Pros & Cons of a Smart Phone (iPhone)

When I say smart phone, in my mind there is only one – the beautiful, sleek iPhone. But am I getting it because it’s gorgeous or does it have real benefits? Will it make my life better or worse? Here’s my thinking aloud, pro-con list:

Pros:
1. Don’t feel left out anymore when everyone ignores me and surf on their iPhones instead.
2. No need to fish out and thumb through my dictionary anymore, which sometimes doesn’t contain slang words I want to check. Just use the iPhone or browse the web for examples.
3. It’s video and camera function is pretty amazing. On par with a camera. And you just lug around 1 device with no worries when you forget your camera.
4. The calculator and currency converter is cool.
5. With google maps it’ll be harder to get lost.
6. Great for travel as I can download guides instead of lugging around a heavy book.
7. Also great for travel as I can store e-tickets and hotel information.
8. Easier to take self potraits and not cut out faces.
9. I can update my blog on the go.
10.Music to calm me down on a plane.
11.When we don’t know where to go, what to eat or what movie to watch, I can check the iPhone.
12.I suspect the radiation level is lower on an iPhone, but maybe not. The Nokia burns my ears and my brain.
13.I can write my novel on the iPhone and never waste precious time spent staring into space.
14.Precious photographs can be stored on it and there’s a bigger viewing screen than my old tiny Nokia.
15.Free video calls back home when you’re overseas.

Cons:
1. Become one of those people who annoy me – surf their phone during social gatherings.
2. Ruin my neck and eyes. Plus Carpal tunnel.
3. Addiction and end up using the iPhone more than other stuff like reading books.
4. Losing the smartphone would mean losing all your essential information and that can be dangerous.
5. The monthly phone bill is at least S$10 more, but I have to remember that this is not just a phone anymore.

One thing I have to make sure if I ever convert from my trusty, dusty 5 year old Nokia to an iPhone – don’t download any games. Any way the iPhone to me is more like a mini computer, but not as heavy as an iPad. It’s not just a phone anymore and I hardly use the phone function anyway as I loathe speaking on a phone unless it’s an emergency or quick chats.

I also just came across an awesome list in cartoon form. Why I Love & Hate Having a Smartphone at The Oatmeal.

Do you own an iPhone? What do you love or hate about it?

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.
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19 Responses to Pros & Cons of a Smart Phone (iPhone)

  1. Claire says:

    I got my first iPhone when we moved here. In London I’d resisted – I knew my way around the city, I didn’t want to be ‘on call’ with work all the time, and I already had an iPod for my music.

    Now that I have one – I love it. I feel like I can explore Singapore, without worrying that I’ll get lost, thanks to the maps and transport app that I’ve downloaded. I can take good quality photos when I’m out and about, and edit them in Instagram (my new app crush). I can catch up with my friends blogs when I’m on the MRT, and can Skype my family at home, even when the boy is using our laptop for work.

    Now I don’t know how I lived without one…!

    • bookjunkie says:

      public transportation estimated arrival times sounds like a good app for me. I really hate to wait for the bus not knowing when it’ll arrive. Thanks for sharing your experience with it Claire. Blogging surfing on the MRT sounds great to me too.

  2. Laura says:

    I do, though I never had one until I moved here and mine is my husband’s hand me down when he got an upgrade so isn’t even the latest but it suits me fine. I really don’t know how I coped without one though, I use an Android phone now (which is also good) when I’m back in the UK but I personally much prefer the iPhone I have here. I couldn’t ever imagine going back to just a Nokia or another model without the smartphone aspects to it.

    Most the pros you listed are on my list too although I admit it can be a bit addictive too if you aren’t careful – you just have to be disciplined with yourself and I don’t always succeed. I’m sure you won’t regret it though if you make the switch.

    • bookjunkie says:

      I think I have an addictive personality. When I want to stop (like Facebook) it had to be cold turkey for me. But I know I will cave in one day because the benefits will definitely make my life easier. At least less boring when I am fiddling my thumbs waiting on someone.

  3. plumerainbow says:

    I got one last year & used it to surf the net, read news & blog while I was travelling. And it was handy and pocket-sized, so that’s a great plus. To much of my friends’ mocking, I refuse to pay $10 more for a 3G plan.

    The biggest annoyance is attending social gatherings where others are busy attending to their phones!

    • bookjunkie says:

      Oh yes….I have experienced that rudeness so much. It’s so annoying but now i think if everyone’s doing it I’ll whip out my own and retreat into my own world.

  4. kirsten says:

    I’m obsessed with my iPhone. I need to try to teach myself to use it less, really. But it’s mainly because of my addiction to Twitter that drives me a little off the edge.

    But I don’t regret having a smartphone. I love being able to keep up with friends and the news so easily. As an activist I love how easy it is to post photos of events and stuff as they’re happening. As a journalist I love how it’s easy to keep track of what’s going on at any given point.

    • bookjunkie says:

      I am so addicted to Twitter as well. It feeds into my night owl tendencies. I can just imagine that I’ll be cradling the iPhone in bed and won’t be able to switch off.

  5. http://gintai.wordpress.com/2011/11/25/ibattz-battery-for-iphone/
    Hi I did a blog on the iphone. You need not worry about data loss if you lose your iphone cuz you either back up on iclouds or PC. You can also remotely wipe out data. The best feature is the built in Facetime where you can video talk free via wi fi to another apple product user. My bro talks for hrs with his family in Vancouver daily via Facetime.
    Yes, I blog using wordpress app to blog on the move! So easy. The highlight snd Define is so good. No need dict. Its built in. There are many more features. You shld explore yourself!

    • bookjunkie says:

      Oh cool…I’ll check it out 🙂 Looks like Facetime is a must have app. Will do another post when I finally take the step of getting an iPhone.

  6. ThinkPinkToo says:

    Pros: you get to talk to me for free on vibes, FaceTime or Skype, text MSG for free with iMessage and whatsapp. Check the weather and traffic conditions on the go. Helps you find your way when you are lost overseas. Syncs to all your apple products. And many many more……

    Cons: none!!!!! I love everything apple 🙂

  7. ThinkPinkToo says:

    Yup that’s pretty cool too. If you get an iPhone we can share our sleep patterns too 🙂

    Ps: this comment was posted with my iPhone

  8. ThinkPinkToo says:

    The iPad is the best for in bed internetting!

  9. Crystal says:

    I had an iPhone, but switched back to android (the Samsung Galaxy S 2) this past summer/fall when Amazon and Apple were at war with each other. By far, my most used app is the Kindle app (not useful though if you don’t have access to the UK/US/etc Amazon stores…the only e reader app that works well in SG is the kobo I think…not sure what ibook availability looks like).

    I don’t blog from my phone…I find it too much of a hassle. Even long comments on facebook can cramp my hands.

    I’ve had a smart phone since just after E’s birth and it is truly invaluable. When I first got to Singapore, the google maps app was the only thing that kept me from getting (too) lost.

    • bookjunkie says:

      how does the Samsung Galaxy compare to the iPhone? does it have extra features? I think my aunt just got one (came free with her phone plan renewal)

  10. Pingback: Life with an iPhone vs Life with an old Nokia | White as milk

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