Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

imidazol97

jayrider said:

Don't you have to pay $10 every month to keep it active ?

Not the way I'm describing it. I believe he loses that phone number when it deactivates when the airtime (30 day) runs out. When he reactivates, it's given a new phone number? I've never had that exact scenario. But it might be worth trying to get extra airtime to maintain the same phone number. Extra air time may not be offered with the 30 day/60 minute card and may be offered with the 60 day/120 minute card, one step up in air time. Remember those minutes double from what is cited on the cards offered. I buy online for convenience but you can buy cards at your local stores as well.

I did have the Samsung in Cobalt glovebox which hadn't been used in 8 or 9 months and it was deactivated. It still had airtime and minutes on it but because of nonuseage it was not active. I called and they reactivated it. If the airtime had expired, I do not know if they would have done the same phone number. Or if it's released after 30 days.

If Driver wants to keep it potentially active, when he buys airtime online, he should check the extra menu of more minutes or more airtime, he could buy an extra year for $49 like I did. That's about $4 extra per month. Also needs to make a call or receive a call with phone on every few weeks.

stickguy

For $10/month you can add a flip phone to the US plan mrs. Driver has, and never worry about having a phone available again. It will just always be there, and people will actually know your number if needed!

stickguy

I have a landline still. Technically a VOIP I guess, since it is through the cable package. I work from home so so end a lot of time on conference calls and it is vastly easier to use for that.

Plus it gives something for the robots and telemarketers to call!

henryn

stickguy said:

For $10/month you can add a flip phone to the US plan mrs. Driver has, and never worry about having a phone available again. It will just always be there, and people will actually know your number if needed!

Verizon used to allow you to add a "dumb phone" for $10 per month on your already existing family plan. But they dropped that a couple of years ago. I think it's now $30 for a "dumb phone" and $40 for a "smart phone".

stickguy

I added one in December 2013 as an Xmas gift for my mother. Have since dropped that from the plan. Might get different if you are not still on the old school contract plan.

houdini1

driver100 said:

robr2 said:

driver100 said:

I just saw an ad for free cell phones in Florida, they are to be used just for 911 calls basically....but, the ad hints that because you have lots of minutes you could use it for other things. There is an activation fee. I tend to think it's a scam of some kind...though it would probably be perfect.....I probably don't qualify any way. But, it said the phone is free and minutes are free, because you can call 911 and not be charged. I don't know?????

That sounds like the Lifeline Assistance program. In 2012, one person was quoted as saying she had gotten her "Obama Phone" for free and that name has stuck.

The program only provides for 250 minutes a month. The carriers that participate in the program will often throw in the phone or sell higher priced phones and features but the fee collected on your phone bill only covers the 250 minutes.

ONLY 250 minutes a month! Sounds like a fair bit for FREE! It is only about 240 minutes more than I talk on a cell phone for a month.

Thanks for explaining the program....I wondered about the ad. It sounded like they were glad to give you this free phone, as it would lead to them hooking people into using their cell phones and wanting to use it more and more.....and then they could sell them on more programs. Another Driver rule of life....things that are offered for free, usually cost more than if you just bought it in the first place.

I think those companies also get a signing bonus from the gov. for each person they sign up. I have read where a lot of those people who have these free phones have 10 or 12 phones each. Because of the signing bonus the companies don't ask any questions, they just sign you up.

stickguy

so, I have been monitoring the MB chatter lately (thanks Mike!), and looking to see how much applies to my Hyundai. Turns out, a lot!

I tested the volume button for the nav lady this AM, and darned if it did not see that pushing the volume button on the steering wheel Up while she was talking really did increase the volume. Hopefully that stays set, but not a big deal to do it as needed.

I also poked around in the menus (while pairing my daughters phone today) and there is a menu for sending from google to the phone. But after pulling out my manual, it looks like that is part of the "guidance" package, which I am not paying for since I have Nav in the car. not worth the $100/year or whatever they wanted for the feature. Will just have to do it in the car. at least I have figured out the tricks of using voice commands.

imidazol97

houdini1 said:

I think those companies also get a signing bonus from the gov. for each person they sign up. I have read where a lot of those people who have these free phones have 10 or 12 phones each. Because of the signing bonus the companies don't ask any questions, they just sign you up.

The people signing up often give the phones to other friends or family. There is little if any checking up on who has received the "assistance" phone.

I saw the tents during the summer outside the county office for assistance where the purveyors of these phones were setup to get the folks signed up.

And I'm paying for others to get free phones while I have to pay my own bill for landline and 3 cell phones with a universal tax on them. I use Trac/Net10 because it's cheaper than Verizon et al to save money so others can have free phones...

oldfarmer50

Kirstie_H said:

A reporter seeks to interview the owner of a car from model year 2001-2004 that has problems not yet subject to a recall. Please email PR@edmunds.com to tell your story.

Dang, that's the only years I don't have covered.

imidazol97

She's gonna need a new car. Expensive cigarette.

She claims she looked down to light a cigarette, went through the off ramp exit lane and hit this equipment. Looks like they had been reshaping the slope on the exit ramp. Looks like she went through the cyclone fencing, so she's on private property.

Happened at Tipp City southbound exit on I-75. Drive carefully.

driver100

"imidazol97">She's gonna need a new car. Expensive cigarette.
Happened at Tipp City southbound exit on I-75. Drive carefully.

Speaking about accidents this may be of interest...some hi-lites:


What would you suppose was the safer car, a Mini Cooper or a Chevrolet Suburban? Turns out it’s the Cooper. That’s one of the more surprising findings in a new Driver Death Rate report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

While most of what the IIHS calls mini cars did very badly, the Mini Cooper was an exception. Its death rate of 21 was way better than the rear-wheel-drive version of the Chevrolet Suburban, which had 60 deaths. Thankfully, the four-wheel-drive Suburban had a more acceptable 17.

SUVs, which in general used to have a worrisome propensity to roll over, with fatal results, are now the safest vehicle type. Their overall death rate of 18 is better than that of the perennially safe minivan (23) and substantially better than midsized sedans (29). The advent of electronic stability control seems to have made a dramatic difference for many vehicles but especially for sport-utilities.

The worst car was the tiny four-door Kia Rio, with a death rate of 149.

Others with a perfect record were the Audi A4 and Subaru Legacy sedans; the Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Sequoia, and Volvo XC90 SUVs; and the Honda Odyssey minivan.
Besides the ill-fated Kia Rio, two other cars had a death rate over 100: the Hyundai Accent four-door and the Nissan Versa sedan.

.
The chances of dying in a crash in a late-model car have fallen by more than a third in the past three years.

jayrider

driver100 said:

"imidazol97">She's gonna need a new car. Expensive cigarette.
Happened at Tipp City southbound exit on I-75. Drive carefully.

Speaking about accidents this may be of interest...some hi-lites:


What would you suppose was the safer car, a Mini Cooper or a Chevrolet Suburban? Turns out it’s the Cooper. That’s one of the more surprising findings in a new Driver Death Rate report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

While most of what the IIHS calls mini cars did very badly, the Mini Cooper was an exception. Its death rate of 21 was way better than the rear-wheel-drive version of the Chevrolet Suburban, which had 60 deaths. Thankfully, the four-wheel-drive Suburban had a more acceptable 17.

SUVs, which in general used to have a worrisome propensity to roll over, with fatal results, are now the safest vehicle type. Their overall death rate of 18 is better than that of the perennially safe minivan (23) and substantially better than midsized sedans (29). The advent of electronic stability control seems to have made a dramatic difference for many vehicles but especially for sport-utilities.

The worst car was the tiny four-door Kia Rio, with a death rate of 149.

Others with a perfect record were the Audi A4 and Subaru Legacy sedans; the Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Sequoia, and Volvo XC90 SUVs; and the Honda Odyssey minivan.
Besides the ill-fated Kia Rio, two other cars had a death rate over 100: the Hyundai Accent four-door and the Nissan Versa sedan.

.
The chances of dying in a crash in a late-model car have fallen by more than a third in the past three years.


When a Suburban collides with a Mini head on ------- I want to be in the Suburban.

Sandman6472

We have 5 cell phones and now, temporarily, 3 landlines...our regular one, our dedicated fax line for the wife's fax and the temp line she had to get for her part time gig with Intuit. Come April 17th, that line will be gone until next year it seems. Right now, I pay for the kids cell phones as it works out to just $35/month for unlimited calls/texts and 15 gigs of data, which is more than we'll ever need. Of course I won't take money from the kids, I'd just wouldn't feel right doing that but sure others would disagree here.
So far, the Audi is doing great with close to 2k on the clock. Nice to get free car washes/vacuums whenever we want and love that the dealer is within 3 miles of our house. It has learned the wife's driving habits because there's no more lag from the turbo, just super smooth up the power curve. It's a real gem to drive, very similar to my Golf, so I do not feel cheated here one bit. So glad she bought hers which allowed me to buy mine but now, I'm in for the long haul...it was the right thing for me to do.

The Sandman

abacomike

I had an appointment up at my Mercedes dealer this morning to have my right rear wheel refinished.  It seems that one of the car-wash valets scuffed the rim on one of the rails that guide the cars through their automatic car wash last week but neglected to report that to me.  When I pulled in for fuel after leaving the dealership last week, I noticed the scuff.

So I called the service manager, but he said that I needed to inspect the car before leaving the premises.  So I called to have an appointment made with the wheel refinishing company.  When I got there this morning, the sales manager I deal with looked at the rim.  He told the wheel refinishing guy to give him the bill when he finished (so the cost would be less at a special dealer price).

When he finished the job about 1-1/2 hours later, he showed me the wheel.  It looked like new which amazed me.  I thanked him and went over to the manager to pay him.  He said, "...Mike, all you owe me is a handshake - thanks for your business."  That was very nice of him to take care of that.  Definitely a nice surprise.

From now on, he wants my car hand-washed every week, which he alerted the service department about.

stickguy

where is the rest of the story Mike? You know, the part where he pulled out an early order book, and had you spec out a new 2016 model, "just so they could have it in stock"?

riley3

Driver100. I think you would enjoy an iPhone rather than a throw away cell phone. It took me a number of years to acknowledge that I didn't need a cell phone but they looked interesting. Then I got a cheap cell phone with cheap or no service. Then a Verizon flip phone that worked pretty much anywhere. Next I got an iPhone 4s which opened up a whole new world of technical options. Then an upgrade to a 5s which does pretty much what a laptop computer will do plus a good camera, messaging, email, plus access to apps of interesting items such as health, sports, finance, stock market, weather etc. It has a great phone too which I don't use very often. And all of this fits in your pocket! Technology is great. Embrace and enjoy it. The cost is mimimal compared to the depreciation on the E400. I'm betting you would learn to love it. And soon your wife will want one too.

abacomike

stickguy said:

where is the rest of the story Mike? You know, the part where he pulled out an early order book, and had you spec out a new 2016 model, "just so they could have it in stock"?

No more new cars until the 2017 E Class comes out!  Total redesign.  It would be like throwing away $12,000-$14,000 if I bought a 2016, which is identical to the 2015.

It's very interesting that the 2016 dealer ordering guide is available so soon.  That usually means the 2017's will be unveiled in the Spring of 2016.

I've seen some specs on the 2017 E Class.  Longer wheelbase, a tad wider, totally new exterior sheet metal and an entirely new interior.  I probably will not order one until I've actually seen one.  It's supposed to be a twin of the S Class, but a smaller version.

But to buy a car the last year of a model change would be foolish!

abacomike

riley3 said:

Driver100. I think you would enjoy an iPhone rather than a throw away cell phone. It took me a number of years to acknowledge that I didn't need a cell phone but they looked interesting. Then I got a cheap cell phone with cheap or no service. Then a Verizon flip phone that worked pretty much anywhere. Next I got an iPhone 4s which opened up a whole new world of technical options. Then an upgrade to a 5s which does pretty much what a laptop computer will do plus a good camera, messaging, email, plus access to apps of interesting items such as health, sports, finance, stock market, weather etc. It has a great phone too which I don't use very often. And all of this fits in your pocket! Technology is great. Embrace and enjoy it. The cost is mimimal compared to the depreciation on the E400. I'm betting you would learn to love it. And soon your wife will want one too.

I agree!  I traded my 4S in on a new iPhone 6 a few months ago.  No comparison!

imidazol97

stickguy said:

where is the rest of the story Mike? You know, the part where he pulled out an early order book, and had you spec out a new 2016 model, "just so they could have it in stock"?

Now that's thinking ahead , stickguy.

stickguy

my wife got a new iphone 6 at Christmas. She likes it a lot. jumped from a 4 to a 6. I have a 5 still, but it works fine for me.

Mike, based on the new C class, it seems quite likely that the next E will just be a larger C/smaller S. Kind of a shame having them so much the same. Boring.

I actually really like the current E style, and the prior C. Have not seen a new 3 up close to inspect it yet. I keep threatening to get one when my lease is up in 2.5 years. used of course. Though I would like to go smaller, so maybe the 2014 C will be a deal to be had. Or a GLA, since I really have a hankering for a little hatchback!

next weekend I get to the Philly auto show. Lots of new stuff that I have been waiting to see. A couple of MBs (the C, GLA small CUV), new Volvo XC-90. the Caddys that half the people here bought. Honda HR-V. Maybe the Mazda CX-3 compact CUV will be there (at least up on a platform!). Will finally get in the new Mustang. and I am sure there are a few others I am forgetting about now.

abacomike

stickguy said:

my wife got a new iphone 6 at Christmas. She likes it a lot. jumped from a 4 to a 6. I have a 5 still, but it works fine for me. Mike, based on the new C class, it seems quite likely that the next E will just be a larger C/smaller S. Kind of a shame having them so much the same. Boring. I actually really like the current E style, and the prior C. Have not seen a new 3 up close to inspect it yet. I keep threatening to get one when my lease is up in 2.5 years. used of course. Though I would like to go smaller, so maybe the 2014 C will be a deal to be had. Or a GLA, since I really have a hankering for a little hatchback! next weekend I get to the Philly auto show. Lots of new stuff that I have been waiting to see. A couple of MBs (the C, GLA small CUV), new Volvo XC-90. the Caddys that half the people here bought. Honda HR-V. Maybe the Mazda CX-3 compact CUV will be there (at least up on a platform!). Will finally get in the new Mustang. and I am sure there are a few others I am forgetting about now.

Stick, see if you can get some info on the 2017 E Class.  Should be a super-great car!

driver100

riley3 said:

Driver100. I think you would enjoy an iPhone rather than a throw away cell phone. It took me a number of years to acknowledge that I didn't need a cell phone but they looked interesting. Then I got a cheap cell phone with cheap or no service. Then a Verizon flip phone that worked pretty much anywhere. Next I got an iPhone 4s which opened up a whole new world of technical options. Then an upgrade to a 5s which does pretty much what a laptop computer will do plus a good camera, messaging, email, plus access to apps of interesting items such as health, sports, finance, stock market, weather etc. It has a great phone too which I don't use very often. And all of this fits in your pocket! Technology is great. Embrace and enjoy it. The cost is mimimal compared to the depreciation on the E400. I'm betting you would learn to love it. And soon your wife will want one too.

Thanks for the data on the iphones riley....I am going to think about that one. My wife has a Samsung Galaxy 2 and she likes that fine. One reason she got it was so she could keep up with the technology, and she does some texting in certain situations. I don't know if I am an "Embrace the technology" sort of person. I know my friends check stock markets, can look up information on any topic - solve disagreements, find out a score - instantly. I don't know if I need that, but, as you say, it's less than what I am losing on depreciation for the E400, and it is less than a pack of cigarettes a day, a bottle of wine a day, a Starbucks coffee a day, a game of golf a week,....all things I don't do now. Maybe it would make a good Birthday gift, then I just have to find someone to call.

ab348

I have had an iPhone 5 for about 2 1/2 years now. It is the first and so far only cell phone I have had that I actually like. Previously I had a couple of Motorolas and a Blackberry, all of which I despised. The iPhone just works without being too complicated.

driver100

stickguy said:

Mike, based on the new C class, it seems quite likely that the next E will just be a larger C/smaller S. Kind of a shame having them so much the same. Boring.

I actually really like the current E style, and the prior C. Have not seen a new 3 up close to inspect it yet. I keep threatening to get one when my lease is up in 2.5 years. used of course. Though I would like to go smaller, so maybe the 2014 C will be a deal to be had.

I am with you stick......I prefer the old C more than the new one and I am not to fond of the S....it looks like a funeral car or presidential limosusine or something. Besides, it is all rounded and curved, my wife calls those rounded off cars "bubble cars". No car can be fun to drive when it gets that big. I'd prefer a C to an E if I could get away with the smaller car, though the E is not that much larger.

I hope they don't make the next E into a baby S or I'll have to go back to a bmw or try a Jaguar or Cadillac.

driver100

ab348 said:

I have had an iPhone 5 for about 2 1/2 years now. It is the first and so far only cell phone I have had that I actually like. Previously I had a couple of Motorolas and a Blackberry, all of which I despised. The iPhone just works without being too complicated.

It sounds like an iphone is the way to go if you want simplicity. Is it easy for "anyone", even the technologically challenged?

ab348

driver100 said:

It sounds like an iphone is the way to go if you want simplicity. Is it easy for "anyone", even the technologically challenged?

I would say so. You have to take it at face value, treat what it tells you to do like a tech person advising you. I find some things like maps still totally baffling and it and some other functions are so minimalist in terms of their commands that they are indecipherable. But for most things it works fine.

stickguy

the nice think about the iphone is that the basics are very user friendly, even for non-techies. Even the fancy tech is pretty easy to get used to, but if you don't want to bother, you can just ignore it. or wade into the pool a little bit at a time.

abacomike

driver100 said:

I have had an iPhone 5 for about 2 1/2 years now. It is the first and so far only cell phone I have had that I actually like. Previously I had a couple of Motorolas and a Blackberry, all of which I despised. The iPhone just works without being too complicated.

It sounds like an iphone is the way to go if you want simplicity. Is it easy for "anyone", even the technologically challenged?

Driver, when you did not know how to lower the volume on the voice command in your car with this big knob right in the center of the center dash, I would have to agree that you are somewhat technoligically challenged.  But that should not stop you from getting an iPhone 6.  It would give you an opportunity to become more technologically adept at "hunting and pecking" to learn what technology can do for you.

stickguy

well, tomorrow is the big day for the princess. we (me and her) are leaving first thing in the morning to drive back down to NC to take her back to school for spring term. She is keeping the car, and I am flying on to Chicago for a business trip. Well, I am supposed to, but since they are getting snow, most likely I am spending the night in Raleigh, hoping to get to O'hare by Monday!

plan is still to take the Volvo, and hope for the best. I am having serious "buyers remorse" taking the old (108K on it) car down there, and leaving it with the "car clueless" daughter. I keep thinking our original plan of a cheap lease car was a much safer (if more expensive) option. the wife did mention that we could let her have the Sonata for the spring term, something that I have thought to myself. Kind of a crazy idea, but it would not really make much difference to me, since I won't be driving all that much. I will have a bunch of trips to NY (dad decided to sell the house, so there will be a clean a thon coming!) but can take the RDX for that.

I actually sat down last night and read the whole Navi quick users guide. Damn, that system does all kind of fancy stuff. Between that, the bluetooth, longer range, no worries about breaking down, etc. and letting her have it for now does not seem like a bad idea. Just have to decide by 8:00 AM tomorrow!

now, if we do let her take it, it will be a temporary solution. I would most likely keep my eye out for a super cheap lease on something basic (maybe a Corolla or Elentra or Civic) to snag and swap it back with her. Probably at the end of the summer.

Girls are hard. I had less worry about sending my son away with the old TL, though that was a great car at the time, his school was 200 miles closer, and his parking was crappy (no way a new car was going in that yard). Plus of course, she is my 5'2", 110# baby girl, that has to take some of I95 on a 450 mile trip.

Sandman6472

I am an android person and just got my new Samsung Galaxy yesterday...bought it unlocked at Brands Mart and it's as simple as my HTC android I got 2 years ago. Back then, I asked the guy for the easiest smartphone for the technically challenged, and he sold me on the HTC One VX. My kid is an iphone lover but she picked up my android and instinctively knew how it worked, even she said it was super easy. Luckily, I have a 30 day return window just in case I'm unhappy. My contract runs out on the 6th and we are now contractless...finally! Just went to my local AT&T store and they moved the sim card and the sd card and I was good to go...all my contacts were there and so were my pics. I was even able to pair it in the Golf this morning before I had to clock in at Hertz, totally amazed that I could actually do it. To be honest, the vehicle audio system knew what phone I had after I turned on the internet, I just had to push a few buttons, put in the code and all my contacts showed up.
Trust me, there's no one more tech challenged than I am and I get my android but I'd be at home with an iphone since I've already got a MacBook Pro, really six to one, half dozen to another! But yes, tech has just exploded and within a couple of years, what's new today will be obsolete then...but just a part of life.

The Sandman

riley3

Driver 100: The iPhone's have some good competition now and I'm sure they all do a good job. The basic operation of an iPhone is learned rather quickly, the learning curve for more features continues depending on your interest. Help is available from any Apple Store or teen ager or most of your friends. It's the new way of communication with people and even your car. They are so much more than a phone. it would be handy to have for your trips home and back. Verizon is the best carrier for rural areas. Now you can have a new project. Enjoy.

fezo

I still have an iPhone 4S which I understand is like saying i take my calls in a tin can stuck to another tin can but it's still quite good. Absurdly intuitive which is a good thing since technology is my strong suit. Don't know if anything is mt strong suit. I'm a retired goofball. What's a goofball supposed to do with retirement. I should start working in a tall building in New York. Fortunately the doc still says "no work for you." I'm less than a year until I'm no longer on disability and I'm on full Social Security.

Anyway I like the phone and I've taken my night pills which seem to make letters on the keyboard refuse to stay put. You're lucky this is only half gibberish,,,,

abacomike

@driver100‌

99% of the comments I post here are done on my iPhone 6.  I use it as a computer, a word processor, email, texts, etc.  I check my balances in my checking accounts and CD's, pay all my credit card bills using Apps, make appointments, set reminders, important dates to remember such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  I use the iPhone as an iPod by plugging it right into my car in the console storage area - and the music is awesome compared to Bluetooth or CD's.  

By the way, I also make and receive phone calls too!

stever

@abacomike, are you dictating your posts or keying them in? I try that now and then with my wife's iPad and it mostly works well. But the error rate is bit high.

abacomike

stever said:

@abacomike, are you dictating your posts or keying them in? I try that now and then with my wife's iPad and it mostly works well. But the error rate is bit high.

I dictate most of the posts.  I then go back and make corrections, as needed.

I used to dictate all my memos, letters and other written communications when I was a school principal.  First thing every morning, my secretary would come into my office and take dictation from me.  She was an excellent stenographer - a lost art today.  But dictation helped me become a good public speaker because it requires you to organize your thoughts into complete sentences and paragraphs.

So I do use dictation frequently when I send emails or post here on this board.

stever

I did a lot of that in my first job, then I learned to type and lost the art. That was, oh, 1977ish. Could be worse - you should see my handwriting (even I can't read it half the time...).

abacomike

stever said:

I did a lot of that in my first job, then I learned to type and lost the art. That was, oh, 1977ish. Could be worse - you should see my handwriting (even I can't read it half the time...).

I became so dependent on my executive secretary because she was such a good stenographer that I pulled strings in my school district to get her transferred to my new school when I opened it in 1980.  Her typing skills left a lot to be desired though. But sometimes you overlook an individual's shortcomings because their assets in other job-related skills outweigh those liabilities.

When I got my first computer in my office, I quickly started using the word processing program to write my memos and letters.  I had a daisy-wheel printer that printed up letters as professionally as an IBM Selectric.  Things have changed so quickly in the past 20 years.  I now have an HP Laser Printer and use MS Word for my word processor.  

driver100

"abacomike">

Driver, when you did not know how to lower the volume on the voice command in your car with this big knob right in the center of the center dash, I would have to agree that you are somewhat technoligically challenged.  But that should not stop you from getting an iPhone 6.  It would give you an opportunity to become more technologically adept at "hunting and pecking" to learn what technology can do for you.

Well said...I even understand that concept. It may even save me from becoming a dinosaur.

oldfarmer50

Better watch out for all the other iPhone users out there.


While a BMW is arguably one of the safest cars you can buy in terms of performance, it's not especially secure when it comes to wireless features. German automotive researchers recently confirmed that malefactors can take advantage of BMW's ConnectedDrive feature to use a smartphone to break into almost any BMW, Mini or Rolls-Royce vehicle that comes equipped with ConnectedDrive.

driver100

riley3 said:

Driver 100: The iPhone's have some good competition now and I'm sure they all do a good job. The basic operation of an iPhone is learned rather quickly, the learning curve for more features continues depending on your interest. Help is available from any Apple Store or teen ager or most of your friends. It's the new way of communication with people and even your car. They are so much more than a phone. it would be handy to have for your trips home and back. Verizon is the best carrier for rural areas. Now you can have a new project. Enjoy.

Thanks for the information, it is an eye opener for me.

When I took my "how to be an entrepeneur course" theysaid you have to have a business card or you are no one. Now, I am beginning to believe if you don't have a cell phone you are no one.

I will definitely give it some thought.....I don't want to become a useless dinosaur.

abacomike

@driver100‌

I don't think it will keep you from becoming a dinosaur, any more than it kept me from becoming one - but at least you would become a technologically "advanced" dinosaur as well as ensuring you don't become extinct!!!  Welcome to the club!

If you do buy an iPhone 6 (which would plug right into your audio system in your console storage area - there is a plug in there which fits the iPhone 6), it also charges your phone while connected.  You can do your banking, pay credit card balances, and begin downloading apps that are very useful.

driver100

Fezo said

I got most of it fezo but what does this mean ?

I should start working in a tall building in New York.

abacomike

Also, driver, I suggest you purchase an extended Apple Care contract which extends your warranty for an extra year.  Apple stores have classes that teach you how to use your iPhone.  I have found that my earphones and charging wire "fray" after a year or so of use - they would replace those free of charge for 2 years instead of one.

You can call Apple Care and they will walk you through all the Apps and how to download them.  The extended Apple care warranty is $100 - well worth the investment.  They replaced my iPhone 4S three times at no charge - even one that was over 2 years old.

ab348

abacomike said:

You can do your banking, pay credit card balances, and begin downloading apps that are very useful.

Now wait a minute. He still hasn't even figured out how to make a phone call on it yet. Actually that was one of the areas I seem to recall having issues with on my old Blackberry a few years ago when I first got it. The phone functions baffled me, but then again, everything on the Blackberry tended to baffle me. The iPhone is a bit better in that regard. But as for banking, credit card balances, etc, let's get him walking first before asking him to run. He may end up accidentally transferring all his assets to some scammer in Nigeria.

jpp75

I'm a little late to the phone discussion, but the iPhone is a great device and very intuitive. I had 3 and loved them. I switched to the Windows Phone last year, definitely not a popular option but I really love the functionality and the OS. There's a lack of apps for sure but it does what I want/need it to do, it's an underrated phone for sure.

fezo

Ah, driver. After avoiding the mostly I spent a bunch of times poking around New York, sometime in tall buildings. Pick the right place and a retired goofball would fit right it. Out in the burbs I'd be considered eccentric (that's a crazy person with at least a little money and good credit). In New York I'm barely noticed.

imidazol97

I notice that the Apple iPhone is being made to sound like the only phone anyone should have..., or the only phone that will link to a car? Aren't the Androids good phones and capable as well?

imidazol97

We have a normal winter snow storm coming over with 2-5 inches predicted in our band--on a Sunday! Done before Monday AM.

The Kroger was packed.
Don't these people buy food planning in advance?
Don't they have food left over from the snow 7 days ago where they filled their cart with water, milk, and bread?

The forecasters once again have hyped the storm, just as they did BallGate for the NFL.

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

I notice that the Apple iPhone is being made to sound like the only phone anyone should have..., or the only phone that will link to a car? Aren't the Androids good phones and capable as well?

The experiences I have had with iPhones has always been excellent. I have also had Motorola phones and they also were excellent. But the best phones that I have owned have been the iPhones.

One of the major reasons I prefer iPhones has to do with their "Genius" and training programs in their Apple stores. I believe they are the only mobile phone company that provides for this type of training - all face-to-face and individualized.  All at no additional cost to the customer.

Their technical support is, IMHO, the best of all the manufacturers.  Purchasing music downloads is a cinch from the Apple iTunes site.

I am not a snob when it comes to cell phones, but my experiences have been superb.

venture

imidazol97 said:

I notice that the Apple iPhone is being made to sound like the only phone anyone should have..., or the only phone that will link to a car? Aren't the Androids good phones and capable as well?

I was afraid to mention it.

Not to start a phone war, but the iPhone less functional, but is easier to use. I think ease of use is the important thing here.