Is there any real legitimate reason for carrying a cell-phone around except for emergencies and business?

[SaltBoy]

My wife just got her cell-phone bill for the month. I knew she had used a lot more cell-phone minutes on her plan than she was supposed to, but I nearly fainted when I found out the bill was $180! Needless to say, I wasn't too happy. Here's the kicker, though -- most of my wife's cell phone minutes was spent talking to me, which could be a good thing. But it really wasn't a good thing, because the majority of our conversation was a lot of unecessary "what's up?" small talk.

Although my wife disagrees, I think we really don't NEED a cell-phone for small talk. If we're stuck on the Interstate and need to call a tow-truck or an ambulance, then sure, a cell-phone is VERY handy. But, besides emergencies and probably for business-related necessities, WHY are cell-phones so vital in people's lives? They're a total annoyance!

<-- VERY sick of the Nokia cell-phone tone. DUH DUH DUHHHH DUHH DUH DUH DUHHHH DUHH DUH DUH DUHH DUHH DUHHHH... AAAGGHH!! :|

 

[minendo]

Is there any real legitimate reason for carrying a cell-phone around except for emergencies?

My cell phone is how work contacts me.

 

[aphex]

Here in Europe, my cell phone is a HELL of alot cheaper to have than a land line. So, to answer your question, yes.

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: minendo

Is there any real legitimate reason for carrying a cell-phone around except for emergencies?

My cell phone is how work contacts me.

Me too, except when I see it's them calling I don't answer it

Sometimes I wish I didn't have a cell phone. Generally if I get a call it's so I can get b!tched at :|

 

[SaltBoy]

Originally posted by: aphexII
Here in Europe, my cell phone is a HELL of alot cheaper to have than a land line. So, to answer your question, yes.

Okay, in America then... I forgot that cell-phones in Europe are cheaper.

 

[StageLeft]

For the majority of people a cellphone is a needless expense. I have a pre-paid one which I use for "emergencies", and very ocassionally if I have to quickly call somebody while I'm in the car or if I'm at the grocery store and call mrsskoorb back asking for directions on a purchase.

A $180 phonebill for chatting and "what's up" calls is nothing short of atrocious, ridiculous, heinous, and criminal. But then you know that don't you?

 

[MomAndSkoorbaby]

Originally posted by: SaltBoy
My wife just got her cell-phone bill for the month. I knew she had used a lot more cell-phone minutes on her plan than she was supposed to, but I nearly fainted when I found out the bill was $180! Needless to say, I wasn't too happy. Here's the kicker, though -- most of my wife's cell phone minutes was spent talking to me, which could be a good thing. But it really wasn't a good thing, because the majority of our conversation was a lot of unecessary "what's up?" small talk.

Although my wife disagrees, I think we really don't NEED a cell-phone for small talk. If we're stuck on the Interstate and need to call a tow-truck or an ambulance, then sure, a cell-phone is VERY handy. But, besides emergencies and probably for business-related necessities, WHY are cell-phones so vital in people's lives? They're a total annoyance!

<-- VERY sick of the Nokia cell-phone tone. DUH DUH DUHHHH DUHH DUH DUH DUHHHH DUHH DUH DUH DUHH DUHH DUHHHH... AAAGGHH!! :|

Like us, perhaps not for you. We keep ours in the car for emergencies, or if we go biking or hiking or camping. We don't use it for everyday small talk since he has a phone at work and we are both obviously addicted to the computer....

 

[rudder]

lets see.... use a germ laden, crap smelling, busted button payphone or a use cell phone?

My cell phone is indespensible when running around town. I dreaded the days I had to use payphones. I wuold always try my darndest no to touch the handset to any part of my body.

My advice to you is get a better plan.

 

[Viper GTS]

I use my cell phone for the majority of my calling.

500 anytime + 3000 evenings/weekends & I've never gone over.

I do have the advantage in that I'm at work M-F, so the times when I would have to worry about minutes my phone is off.

Always $45 a month, never more.

Viper GTS

 

[Heisenberg]

All I have is a cell phone. I don't bother paying for a land-line that I used a few times a week.

 

[StageLeft]

Okay, in America then... I forgot that cell-phones in Europe are cheaper.

They are also assloads cheaper in Canada. I can't believe that people pay the monthly rates down here that they do for something that they don't even need. It's a nice convenience, but calling plans of $40, 60, 80/month just to chat while you're driving to work? Christ.

 

[Dedpuhl]

It's my only phone...

 

[nord1899]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
I use my cell phone for the majority of my calling.

500 anytime + 3000 evenings/weekends & I've never gone over.

I do have the advantage in that I'm at work M-F, so the times when I would have to worry about minutes my phone is off.

Always $45 a month, never more.

Viper GTS

Thats about what I have. And the same thing about work being the time when I have fewer minutes.

And oh yeah, I don't have a landline and yes I do live in the US.

I just found its cheaper to have a cellphone than a landline these days. Granted I'm single so that means I don't have to worry about a house phone.

 

[SaltBoy]

Originally posted by: MrsSkoorb

Like us, perhaps not for you. We keep ours in the car for emergencies, or if we go biking or hiking or camping. We don't use it for everyday small talk since he has a phone at work and we are both obviously addicted to the computer....

Now THAT'S the way it's supposed to be done...

<-- Gives a high five to the Skoorb's

 

[queenmege]

i rarely spend any time at home so my cell phone is the way that my friends get in touch with me and i keep in touch with my friends

 

[Lucky]

They're a total annoyance!

why?

 

[amdskip]

I'm gonna get a phone soon

 

[nyeturo989]

In Japan, I heard that if a teenager doesnt have a cell, he's considered a social outcast.

 

[SaltBoy]

Originally posted by: Lucky

They're a total annoyance!

why?

Oh, excuse me, my mistake. I love it when people answer their cell-phones in the middle of a movie, theater production, or classroom. Brightens my day!

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: nyeturo989
In Japan, I heard that if a teenager doesnt have a cell, he's considered a social outcast.

I wouldn't doubt that, but I imagine that teens in the US have a milder version of the same problem if they lack a cellphone.

 

[cressida]

eh .... depends on how you look at it.

 

[erub]

I'm a college student, and my only phone is my cell phone. I cant justify spending $20/month just so I can use the phone between 7 am - 9 pm on the weekdays. I have 600 anytime (well now about 150 more than that now that my minutves have rolled over - save me from paying those ridiculous $.39/min overcharges!), 3000 nights & weekends and 500 mobile to mobile. I don't go over, I monitor my usage, and I havent really had a problem. I would prefer to have more minutes, but it works out to about 28 mins/weekday, so I'm okay. It also allows me to call home for free, and its the easiest way for people to get in touch with me, and where I keep all of my phone #s.

 

[Beau]

I'm never home, and I'm a contract worker, so if anyone wants to get a hold of me, they have to call my cell.

 

[propellerhead]

Calling for directions is so much easier than digging up a map.

It's always nice to get a call from a loved one, even if it is just "Hi. Hello. I miss you." My spousal unit and I do it all the time.

You're just experiencing "phone bill shock". Get a plan with more minutes, or watch your minutes.

 

[Lucky]

Originally posted by: SaltBoy

Originally posted by: Lucky

They're a total annoyance!

why?

Oh, excuse me, my mistake. I love it when people answer their cell-phones in the middle of a movie, theater production, or classroom. Brightens my day!

Most people are considerate enough to avoid those situations.