Around the first of the year, my family and I had the chance to visit friends in the Northern part of Italy. While I usually stay connected to the Internet for a great majority of the day, I took it upon myself to keep my connections to a bare minimum.
Initially, I wish my Twitter and Path accounts would have been by my side during our visit. There were several great opportunities to share photos and moments online, but instead of harping on it, I decided to simply enjoy the moment instead of lamenting about not being able capture and share it. By the end of the week, I had experienced a truly “organic” experience.
So, when I saw this infographic on the pros and cons of smartphones, it really got me thinking more about my week of limited tech.
[Click for Larger]
When you look at the advantages and disadvantages highlighted in this infographic, the pros don’t swing too heavy in favor of the smartphone. In fact, there’s one thing that really struck me after my limited tech week:
I didn’t miss it.
As much as I enjoy my online relationships, I found my face-to-face interactions to be far more rewarding. Sharing moments with friends, face-to-face, beats retweets, likes, and comments any day.
What would your life be like without a smartphone?
Do the pros outweigh the cons?
[via BlogMost]
David says
I have an iPhone. BUT. I only had voice and text on it and pay for usage as it occurs. Then just use WIFI for downloading podcast, news, etc.
that is until it kinda died last week. So. back to the cheap 1990’s phone I got for international travel. Since I’m no good at the numbers to text thing, it certainly cuts down on the activity & perceived availability.
Work has a list of phone #s so that people can call if there is a “situation”. It is optional – because it is just that crazy.
Eric Dye says
LOL! That’s awesome. Yeah, I dig the phone only, smartphone with Wifi in reach idea. Cuts down on Internet noise when you should be busy living life.
Jimmy says
I’ve never had a smartphone. I made the decision not to pursue, even though I was interested at the time. I’m using an old used dumbphone with PagePlus, for $12 per month. They give me 250 minutes and 250 texts, no contract, on Verizon’s network, if I need more minutes or texts, it is 5 cents per minute/text after that. I get reliable, cheap, flexible service, and a better web experience on my laptop. I’m happy and I don’t have endless notifications bogging me down. Plus I get better battery life than smartphones, and my phone is more durable.
Eric Dye says
^THIS^
I don’t know why, but I think it’s cool to hear tech guys with this kind of perspective.
Jimmy says
Yeah, I know I’m certainly in the minority.
It’s kind of funny, because my dad was looking at getting a smartphone, but he couldn’t give me a solid reason why he would need/want one. Fortunately I steered him toward Republic Wireless, so if he decides to go for it, he won’t be stuck in an overpriced contract.
Eric Dye says
Pro move. 😛
ThatGuyKC says
I could live w/out a smartphone, but the pros outweigh the cons. However, that assumes I’m adhering to healthy boundaries (no using it in the bathroom or while playing with kids) and a smartphone isn’t an extension of my body.
Eric Dye says
Keep it healthy, yo. 😉