3 family numbers to be dialed. http://www.geckoworld.com.au/phone-demo.htm
http://www.telstra.com.au/kidsintouch/index.html

I think city buses have become people's own personal telephone booths.Has anyone ever noticed this? ???

{quote author=Davey Thrashmister link=topic=26615.msg1294623#msg1294623 date=1179004681]
They bloody well don't!!

I've never had a bad experience with them, in fact, I'd go so far as to say that almost every time I've had to speak with them I've had a pleasant experience and have usually come away with some sort of benefit.

I'm gonna assume you had a bad time with them?

I had a real crappy time with Cingular, so I told them to shove their contract up their ass.


The worst ringtone I ever heard was coming from a Cingular phone that had been shoved up somebody's ass.   :o   ;D



Wow,That is the worst ringtone I've ever heard. ;D

I think city buses have become people's own personal telephone booths.Has anyone ever noticed this? ???


Yeah, and they seem to think that they gotta talk REAL LOUD into the phone.

Then there are the people who have to repeat what they are saying like 10 times.  "Honey I am on the bus.  I am on the bus.  Honey, I am on the bus.  I'm on the bus, honey".  I swear when I hear that I want to put them UNDER the bus.

Yeah, and they seem to think that they gotta talk REAL LOUD into the phone.

Then there are the people who have to repeat what they are saying like 10 times.  "Honey I am on the bus.  I am on the bus.  Honey, I am on the bus.  I'm on the bus, honey".  I swear when I hear that I want to put them UNDER the bus.


Honey, I'm on the train. Yeah, like every evening. Yeah, I'll be home at the same time I am every night. Yeah.. Yeah.. YEAH.. Yeah, I'll be home... yeah, yeah, same train as normal, yeah, I just feel the need to tell you because I'm a complete f**king retard.

Statsqueen:
As long as you don't have the emergency in Big Rapids, you should be ok!  ;D I have yet to see one around town (and like you said, they used to be everywhere--even in some of the buildings on campus).  

Really, they've entirely disappeared where you are? That's bizarre. Maybe the city doesn't want people trashing them, or there's just not enough demand to keep them running. It's funny how spoiled technology makes us, 'cause the couple times I've had to use a payphone recently (if I forgot my phone or the battery died, etc), I always feel like I'm in the Wild West and it's like "Oh man, I don't want to use 50 cents" - even if the phone itself costs way more per month, lol.

Whenever I see someone driving a car while talking on a cellphone, is it wrong that I wanna just crap that phone, and use it to beat the hell out of that person? lol

One time I actually saw a case of something similar.  Some guy downtown was talking on a cellphone, and not totally paying attention to the traffic.  He had his window down, and he was going slow enough, that some onlooker got irritated by the guy that he walked over to the car, reached in and grabbed the guy's phone, and smashed it on the pavement ;D

We have a good neighbor friend who doesn't have a cell phone OR a computer!  :o


Fricken weirdo!!! ;) ;D

I have a cell phone, but the thing I really hate about it is the fact that people can get hold of me all the time.  I really just want to be left alone all the time. ;D  And my mother in law calls me on it and this drives me nuts.  Like she needs to get a hold of me that badly.  I don't have the nerve to tell her not to call me on it though.  I usually just don't answer when she calls.

I have a cell phone, but the thing I really hate about it is the fact that people can get hold of me all the time.  I really just want to be left alone all the time. ;D  And my mother in law calls me on it and this drives me nuts.  Like she needs to get a hold of me that badly.  I don't have the nerve to tell her not to call me on it though.  I usually just don't answer when she calls.


Just do what I do, assign different ring tones to different people. Most people on my phone(s) have the same ring tone, but there's a few who have their own.. those are the people I generally will just call back if I actually want to speak to them.

Just do what I do, assign different ring tones to different people. Most people on my phone(s) have the same ring tone, but there's a few who have their own.. those are the people I generally will just call back if I actually want to speak to them.


Same here.  I have certain ringtones that I always answer...and other ones that I always ignore!  ;D

Same here.  I have certain ringtones that I always answer...and other ones that I always ignore!  ;D


MMhmm.

Now.. .. can you guess one of the numbers that I always ignore?  ;)

Of course, it's been a while since it came up on any of my phones.

MMhmm.

Now.. .. can you guess one of the numbers that I always ignore?  ;)

Of course, it's been a while since it came up on any of my phones.


It's Tia, isn't it?

I have a cell phone, but the thing I really hate about it is the fact that people can get hold of me all the time.  I really just want to be left alone all the time. ;D  And my mother in law calls me on it and this drives me nuts.  Like she needs to get a hold of me that badly.  I don't have the nerve to tell her not to call me on it though.  I usually just don't answer when she calls.
that's what I'm talking about!  :-\\  so i leave  the house this afternoon for a multitude, no. it was more like a myriad of errands to run & I ask Diane if I can take her phone just in case she thinks of anything else to get while I'm grocery shopping. Hey, it's Mother's Day for crying out loud!  anyways I went to Hollywood Video, Best Buy, Round Table Pizza, and Albertsons supermarket and I'm done and ready to come home & she didn't call me once.  I called her twice however, back to back calls asking if we had spaghetti noodles. then 2nd call asking her to get a pot of hot water going for me on the stove. I can see that I really don't need a phone.

Whenever I see someone driving a car while talking on a cellphone, is it wrong that I wanna just crap that phone, and use it to beat the hell out of that person? lol

One time I actually saw a case of something similar.  Some guy downtown was talking on a cellphone, and not totally paying attention to the traffic.  He had his window down, and he was going slow enough, that some onlooker got irritated by the guy that he walked over to the car, reached in and grabbed the guy's phone, and smashed it on the pavement ;D


I had a co-worker who was decapitated due to cell phone use.  He was on the phone and distracted such that he did not see a flatbed truck stopped in the road ahead of him.  Hit it at 70mph.

Thus... I do not use cell phone whilst driving.