The Cell Phone Trade-in, a Wireless Wow vs Ouch
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Photo from this original blog name,
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Old photographs have a strange vibe of disbelief they are so far in the past. Thinking of how many times passwords have been changed is mind boggling. Using a camera instead of a cell phone. Back then I had a land line phone. I only had a prepaid cell phone for traveling.
As I research whether or not to upgrade my cell phone thanks to the carrier email offers, I realize how awfully disposable focused the market has become.
Wearing out has been done away with by the need to upgrade. The physical phone can be used until it wears out. Knowing I have good phone service doesn't seem compatible with my use it until it wears out plan.
Manufacturers improving on their products as technology advances, I believe is good. Good there.
No plan to buy another phone, I take a look anyway.
Huh?!? A five-hundred-dollar phone only 3 years old in very good condition with a trade-in value of thirty-five dollars is insulting. Not good there. It gets worse. According to what I read online, the Android Operating System upgrades for my phone model are good for only 2 years, and the security updates for 4 years.
I have no memory of being told at the time of purchase the particulars of what value the phone actually has for longevity and maintenance upkeep.
In summary, I believe my old landline telephone device works without ever needing an upgrade. That is of course, unless technology finds a way to make it unusable. Meanwhile, I'll probably have a new cell phone this spring. Sigh.
Do you upgrade your cell phone with a trade-in?
Sounds like a headache.
ReplyDeleteWilliam,
ReplyDeleteIt is heartbreaking to pay $500.00 for a device that's just about worthless in 3 years when it is still good condition.
We still have a landline and refuse to consider dropping it. I do have a cell phone and hate it. I use it once or twice a month to notify the grocery store that I'm there to pick up my groceries, otherwise it's not even on. I have no desire to have the 'latest, greatest, does-everything-but-wash-the-dishes' version and this one will last me until it's beyond being a dinosaur. I hate the trend towards build-in obsolescence for pretty much everything.
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
ReplyDeleteYour land line is a treasure.
Having a cell phone and indoor antenna is good for my budget, and stress. I no longer worry about missing a call or stay home to wait for one.
We have a landline and my cell is for emergency use only. My husband’s is the same. If we travel, we get data on one of them for the trip. We each pay $3.00 a month for cell service. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteMarie,
ReplyDeleteIt is good there are places with land line service.
Haven't had a landline since 2017. I have upgraded my iPhone, 3 times since then. They are expensive, but I make it a part of my monthly pmt - I really don't notice it much.
ReplyDeletePattie,
ReplyDeleteThe convenience of an unlimited service is worth it just to be able to connect to the Internet from almost anywhere.
I am in need of an upgrade - mostly because some apps I have been using are no longer supported on my current phone. Frustrating because it feels like I just bought it a few years ago. I hate the idea of getting used to a new phone. But I do anticipate when I upgrade that the camera will be better than I have now even though I don't plan to spend more than $150 for a new one. I do appreciate that cell phone cameras keep improving. FWIW, we still have a landline with plugged in phones (with multiple handsets). It's how we get our internet service as well.
ReplyDeleteBecki,
ReplyDeleteLand line needed to have Internet service, I remember. Now wireless in many areas is the choice.
Unfortunately, not all carriers offer inexpensive phones. My priority was to buy a phone, and then buy the card for whatever carrier I want. Phone lost in transit, I ended up paying more than I planned. Service is so good, I'm stuck with the upgrade.