I have a 13 Pro which I bought at launch in 2021. It replaced a six year old iPhone 6s... Based on that experience, I don't think I'll try to keep this one six years, but we'll see. I think I'll keep it another year, at least.
Despite my car buying habits, I hate paying $1,000 for a new phone every few years just so it remains responsive when it's supposed to show a notification, etc.
I usually keep my iPhones 3-4 years which works out well for me. I would highly recommend this iPhone 16+ for those who enjoy using apple phones.
Good for you, Mike. Until about a year ago I had an iPhone SE v.2 which I was fine with when I got it about 3-4 years prior, but I became disenchanted with the small screen. When the battery life started shrinking and my provider had a good sale, I decided to upgrade and so I called them.
When I spoke to the rep it turned out their plans had changed for the better so I was able to get more data than I would ever use for less than I was paying before. Then I told her I wanted to buy the iPhone 15 which was quite new, having been out for just a couple of months. I told her what I wanted and the new phone was couriered to me. Set it up and it was a revelation with the much bigger screen and far faster CPU. Loved it right away and have ever since.
Here’s the kicker, and don’t tell anyone: they’ve never charged me for it. It was supposed to be so much a month for 24 months, but my monthly bill has always been just for the service itself. I don’t know what happened and I’m not going to question it.
I like my 13, also got it 2 years ago. It still has great battery life so I’m not tempted yet. I usually keep mine about 4 years. At this point putting my energy into convincing the spouse to trade in an ancient SE — with no success.
———————————————— I also have an SE. It has to be at least 4 years old. My battery health is now 77%. I’ve heard anything below 80% indicates the phone won’t last too much longer. I plan to hold onto it until it loses battery charge to the point I find myself having to charge it too often.
Personally, I like the size of it. I don’t want a phone that will require me to join a fitness club so that I can carry it around and have to get new clothes with larger pockets.
I realize it’s not like it was when new but it still seems pretty reliable. I know, I just jinxed it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
It's been raining gently here for a week. I finally had to mow the infield even though I didn't want to. I only mowed it at 2 1/2" which is long for the infield. If it doesn't stop raining soon, I'm going to have a problem with the height of the outfield grass.
I, too, have an iPhone SE gen 2. Battery health 75%. But it's a company phone, surprised I haven't been upgraded. What, me worry?
I don't think size matters to me, I too want it to fit comfortably in my pocket. I really use it for the basics.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I have a 13 Pro. No intention of getting a new one because I just don’t have the energy to deal with moving everything over, let alone the cost.
My work phone is a plain iPhone 14. Couldn’t tell you the difference between the two if not for the case. I’ll replace it when work sends me a new one.
Like some of my northern neighbors my yard has suffered 3 or 4 weeks of no or little rain. I don't know if my lawn mower will start without the spring prep, it's been so long since I used it.
Then starting a few days back we had almost 3 inches total rain, measured in my oil drain pan I put out in the yard as a rain gauge. And yesterday TS HELENE outer fringes blew through for a few hours. I think we got almost that much again. Terrible gusts with heavy rain blown in them. I don't want to see a real hurricane as nasty as our gusts and rain squalls were.
Sympathy to all those in FL and the SE states that got drenched and flooded.
after all rain the last 2 days and some warm temps and sun today, my new grass really exploded. Tall enough now in most spots I should really give it a trim. so will break out the Ego tomorrow afternoon when it is nice and dried off. Should look pretty good but it did seem to fill in quite a bit this week.
I did some reading on when to mow (as always, quite a variety of opinions!) but one common theme was when you trimmed down the tall new shoots, it tended to cause the grass to start growing out instead of up so should help fill in the thin spots.
Keep it taller than usual for the first year so the grass has enough leaf surface to produce new roots. No shorter than 4”.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I have an iPhone 12 mini. It replaced an 8, which I'd probably had for 5 years? My wife replaced her iPhone 8 with an SE, around the same time (SE is basically an 8 with 12 guts/software). She didn't want to lose the home button.
I switched because the 12 mini was just $1/mo. through AT&T. It had a bigger screen than the 8, in a smaller overall package. Win/win. That was about 3 years ago. No hurry to get another one.
Apple must have sold a bunch of SE models from the replies here because I never realized it was so popular. I liked it but the small screen really is a drawback especially as we age. Not just for reading what's on it but for using the touch functions for clicking on links, editing text, etc. The bigger screen is a revelation to me and at times I find myself wishing I had gotten the even bigger Plus version. But it all depends on how much you use it and what you use it for.
I still get flummoxed by the tech sometimes though and had an example this week. I had eye lens replacement this week due to a cataract (that was incredible in itself and I can post about that experience if anyone cares). My older brother is at least temporarily stable after a couple of years of health woes and so he agreed to drive me there and back. Unfortunately he messed up on the time and so we were running late and I had to rush out of the house. In doing so I forgot my wallet of all things. Thankfully he is a cash kind of guy so he spotted me the $90 I had to pay for the upgrade lens they were going to install.
After it was over they told me to stop at a drugstore on the way home to get a certain type of eyedrops for the next few days. He gave me another $20 for that but when I was at the self-checkout I saw a woman in front of me using her phone to pay at the terminal. I remembered I had set that up on my old SE and had used it on that a couple of times, and it carried over to the new phone. Trying to use it, I got to a roadblock at the moment of authorization when a legend came up on the phone screen to "double click to continue". I started tapping those words on the screen to no effect. Recognizing a roadblock when I see one, I gave up and went to the only cash lane that was staffed. I asked the lady there if they took Apple Pay and she said of course. I explained my issue and she said let me do it for you and I handed her the phone. She tried the same thing I did and had the same no-result. We both gave up so I just used his $20 and got out of there, grumbling.
When I got home I Googled the issue and found lots of people had the same problem. Turns out that at some point when the newer phones without a home button came out, Apple changed how the Pay function worked. Of course they never told anyone anything. What you apparently must do now is to click the side button on the 15 and other newer ones twice to make the payment. I only use that to turn the thing off. Who knew? Not me and apparently many others. Technology hates me.
Wife uses Apple Pay… I’m old school and pull out a credit card.
I kinda lucked out with my last phone. I had a 12 Pro Max forever … it had a broken back glass (hidden by the case) and a bad battery. It was paid off and I was waiting for the 16. Well while in Vegas at a show I left it on a table and within a minute someone stole it. Not quite sure what they were going to do with it as it’s passcode protected. Anyway I file an insurance claim fully expecting a refurbished 12 to be shipped. They sent me a 15 Pro Max for $100. Can’t really beat that.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Apple must have sold a bunch of SE models from the replies here because I never realized it was so popular. I liked it but the small screen really is a drawback especially as we age. Not just for reading what's on it but for using the touch functions for clicking on links, editing text, etc. The bigger screen is a revelation to me and at times I find myself wishing I had gotten the even bigger Plus version. But it all depends on how much you use it and what you use it for.
I still get flummoxed by the tech sometimes though and had an example this week. I had eye lens replacement this week due to a cataract (that was incredible in itself and I can post about that experience if anyone cares). My older brother is at least temporarily stable after a couple of years of health woes and so he agreed to drive me there and back. Unfortunately he messed up on the time and so we were running late and I had to rush out of the house. In doing so I forgot my wallet of all things. Thankfully he is a cash kind of guy so he spotted me the $90 I had to pay for the upgrade lens they were going to install.
After it was over they told me to stop at a drugstore on the way home to get a certain type of eyedrops for the next few days. He gave me another $20 for that but when I was at the self-checkout I saw a woman in front of me using her phone to pay at the terminal. I remembered I had set that up on my old SE and had used it on that a couple of times, and it carried over to the new phone. Trying to use it, I got to a roadblock at the moment of authorization when a legend came up on the phone screen to "double click to continue". I started tapping those words on the screen to no effect. Recognizing a roadblock when I see one, I gave up and went to the only cash lane that was staffed. I asked the lady there if they took Apple Pay and she said of course. I explained my issue and she said let me do it for you and I handed her the phone. She tried the same thing I did and had the same no-result. We both gave up so I just used his $20 and got out of there, grumbling.
When I got home I Googled the issue and found lots of people had the same problem. Turns out that at some point when the newer phones without a home button came out, Apple changed how the Pay function worked. Of course they never told anyone anything. What you apparently must do now is to click the side button on the 15 and other newer ones twice to make the payment. I only use that to turn the thing off. Who knew? Not me and apparently many others. Technology hates me.
My wife has an SE and I can't get her to give it up no matter what.
I had mine done 10-12 years ago. Great! I has LaserX which corrected my astigmatism as well. Only catch was the first lens was focused too close. Doctor had the other eye rechecked before he put in the other lens. I ended up with a lens focused too close but for reading. Other eye is focused about 15 feet away. I can see everything in normal life without glasses--monovision? where I switch between which eye is viewing and the other eye is supporting with a blurred image. Low light driving means I put on my glasses because the wider pupil opening affects my comfort.
I believe ChickFilA's pay app is Google pay. It works great for payment. The CFA app gives me fits at times because it's supersensitive to any change in connection that might indicate the link has been compromised by "the bad guys." IT signs me off right then. Better safe than having the money on the app lost or misused.
Apple must have sold a bunch of SE models from the replies here because I never realized it was so popular. ... I still get flummoxed by the tech sometimes though and had an example this week. ... Technology hates me.
My android phones have given me lots of frustration because there are so many, so many settings in the various settings menus to do different things to make the phones work. Android 14 is the latest version and that's what I have. My previous Samsung was stuck at Android 9, so a big jump. Latest weird thing is that the setting to keep the phone from activating when in a dark place like a pocket, would make the phone quit ringing as soon as I touched it in my front Wrangler's pocket. Then when I did get it out, the connection had to be still turned on even though phone was not ringing.
People with Iphones sometimes act as though Androids are odd and strange to use. But it sounds like Iphones are just as tedious.
BTW I started computer life back in the 80s as an Apple computer person on a Plus. Finally switched to Windows and left Apple behind.
I use apple pay occasionally. Does not really seem to save me any time over using a credit card. And I knew to double click the side button, since that is what the phone says to double click!
biggest reason I would hold off (other than being lazy) is I ended up with my work stuff on my phone (should really have demanded a company one) and it seems like it will be a massive hassle to get all that moved over, and while attempting it, could be locked out of remote access to our systems (and I work remote!)
I worried about losing the home button. That lasted about an hour before I did not miss it.
I had mine done 10-12 years ago. Great! I has LaserX which corrected my astigmatism as well. Only catch was the first lens was focused too close. Doctor had the other eye rechecked before he put in the other lens. I ended up with a lens focused too close but for reading. Other eye is focused about 15 feet away. I can see everything in normal life without glasses--monovision? where I switch between which eye is viewing and the other eye is supporting with a blurred image. Low light driving means I put on my glasses because the wider pupil opening affects my comfort.
I believe ChickFilA's pay app is Google pay. It works great for payment. The CFA app gives me fits at times because it's supersensitive to any change in connection that might indicate the link has been compromised by "the bad guys." IT signs me off right then. Better safe than having the money on the app lost or misused.
Mine was done a little over 20 years ago. Back when they used stone scalpels. I had my first eye exam this week since then and everything is fine. "Two good healthy eyes" they said.
Any place that takes Apple Pay also takes Google Pay - from my experience anyway.
I use apple pay occasionally. Does not really seem to save me any time over using a credit card. And I knew to double click the side button, since that is what the phone says to double click!
I'm not really looking to save a few seconds, but as long as my phone is unlocked, I just hold it up to the screen and that's it. No buttons to push. I don't have to dig my card out then put it back.
Went through T-MOBILE to trade my iPhone 12 for a 16.
Pretty skimpy "shipping" bag they sent to have my 12 sent back to them. I took pics of it working and the front, sides, back, top and bottom. If they say it arrived damaged, I'll figure I have proof it was fine when it left my paws.
I even have the original box. It won't fit in the return package. I figure they are going to resell it outside of North America, and in bulk. So, none of that "other stuff" matters
The 16 feels snappier. Screen is better. So far, battery is better. What I really needed was more memory for my books, podcasts and music.
Apple must have sold a bunch of SE models from the replies here because I never realized it was so popular. I liked it but the small screen really is a drawback especially as we age. Not just for reading what's on it but for using the touch functions for clicking on links, editing text, etc. The bigger screen is a revelation to me and at times I find myself wishing I had gotten the even bigger Plus version. But it all depends on how much you use it and what you use it for.
I still get flummoxed by the tech sometimes though and had an example this week. I had eye lens replacement this week due to a cataract (that was incredible in itself and I can post about that experience if anyone cares). My older brother is at least temporarily stable after a couple of years of health woes and so he agreed to drive me there and back. Unfortunately he messed up on the time and so we were running late and I had to rush out of the house. In doing so I forgot my wallet of all things. Thankfully he is a cash kind of guy so he spotted me the $90 I had to pay for the upgrade lens they were going to install.
After it was over they told me to stop at a drugstore on the way home to get a certain type of eyedrops for the next few days. He gave me another $20 for that but when I was at the self-checkout I saw a woman in front of me using her phone to pay at the terminal. I remembered I had set that up on my old SE and had used it on that a couple of times, and it carried over to the new phone. Trying to use it, I got to a roadblock at the moment of authorization when a legend came up on the phone screen to "double click to continue". I started tapping those words on the screen to no effect. Recognizing a roadblock when I see one, I gave up and went to the only cash lane that was staffed. I asked the lady there if they took Apple Pay and she said of course. I explained my issue and she said let me do it for you and I handed her the phone. She tried the same thing I did and had the same no-result. We both gave up so I just used his $20 and got out of there, grumbling.
When I got home I Googled the issue and found lots of people had the same problem. Turns out that at some point when the newer phones without a home button came out, Apple changed how the Pay function worked. Of course they never told anyone anything. What you apparently must do now is to click the side button on the 15 and other newer ones twice to make the payment. I only use that to turn the thing off. Who knew? Not me and apparently many others. Technology hates me.
My wife has an SE and I can't get her to give it up no matter what.
Cataract surgery is amazing.
Google Pay is the best thing since sliced beer.
For me cash is still king. I also only use a Trac flip phone that does almost nothing and get along quite well. For how much longer I don’t know. I went to a function last night that had a “cash” bar. Well, they only took credit cards so I let them keep their overpriced booze.
Funny, they took cash tips however.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I use apple pay occasionally. Does not really seem to save me any time over using a credit card. And I knew to double click the side button, since that is what the phone says to double click!
If it said that on the screen that's what I would have done. It didn't. The legend's exact words were "double click to continue". When I saw it I wondered WTH that meant. So did the checkout lady later, and the legions posting on Apple support boards wondering the same thing when their Pay wouldn't work any more.
< People with Iphones sometimes act as though Androids are odd and strange to use. But it sounds like Iphones are just as tedious.
BTW I started computer life back in the 80s as an Apple computer person on a Plus. Finally switched to Windows and left Apple behind.
I began quite by accident in my very first job out of university when I got hired by a local owner/manager of a dental supply outfit as his assistant and jack of all trades. He had bought a Radio Shack TRS-80 that was sitting around gathering dust because nobody could figure out how to use it for anything. He wanted it to print mailing labels for his customers having accounts in order to send out promos. I was able to figure that out and get it to work. After that I became the computer guy and stayed in that lane for many years.
The iPhone used to be incredibly intuitive and easy to use. I got my first one at work when they switched from Blackberry devices which I absolutely hated for being difficult to use. The Apple stuff then was a revelation. Unfortunately Apple has loaded up so much useless junk into iOS now that it is equally bloated and difficult. I was watching some videos on the new release recently and people were getting all worked up over changing the color of app icons and how they are arranged among other things I could not care less about. I think Apple needs an "iOS Lite" version to take a lot of that junk away and make it the simple thing it used to be.
I can't speak to Android since I never had one but my impression is that they can all be a bit different because of the almost DIY nature of how that is developed.
Wife uses Apple Pay… I’m old school and pull out a credit card.
I kinda lucked out with my last phone. I had a 12 Pro Max forever … it had a broken back glass (hidden by the case) and a bad battery. It was paid off and I was waiting for the 16. Well while in Vegas at a show I left it on a table and within a minute someone stole it. Not quite sure what they were going to do with it as it’s passcode protected. Anyway I file an insurance claim fully expecting a refurbished 12 to be shipped. They sent me a 15 Pro Max for $100. Can’t really beat that.
———————————————— I’d hire a thief to heist my phone too if I could get a deal like that.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I was a bit nervous about it because (a) it is your eyes and (b) I have had too many surgeries in my life, none of which have worked quite as promised. I actually had postponed this from back in the spring for that reason.
I think the way they handled it helped a lot. After about a half-hour in a sort of waiting/recovery room suite with a bunch of other patients going in and out, most of them much older and in far worse shape than me health-wise but showing no issues afterwards, I felt reassured. The procedure itself was virtually painless because of the local anesthetics they use and aside from a light you see in the eye being worked and some liquids being used on it, you just had to lay still for maybe 15-20 minutes. After I got home the eye felt a bit dry and scratchy as they told me it would but the eyedrops helped a lot. When I awoke the next morning it felt totally OK. Visiting the surgeon that afternoon he said everything was great, I could drive whenever I felt comfortable, and I no longer needed to wear the clear shield over it. Just don't rub it and try to avoid getting water in it for a few days. What amazed me most afterward was how much brighter things looked.
yes. the back and sides are ringed with wooded area (some of which is a no cut buffer zone, and the rest we are just going to leave wild). We just want to thin out the underbrush to make it look nicer, and be more like a part of the yard. Apparently the people that live behind us (or a prior owner but I think they have been there forever) used to treat our property as part of theirs. Not a big deal when they put up a dog house (since removed) but seems like they also just liked to dump crap back here. The landscapers cleaned up some of it (the part for the seeded yard) and some downed trees but I hadn't really gone into the woods to investigate before they did their part.
we seem to have gotten the bulk out by now but I am sure we will find more. Done with the pool covers (there is some left I think but it is deep enough to ignore) and I am hiring someone to clear out the rest of the ground cover after the fence goes in.
also ended up putting the shed to the side of the driveway instead of at the top, so that will be a lot easier site prep since it is a lot flatter already. Turns out (after talking to the code enforcement department) that you need to be further from the house than I expected so our other choice was no good. And the other side yard was considered to be the front of the house, so that was out. Pretty much left 1 spot for it!
Oh, at least Autozone gave me $10 for the battery. Can thank my wife for looking that up. Better than just dropping it at the transfer station like I was planning to.
And it was more work than I wanted to do (but about what I expected).
one advantage to a chain builder neighborhood new build. The pretty much clear cut the lot so no worries about woods to clear out. You get 2 skinny saplings, a few bushes, and a spray tan lawn and that is it.
We leave for Turks in two weeks… have my Daughter’s birthday party at the house next week.. so today was the day to start getting everything ready we need to pack. How is it that all of a sudden we have a $450 Amazon cart with stuff (clothes, etc) that we “need”?
I also sprung for a car service (Escalade or Navigator) rather than Uber for the 5 of us. Uber is flaky here at 5:30 AM and some drivers won’t go into Philly. Wasn’t taking the chance. Didn’t want to park at the airport with two kids and a senior with all the extra walking.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
at the pace I am going, next year may be me in a sanitarium, or dead. At least we won't be broke. I don't think. Only a few big $ items left on the house before we stop spending on this place. Then I pivot to looking at cars again! Oh, another wedding in June. Almost forgot about that.
I figure if I have to work for another 2.5 years (shoot me now) in a high stress job, I am going to be spending the money we are making on a good time.
in a 12 month span, a new house with all the trimmings, new dining room and bedroom furniture (not the cheap stuff), 2 weddings and a grand kid. The money outflow spigot is set to full blast!
Another day full of chainsaw racket as a different neighbor decided to remove another one of those giant maples in his backyard. Two, maybe 3 guys with a truck and a big trailer for the remains, with the main sawyer (?) dangling from the tree via ropes and cutting off sections of it. They’re still up there.
I watched a crew do a tree across the street a few weeks ago (took one down, and some big limbs off another) and those dudes are insane. They hooked the cut man to a crane and flew him up into the top of the tree. And a lot of big equipment extending over their house and shed.
Fixed the garage opener problem here at the house. Used a heavy duty extension cord and brought the other side down to an power outlet easy for either of us to modulate. Next time the power blips off & on, all we have to do is go out, unplug & re-plug in the extension cord, and we're good to go. No more climbing up a ladder anymore which for me being partially disabled, a potential safety hazard. So far this week before we hoked everything up, the power went out twice so very relieved that we have an easy solution here now. Our Genie unit isn't that old, maybe 5 years or so, so replacing it didn't make much sense. So by spending about $14, solved the issue even though it's not the prettiest set-up in the world. It works & that's all I care about!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
at the pace I am going, next year may be me in a sanitarium, or dead. At least we won't be broke. I don't think. Only a few big $ items left on the house before we stop spending on this place. Then I pivot to looking at cars again! Oh, another wedding in June. Almost forgot about that.
I figure if I have to work for another 2.5 years (shoot me now) in a high stress job, I am going to be spending the money we are making on a good time.
in a 12 month span, a new house with all the trimmings, new dining room and bedroom furniture (not the cheap stuff), 2 weddings and a grand kid. The money outflow spigot is set to full blast!
As my Fido advisor told me, "Either you and the Ms are going to fly first class or your kids will. Stop saving and start spending!"
I am a saver, el cheapo grande. This won't be easy. Luckily the better 7/8 will have no problem following said advice. Yay.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
We got about 3 inches of rain- the brown grass is now green so the ZTR will have to be rolled out net week. Rats. On a much brighter note only a few branches fell on the driveway- and all were small enough to be removed by hand.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
same hear. I am cheap but the wife is paranoid to actually use retirement savings. And will work until 65 just to have company health insurance. we could retire now and be fine. But with all the expenses I would not want to stop before next summer, which would be 2 years ahead of schedule. Once Q1 bonuses get paid we will reevaluate.
I was a bit nervous about it because (a) it is your eyes and (b) I have had too many surgeries in my life, none of which have worked quite as promised. I actually had postponed this from back in the spring for that reason.
I think the way they handled it helped a lot. After about a half-hour in a sort of waiting/recovery room suite with a bunch of other patients going in and out, most of them much older and in far worse shape than me health-wise but showing no issues afterwards, I felt reassured. The procedure itself was virtually painless because of the local anesthetics they use and aside from a light you see in the eye being worked and some liquids being used on it, you just had to lay still for maybe 15-20 minutes. After I got home the eye felt a bit dry and scratchy as they told me it would but the eyedrops helped a lot. When I awoke the next morning it felt totally OK. Visiting the surgeon that afternoon he said everything was great, I could drive whenever I felt comfortable, and I no longer needed to wear the clear shield over it. Just don't rub it and try to avoid getting water in it for a few days. What amazed me most afterward was how much brighter things looked.
I remember lying on a gurney waiting to be taken in for the surgery. There was a blob on the wall, up high. When they wheeled me back out after they were done, I noticed the blob was a clock.
After the first cut. Took about 15-20 minutes more than the last house and a couple bars in the battery. Actually just made it. The last bar was just turning red. Took just about an hour to do the mowing part. I think I will give in and get a John Deere in the spring.
Comments
Despite my car buying habits, I hate paying $1,000 for a new phone every few years just so it remains responsive when it's supposed to show a notification, etc.
When I spoke to the rep it turned out their plans had changed for the better so I was able to get more data than I would ever use for less than I was paying before. Then I told her I wanted to buy the iPhone 15 which was quite new, having been out for just a couple of months. I told her what I wanted and the new phone was couriered to me. Set it up and it was a revelation with the much bigger screen and far faster CPU. Loved it right away and have ever since.
Here’s the kicker, and don’t tell anyone: they’ve never charged me for it. It was supposed to be so much a month for 24 months, but my monthly bill has always been just for the service itself. I don’t know what happened and I’m not going to question it.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I also have an SE. It has to be at least 4 years old. My battery health is now 77%. I’ve heard anything below 80% indicates the phone won’t last too much longer. I plan to hold onto it until it loses battery charge to the point I find myself having to charge it too often.
Personally, I like the size of it. I don’t want a phone that will require me to join a fitness club so that I can carry it around and have to get new clothes with larger pockets.
I realize it’s not like it was when new but it still seems pretty reliable. I know, I just jinxed it.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
What, me worry?
I don't think size matters to me, I too want it to fit comfortably in my pocket. I really use it for the basics.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I have a 13 Pro. No intention of getting a new one because I just don’t have the energy to deal with moving everything over, let alone the cost.
My work phone is a plain iPhone 14. Couldn’t tell you the difference between the two if not for the case. I’ll replace it when work sends me a new one.
I don't know if my lawn mower will start without the spring prep, it's been so long since I used it.
Then starting a few days back we had almost 3 inches total rain, measured in my oil drain pan I put out in the yard as a rain gauge. And yesterday TS HELENE outer fringes blew through for a few hours. I think we got almost that much again. Terrible gusts with heavy rain blown in them. I don't want to see a real hurricane as nasty as our gusts and rain squalls were.
Sympathy to all those in FL and the SE states that got drenched and flooded.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I switched because the 12 mini was just $1/mo. through AT&T. It had a bigger screen than the 8, in a smaller overall package. Win/win. That was about 3 years ago. No hurry to get another one.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
I still get flummoxed by the tech sometimes though and had an example this week. I had eye lens replacement this week due to a cataract (that was incredible in itself and I can post about that experience if anyone cares). My older brother is at least temporarily stable after a couple of years of health woes and so he agreed to drive me there and back. Unfortunately he messed up on the time and so we were running late and I had to rush out of the house. In doing so I forgot my wallet of all things. Thankfully he is a cash kind of guy so he spotted me the $90 I had to pay for the upgrade lens they were going to install.
After it was over they told me to stop at a drugstore on the way home to get a certain type of eyedrops for the next few days. He gave me another $20 for that but when I was at the self-checkout I saw a woman in front of me using her phone to pay at the terminal. I remembered I had set that up on my old SE and had used it on that a couple of times, and it carried over to the new phone. Trying to use it, I got to a roadblock at the moment of authorization when a legend came up on the phone screen to "double click to continue". I started tapping those words on the screen to no effect. Recognizing a roadblock when I see one, I gave up and went to the only cash lane that was staffed. I asked the lady there if they took Apple Pay and she said of course. I explained my issue and she said let me do it for you and I handed her the phone. She tried the same thing I did and had the same no-result. We both gave up so I just used his $20 and got out of there, grumbling.
When I got home I Googled the issue and found lots of people had the same problem. Turns out that at some point when the newer phones without a home button came out, Apple changed how the Pay function worked. Of course they never told anyone anything. What you apparently must do now is to click the side button on the 15 and other newer ones twice to make the payment. I only use that to turn the thing off. Who knew? Not me and apparently many others. Technology hates me.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Wife uses Apple Pay… I’m old school and pull out a credit card.
I kinda lucked out with my last phone. I had a 12 Pro Max forever … it had a broken back glass (hidden by the case) and a bad battery. It was paid off and I was waiting for the 16. Well while in Vegas at a show I left it on a table and within a minute someone stole it. Not quite sure what they were going to do with it as it’s passcode protected. Anyway I file an insurance claim fully expecting a refurbished 12 to be shipped. They sent me a 15 Pro Max for $100. Can’t really beat that.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Cataract surgery is amazing.
Google Pay is the best thing since sliced beer.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
astigmatism as well. Only catch was the first lens was focused too close.
Doctor had the other eye rechecked before he put in the other lens.
I ended up with a lens focused too close but for reading. Other eye is focused about 15 feet
away. I can see everything in normal life without glasses--monovision? where I
switch between which eye is viewing and the other eye is supporting with a blurred
image. Low light driving means I put on my glasses because the wider pupil
opening affects my comfort. I believe ChickFilA's pay app is Google pay. It works great for payment. The CFA app gives
me fits at times because it's supersensitive to any change in connection that might indicate
the link has been compromised by "the bad guys." IT signs me off right then. Better safe than
having the money on the app lost or misused.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Android 14 is the latest version and that's what I have. My previous Samsung was stuck at Android 9, so a big jump. Latest weird thing is that the setting to keep the phone from activating when in a dark place like a pocket, would make the phone quit ringing as soon as I touched it in my front Wrangler's pocket. Then when I did get it out, the connection had to be still turned on even though phone was not ringing.
People with Iphones sometimes act as though Androids are odd and strange to use. But it sounds like Iphones are just as tedious.
BTW I started computer life back in the 80s as an Apple computer person on a Plus. Finally switched to Windows and left Apple behind.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
biggest reason I would hold off (other than being lazy) is I ended up with my work stuff on my phone (should really have demanded a company one) and it seems like it will be a massive hassle to get all that moved over, and while attempting it, could be locked out of remote access to our systems (and I work remote!)
I worried about losing the home button. That lasted about an hour before I did not miss it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Me too. Now when I handle my spouse’s SE I keep trying to swipe up and then I remember — oh, I have to press the stupid home button first.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Any place that takes Apple Pay also takes Google Pay - from my experience anyway.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Pretty skimpy "shipping" bag they sent to have my 12 sent back to them. I took pics of it working and the front, sides, back, top and bottom. If they say it arrived damaged, I'll figure I have proof it was fine when it left my paws.
I even have the original box. It won't fit in the return package. I figure they are going to resell it outside of North America, and in bulk. So, none of that "other stuff" matters
The 16 feels snappier. Screen is better. So far, battery is better. What I really needed was more memory for my books, podcasts and music.
Funny, they took cash tips however.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
The iPhone used to be incredibly intuitive and easy to use. I got my first one at work when they switched from Blackberry devices which I absolutely hated for being difficult to use. The Apple stuff then was a revelation. Unfortunately Apple has loaded up so much useless junk into iOS now that it is equally bloated and difficult. I was watching some videos on the new release recently and people were getting all worked up over changing the color of app icons and how they are arranged among other things I could not care less about. I think Apple needs an "iOS Lite" version to take a lot of that junk away and make it the simple thing it used to be.
I can't speak to Android since I never had one but my impression is that they can all be a bit different because of the almost DIY nature of how that is developed.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I’d hire a thief to heist my phone too if I could get a deal like that.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I think the way they handled it helped a lot. After about a half-hour in a sort of waiting/recovery room suite with a bunch of other patients going in and out, most of them much older and in far worse shape than me health-wise but showing no issues afterwards, I felt reassured. The procedure itself was virtually painless because of the local anesthetics they use and aside from a light you see in the eye being worked and some liquids being used on it, you just had to lay still for maybe 15-20 minutes. After I got home the eye felt a bit dry and scratchy as they told me it would but the eyedrops helped a lot. When I awoke the next morning it felt totally OK. Visiting the surgeon that afternoon he said everything was great, I could drive whenever I felt comfortable, and I no longer needed to wear the clear shield over it. Just don't rub it and try to avoid getting water in it for a few days. What amazed me most afterward was how much brighter things looked.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Todays haul. And glad I have the truck because all that dirty stuff is now in the bed waiting to get taken over to the transfer station.
10 tires, a car battery, another big garbage bin full of old buried pool cover. And a metal cooking pot full of old tiles.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Ugh… sounds like a lot of work. All this was left on your property?
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
we seem to have gotten the bulk out by now but I am sure we will find more. Done with the pool covers (there is some left I think but it is deep enough to ignore) and I am hiring someone to clear out the rest of the ground cover after the fence goes in.
also ended up putting the shed to the side of the driveway instead of at the top, so that will be a lot easier site prep since it is a lot flatter already. Turns out (after talking to the code enforcement department) that you need to be further from the house than I expected so our other choice was no good. And the other side yard was considered to be the front of the house, so that was out. Pretty much left 1 spot for it!
Oh, at least Autozone gave me $10 for the battery. Can thank my wife for looking that up. Better than just dropping it at the transfer station like I was planning to.
And it was more work than I wanted to do (but about what I expected).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I also sprung for a car service (Escalade or Navigator) rather than Uber for the 5 of us. Uber is flaky here at 5:30 AM and some drivers won’t go into Philly. Wasn’t taking the chance. Didn’t want to park at the airport with two kids and a senior with all the extra walking.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
I figure if I have to work for another 2.5 years (shoot me now) in a high stress job, I am going to be spending the money we are making on a good time.
in a 12 month span, a new house with all the trimmings, new dining room and bedroom furniture (not the cheap stuff), 2 weddings and a grand kid. The money outflow spigot is set to full blast!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I am a saver, el cheapo grande. This won't be easy. Luckily the better 7/8 will have no problem following said advice. Yay.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
On a much brighter note only a few branches fell on the driveway- and all were small enough to be removed by hand.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
After the first cut. Took about 15-20 minutes more than the last house and a couple bars in the battery. Actually just made it. The last bar was just turning red. Took just about an hour to do the mowing part. I think I will give in and get a John Deere in the spring.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
My bonus was an all-too-familiar, “at least you still got a job.”
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
And not quarterly bonus. Annual bonus, paid in Q1.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Wife and I both work corp retail in a tough macro environment…. What’s a bonus?
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige