Why I Don't Use My Phone To Surf The Net
Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON
Let's start with a declaration that puts this into perspective. I am a bit of a tech-head. Not a nerd, just a tech-head. Is there a distinction? Yup. Big distinction. Nerds know everything. Tech-heads would like to know everything, but they are several steps behind the nerds when it comes to taking over the world.
I never rush out to buy geeky gear. The latest game consoles don't do a lot for me. BlackBerries leave me cold, although I have a former editor who is into them like fishermen are into bait. I don't give a stuff about routers and mother-boards. A few weeks ago, I went and had a look at a mobile phone - only because my service provider told me if I didn't upgrade the one I have, it would be better suited to Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble.
The sales assistant showed me all the Next-G phones, with their Internet capability and hidden gizmos and hi-tech cameras. "So," she asked efficiently, "what are you going to use this phone for?"
"Er, to make phone calls," I said, feeling a bit like Borat, the most famous 'citizen' of Kazakhstan.
The sales assistant seemed disappointed. "What about the inbuilt camera?"
I shrugged.
"The Internet? Email?" she asked.
I shrugged again.
"Aren't you going to record video or use it as a Walkman?"
Nope. Care factor zilch. Zero. Nada!
Maybe that's just me. I'll embrace the technology that I need, but I don't care two hoots about the other stuff.
To read the whole feature, go to Through The Lens Of A Tech Head.
23 comments:
Ha! See? Now you know why I shun a mobile.. it's a slippery "route" to all kinds of terrifying technology.. shudder.
Hi David
With reference to the link to site vs. profile.
I cut and paste the comments. It seems that while other bloggers links are to their site, yours is to your profile. The same thing will happen when you leave comments on other sites. It must be the way you have set up your Google account.
Thanks for any pointer posted.
Apparently you can call Google just as easily on any old phone, especially in China.
ah.. such a relief to know that there is someone like me. And this 'someone' is a celebrity. wow.
hi david
we seem to be treading on somewhat familiar territory.i would also like to be categorised as technosavvy though certainly not a nerd. i use laptop computers with highspeed internet connections,ipod,superpen mobile text scanner and translator,cellphone without camera and an old nikon coolpix-2000,bought by my wife in australia! i am surrounded by blackberry users but i haven't fallen to that temptation yet.i have great faith in steve jobs and i knew he will make life simpler for me.with one iphone everything else will become redundant.hope to defray my cost of acquisition by putting all the other stuff on ebay!
Hi Carol,
I remember you telling me that on the phone when we spoke.
It's still very handy to have .... but I use mine more as an alarm clock than a phone. Isn't that funny!
Keep smiling
David
Hi yesbut,
No worries at all. I'm curious that your early links did actually go to my site rather than my profile.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Brian,
On my way to China now, to test out that theory!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Priyank
(Puzzled voice) Celebrity? Moi? Er, I don;t think so, mate!
I have my feet firmly on the ground!
And as I said to Carol (see above) I use my phone as an alarm, more than to make or receive calls!
Keep smiling
David
Hi GS,
Your wife came to Australia and you didn't tell me!!! That comment would make a great post on your site.
I'm glad you're going to get rid of what you don;t need!
Yes, I like being techno-savvy, but I certainly wouldn't classify myself as a nerd!
Keep smiling
David
David,
What you are saying is, as along as you find a use for a tech. you are good at using it. If you don't see any relevancy then, a bit difficult to handle?
Good to see this post, and so many of this kind(including me ).
rAm
I hate mobiles altogether, but I guess one day it will become neccessary for me to own one, until that day I hold steadfast in my opinion that they are the work of the devil...
Hi David,
I'm a nerd... I love technology and I do find uses for a lot of stuff, but I agree with you on this one. I'm not into having a lot of this stuff portable, as I have found that it either falls short of what I want, or I have no use for it.
HOWEVER - I do use the internet on my mobile, as it has come in useful when I travel and need to access email, and I do use the phone in my camera - used it for a car accident I was in, which was quite handy.
Just my 2 cents!
Stephanie
Hi Ramjee,
I've always embraced technology, at home, at leisure and in the workplace.
I'm an active user of technology, rather than a passive user.
But yes, I am selective about what I use. I don;t simply acquire gadgets and gizmos which then gather dust.
I buy the ones that are crucial to me - and they get an absolute belting!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Pope Terry,
Mate, the work of the devil? Good thing that was a tongue-in-cheek comment - or else Lucifer would be coming at ya for the 666 in your blog address!
You take care now
Keep smiling
David
Hi Steph,
Your perspective pretty much falls into line with my opinion.
See my reply to Ramjee above. It's all about identifying the gizmos that you REALLY need - as opposed to acquiring those you need to make an effect!
Keep smiling
David
Very Very true!! That is exactly what I look for in a mobile. As long as I can use the phone to talk with somebody, I don't care about any other feature!!!
Bless you, David. Some people of clear sanity remain in the world.
I used to be a gadget junkie . . . But then technology sprinted ahead of me at a rapid pace. I just couldn't keep up. Especially in the finance department.
Now I'm not too bothred. But my phone MUST have a decent camera. I dont have a digital camera yet. It's on my list.
Oh yeah, followed the link, couldnt get the full article.
Hi Praveen,
My sentiments exactly! A phone is for ringing people.
Hello!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Lin,
Clear sanity - that's not what my kids say about me!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Ak-Man,
Link didn't work? Okay, I fix ....
Keep smiling
David
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