I’ve just never liked cell phones, scripta. I learned all about them in 1982 at a conference in NYC. I sat there for a day being lectured about how cellular technology was going to work, and most all of what I was told came true. The concept never appealed to me . . . not back then before it even came into existence . . . . and not now. I’m simply not impressed.
Yes, yes, we’ve heard your story. And while you have a clear distrust or dislike of the cellular communications technology, you haven’t explained why you don’t like smartphones. Smartphones are supercomputers that happen to also have cellular communication chips. You can disable cellular functionality (and physically disconnect the chip in at least one product) and use them for countless other purposes.
I use a few old phones on wifi-only as dedicated audio players – streaming music and podcasts.
Yes yes, you’ll probably say radio is real radio and what I have are children’s toys. Grandpas live their life around the schedule set by the radio (or the moving radio!). Children set the schedule of their radio (and the moving radio) around their life.
Also, 5G causes Covid
Never said I have any objection to smartphones not on the cellular network. The screens are small. But I have no inherent disdain for smartphones. I like the internet, which I’ve been on since 1995 back when Bill Gates said it was just a passing fancy. So if you prefer accessing the net using a smartphone, more power to you. Just do so without paying a monthly bill for cellular network access.
I agree. I have my sister’s free Obama lifeline phone, that mostly just sits in the car since I drive around with kids all the time. Otherwise, I have no desire for a cell phone.
But Google Voice is essential for texting capabilities. You can (and I have) declined to do business with companies requiring a cell phone solely on the principle, but having that option is nice for those deals that are just too good to pass up.
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Not necesasrily. I suspect there’s a reason he uses google voice for all outgoing calls; a bare bones dial tone service can be relatively inexpensive, especially if they offer a senoir citizen plan.
Some people will use computers and the internet to type out how they are opposed to science and technological advancement.
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Well, now that you mention it, I also own four cellphones. I paid a buck apiece for them several Thanksgivings ago; big holiday sale.
I bought them, same as you, with the thought of being able to make free emergency calls from my car. Never really have followed through on that, though.
Two of the phones can access the net through my router here at home. But I never have hooked up any of my phones to the cellular network in a manner requiring me to pay. I would not pay a dime for such service.
Knowledge is power but ignorance is bliss. Everyone was much happier back when they didnt have 2,356,546 instantaneous news/gossip sources at their fingertips 24/7.
Cell phones, and specifically smart cell phones, have become the root of all evil. 
Argyll, give the hate a rest. I would use cellular technology if it were free. But why should I pay for something which I don’t like and which, for me, has no value whatsoever?
are there? It used to be absurdly expensive.
Is it now under $100/yr for landlines in any US locality,
like there are cell phone plans in that price range?
In the same way as “guns don’t kill people – people kill people”, smart phones aren’t the root of all evil, they only enable it. There’s no bigger offender than social media, which is also available outside of smart phones.
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Correct. But social media wouldnt be nearly what it is today if people had to park themselves in front of a computer to use it.
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Coronavirus doesn’t kill people. People kill people.
FTFY.
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Argyll did not want to answer my question about Pence so he came over here.
Hi, Argyll! We can all still see you here in your hidey hole.
Agree a good deal.
I have my landline, same one I’ve had for 30 years. (never want to change that phone #)
My kids furnish Apple cell phones to their employees, & they include me as an employee. They provide their employee’s with other good options. Costco membership & I’m in on that also.
Raised those kids well. 
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And you don’t have to.
Thanks… But when I built my home those many years ago, I have phone jacks located all over. My builder placed jacks in every room including the garage & barn.
My cell phone is a different #, & I never give out that number. It’s reserved to family & making long distance calls. The cell phone is very useful for dealing with all our money deals.
Kinda looks like we Conservatives are like minded in many respects besides politics.