Comments on: You Tell Me: Are Expensive Cell Phones Worth It? http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/ Saving money and getting out of debt from a Christian SAHM perspective Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:35:58 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Liz http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-16236 Liz Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:25:23 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-16236 I too was considering an Iphone. YES it is very expensive. Do I need it? Probably not! So I got the LGVU. (I am on a 30 day trial) Looks and acts like an Iphone but cheaper. It has a televison which is very cool and that means an extra $15 per month. Do I need that? Naw... but I needed a new phone and it was a deal at A T & T. They have mail in rebates too. The long and short of it is ... IF you can afford it I say go for it! My daughters LIVE on their cell phones and I am finding I too rely on it. Why not have what we want? I can't wait to hear what you think :) I too was considering an Iphone. YES it is very expensive. Do I need it? Probably not! So I got the LGVU. (I am on a 30 day trial) Looks and acts like an Iphone but cheaper. It has a televison which is very cool and that means an extra $15 per month. Do I need that? Naw… but I needed a new phone and it was a deal at A T & T. They have mail in rebates too. The long and short of it is … IF you can afford it I say go for it! My daughters LIVE on their cell phones and I am finding I too rely on it. Why not have what we want? I can’t wait to hear what you think :)

]]> By: B.E. http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-16140 B.E. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:08:49 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-16140 I am considering an iphone and am the type of person who does a lot of research first. (hence why I am reading everyones posts) I am also a person who has used Sprint and Alltel. I will admit that AT&T at first looks expensive. But what I have found is that AT&T has so many customers that you can scale back on plans and still get the same benefit. I got rid of unlimited text and actually only have the text 200 and I have the smallest family plan with free nights and weekends and rollover. I get free AT&T mobile to mobile text and minutes. Calling the wife is free. A few months the rollover minutes rack up and then you really don't have to worry. I use my phone all the time and still have 1700+ rollover minutes. This helps ease the worry of going over. You could start with the higher plan and then see how much you use. when you choose a different plan, your rollover minutes don't go away. Now the idea of the iphone is really why i am on here. I have noticed all the "iphone killers" and have friends with them. In the end the side by side comparison just doesn't match the iphone. They were cool and came close, but still no iphone. (hence why people are unlocking them and using them on other networks) I did find out though that unlimited data with an iphone is more expensive than unlimited data with a regular smart phone, not counting the blackberry server. (yes, I had one of those too) blackberry is more expensive because of the blackberry fees built into the unlimited data). All in all I think I am going to get an iphone. Thanks for everyones post it really helped confuse the Sh@# out of me! I am considering an iphone and am the type of person who does a lot of research first. (hence why I am reading everyones posts) I am also a person who has used Sprint and Alltel. I will admit that AT&T at first looks expensive. But what I have found is that AT&T has so many customers that you can scale back on plans and still get the same benefit. I got rid of unlimited text and actually only have the text 200 and I have the smallest family plan with free nights and weekends and rollover. I get free AT&T mobile to mobile text and minutes. Calling the wife is free. A few months the rollover minutes rack up and then you really don’t have to worry. I use my phone all the time and still have 1700+ rollover minutes. This helps ease the worry of going over. You could start with the higher plan and then see how much you use. when you choose a different plan, your rollover minutes don’t go away. Now the idea of the iphone is really why i am on here. I have noticed all the “iphone killers” and have friends with them. In the end the side by side comparison just doesn’t match the iphone. They were cool and came close, but still no iphone. (hence why people are unlocking them and using them on other networks) I did find out though that unlimited data with an iphone is more expensive than unlimited data with a regular smart phone, not counting the blackberry server. (yes, I had one of those too) blackberry is more expensive because of the blackberry fees built into the unlimited data). All in all I think I am going to get an iphone. Thanks for everyones post it really helped confuse the Sh@# out of me!

]]> By: SL http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-16063 SL Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:29:43 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-16063 I picked up a used Iphone 2G from someone that was upgrading to a 3G Iphone for $200 (resale value would be around $300-350ish so I figure I am ahead already). I unlocked the phone and am using it with my parent's tmobile plan so really all the phone costs is $10 a month (for the additional line). Using access internet with their $5.99/month plan - total cost out of my pocket $16/month. I picked up a used Iphone 2G from someone that was upgrading to a 3G Iphone for $200 (resale value would be around $300-350ish so I figure I am ahead already).

I unlocked the phone and am using it with my parent’s tmobile plan so really all the phone costs is $10 a month (for the additional line). Using access internet with their $5.99/month plan – total cost out of my pocket $16/month.

]]> By: Amanda from Mrs.W's Kitchen http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-15701 Amanda from Mrs.W's Kitchen Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:07:14 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-15701 When I was a commuter in a busy city and rarely saw my husband (because he was commuting to school in another direction), a cell phone was a necessity in my life--and we had the bells and whistles that were typical at that time. Lots of calls, lots of texting, while on the road and elsewhere. It was great, and I was able to still feel connected to faraway family and friends. Now, however, we live in the small town where I grew up, close to my family. We don't have children. I stay home; hubby works 5 minutes away from our house. We realized that we don't even need cell phones and canceled them completely. That was a year ago and we haven't looked back since. I find that many people are addicted to cell phones. I can't go to a restaurant without sitting near someone chatting away (a particular pet peeve of mine--really, if it's that important GO OUTSIDE). If someone needs to reach me, they can leave a message on the machine at home. <abbr><em>Amanda from Mrs.W's Kitchen’s last blog post..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/MrsWsKitchen/%7E3/gaNFb-VfrcA/flourless-sugar-free-oatmeal-banana.html" rel="nofollow">Flourless Sugar-Free Oatmeal-Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffins</a></em></abbr> When I was a commuter in a busy city and rarely saw my husband (because he was commuting to school in another direction), a cell phone was a necessity in my life–and we had the bells and whistles that were typical at that time. Lots of calls, lots of texting, while on the road and elsewhere. It was great, and I was able to still feel connected to faraway family and friends.

Now, however, we live in the small town where I grew up, close to my family. We don’t have children. I stay home; hubby works 5 minutes away from our house. We realized that we don’t even need cell phones and canceled them completely. That was a year ago and we haven’t looked back since.

I find that many people are addicted to cell phones. I can’t go to a restaurant without sitting near someone chatting away (a particular pet peeve of mine–really, if it’s that important GO OUTSIDE). If someone needs to reach me, they can leave a message on the machine at home.

Amanda from Mrs.W’s Kitchen’s last blog post..Flourless Sugar-Free Oatmeal-Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffins

]]> By: Dima http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-15666 Dima Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:53:41 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-15666 I have recently switched from a Sony Ericsson advanced "dumbphone" to HTC Windows Mobile smartphone and the difference is huge. My phone allows me to have push service for three email accounts (GMail, Hotmail and work Exchange server), has GPS receiver that works great with GMaps and TomTom software, runs IM client and has a full-size web browser. There're tons of different apps for Windows Mobile and if you can't find something you need you could always write one yourself :) The downsides in comparison with my previous phone are shorter battery life, increased complexity (one does need to be somewhat tech-savvy to take full advantage of WM phone) and the fact that WM devices tend to freeze more often than any other phones I've owned. In terms of cost I was able to get on, now expired, Sprint Employee Referral plan and I'm getting voice + unlimited text and data for $30/month. I just hope Sprint doesn't kick me off this plan... I have recently switched from a Sony Ericsson advanced “dumbphone” to HTC Windows Mobile smartphone and the difference is huge. My phone allows me to have push service for three email accounts (GMail, Hotmail and work Exchange server), has GPS receiver that works great with GMaps and TomTom software, runs IM client and has a full-size web browser. There’re tons of different apps for Windows Mobile and if you can’t find something you need you could always write one yourself :) The downsides in comparison with my previous phone are shorter battery life, increased complexity (one does need to be somewhat tech-savvy to take full advantage of WM phone) and the fact that WM devices tend to freeze more often than any other phones I’ve owned. In terms of cost I was able to get on, now expired, Sprint Employee Referral plan and I’m getting voice + unlimited text and data for $30/month. I just hope Sprint doesn’t kick me off this plan…

]]> By: Kristy @ Master Your Card http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-15574 Kristy @ Master Your Card Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:44:39 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-15574 I'm not sure that the expensive phones are really worth the extra money, to be honest. Sure, the iPhone is really neat and has a lot of cool features, but it's a luxury, not a necessity. Most of those apps are for convenience, so as with many things, you're paying for the convenience. I personally have no desire to have an iPhone. I don't even own an iPod because my cheap MP3 player does the same thing. Feels like you're paying for the name along in most cases and I certainly don't see it saving you money, especially with a data plan. Now, all that said, I'm totally buying the Palm Pre when it comes out this summer. There are several reasons, most revolving around my geeky nature. However, one key factor for me is that I like the idea of having everything in one place. I have a PDA that I use to keep track of my DVD collection, but I always forget to grab it when I go to buy DVDs, so I double up. Having it on my phone would be convenient. Also, in terms of daily planning, I think it would be much easier. I hate using paper for my daily planning and I can't use outlook, because I can't transfer in work or home - depending on where I use it - so I end up with two systems. That's just too complicated. With the Pre, I can simply everything to the phone and go from there. I'm looking forward to it. <abbr><em>Kristy @ Master Your Card’s last blog post..<a href="http://masteryourcard.com/blog/2009/03/17/the-cost-of-being-a-good-friend/" rel="nofollow">The Cost of Being a Good Friend</a></em></abbr> I’m not sure that the expensive phones are really worth the extra money, to be honest. Sure, the iPhone is really neat and has a lot of cool features, but it’s a luxury, not a necessity. Most of those apps are for convenience, so as with many things, you’re paying for the convenience. I personally have no desire to have an iPhone. I don’t even own an iPod because my cheap MP3 player does the same thing. Feels like you’re paying for the name along in most cases and I certainly don’t see it saving you money, especially with a data plan.

Now, all that said, I’m totally buying the Palm Pre when it comes out this summer. There are several reasons, most revolving around my geeky nature. However, one key factor for me is that I like the idea of having everything in one place. I have a PDA that I use to keep track of my DVD collection, but I always forget to grab it when I go to buy DVDs, so I double up. Having it on my phone would be convenient. Also, in terms of daily planning, I think it would be much easier. I hate using paper for my daily planning and I can’t use outlook, because I can’t transfer in work or home – depending on where I use it – so I end up with two systems. That’s just too complicated. With the Pre, I can simply everything to the phone and go from there. I’m looking forward to it.

Kristy @ Master Your Card’s last blog post..The Cost of Being a Good Friend

]]> By: Bernard http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-15568 Bernard Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:48:40 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-15568 Are expensive cell phones worth it? Meg brings up an interesting point: "worth it" will mean different things to different people. As I recall, Amy Dacyczyn, author of "The Tightwad Gazette," began practicing thrift with the sole intent of improving her family's quality of life. The money saved by practicing frugality allowed them to live in a farmhouse in New England. So, her thrift wasn't an end in itself, but was ordered toward achieving a higher good. Perhaps there are benefits to smartphones that can't easily be quantified in monetary terms -- benefits that might be filed under "Quality of Life." After all, isn't that the end result being frugal should achieve? Are expensive cell phones worth it? Meg brings up an interesting point: “worth it” will mean different things to different people.

As I recall, Amy Dacyczyn, author of “The Tightwad Gazette,” began practicing thrift with the sole intent of improving her family’s quality of life. The money saved by practicing frugality allowed them to live in a farmhouse in New England. So, her thrift wasn’t an end in itself, but was ordered toward achieving a higher good.

Perhaps there are benefits to smartphones that can’t easily be quantified in monetary terms — benefits that might be filed under “Quality of Life.” After all, isn’t that the end result being frugal should achieve?

]]> By: Bernard http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-15566 Bernard Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:59:12 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-15566 The best thing about the iPhone is the user interface. It is intuitive, reliable and can run many useful applications, which are readily available at Apple's online App store. However, the iPhone does not have good reception in weak signal areas and has mediocre battery life. Another option for those considering a smartphone is an unlocked Nokia E71. It looks more like a Blackberry (with a keyboard). And it gets great reception and has tremendous battery life. Plus, it is $15 less per month on AT&T, because it only requires their $15 monthly unlimited data plan, not the $30 per month Blackberry or iPhone data plans. There is an upfront cost to purchase these highly rated smartphones (look on Amazon.com). Still, they could be a good alternative for those considering a Blackberry or iPhone. The best thing about the iPhone is the user interface. It is intuitive, reliable and can run many useful applications, which are readily available at Apple’s online App store. However, the iPhone does not have good reception in weak signal areas and has mediocre battery life.

Another option for those considering a smartphone is an unlocked Nokia E71. It looks more like a Blackberry (with a keyboard). And it gets great reception and has tremendous battery life. Plus, it is $15 less per month on AT&T, because it only requires their $15 monthly unlimited data plan, not the $30 per month Blackberry or iPhone data plans.

There is an upfront cost to purchase these highly rated smartphones (look on Amazon.com). Still, they could be a good alternative for those considering a Blackberry or iPhone.

]]> By: Ace http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-15557 Ace Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:32:10 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-15557 I feel the iPhone are like computers which are decked out with the latest hardware and runs 500x faster than any other computer. Yet, the user uses the computer for word processing and email checking. A phone is a phone is a phone. If that's all you will use it for, don't get the iPhone. I feel the iPhone are like computers which are decked out with the latest hardware and runs 500x faster than any other computer. Yet, the user uses the computer for word processing and email checking.

A phone is a phone is a phone. If that’s all you will use it for, don’t get the iPhone.

]]> By: Meg from FruWiki http://beingfrugal.net/2009/03/13/iphone-worth-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-15545 Meg from FruWiki Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:33:09 +0000 http://beingfrugal.net/?p=1843#comment-15545 Alli, While I agree that it's not a need for most, remember that being frugal isn't just about saving money for the sake of having money, it's about spending one's resources according to your priorities and values. Money is a means, not an end. I love, love, love my Blackberry, but I pay for it with my many frugal habits like choosing reusable products and using less electricity than anyone I know. So long as I thoroughly enjoy my Blackberry and can afford it, I don't see anything unfrugal about it. And I wouldn't think anyone was unfrugal just because they had an iPhone. <abbr><em>Meg from FruWiki’s last blog post..<a href="http://www.fruwiki.com/index.php?title=FruWiki_talk:Copyright_information&diff=2420&oldid=prev" rel="nofollow">FruWiki talk:Copyright information</a></em></abbr> Alli,

While I agree that it’s not a need for most, remember that being frugal isn’t just about saving money for the sake of having money, it’s about spending one’s resources according to your priorities and values. Money is a means, not an end.

I love, love, love my Blackberry, but I pay for it with my many frugal habits like choosing reusable products and using less electricity than anyone I know. So long as I thoroughly enjoy my Blackberry and can afford it, I don’t see anything unfrugal about it. And I wouldn’t think anyone was unfrugal just because they had an iPhone.

Meg from FruWiki’s last blog post..FruWiki talk:Copyright information

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