Why I've Finally given up on smart phones

Hi all
I'm not against new technology -- far from it -- but I,ve finally had it up to the Eyeballs with Smart Phones and have gone back to a basic phone and am MUCH MUCH happier with it.

My problem with smart phones

1) -there are these ZILLIONS of apps which are almost impossible to install without going through some convoluted process "Logon to the Android store" -- which then means having to create a Google account ---- No thankyou Google --you've got enough info out there anyway --why can't I just download the wretched thing like buying Windows or other software.

2) You invariably run into cryptic errors like --This Phone is not linked to the account ???? why on earth should it be -- Why can't I just download the app like any other piece of software -- pay for it if it's a commecial version and then install it on the phone later at my convenience. In any case the computer or device I'm downloading the software from doesn't have to be the one you install on. -- I've often downloaded software on one device - including various versions of Windows -- and installed / licensed / activated the product on another device.

For example I downloaded MS office 2010 suite 64 bit from MS using my Work's Internet server (legally) and installed on my private laptop.

3) No quaity control so some of these apps are nothing more than 100% rubbish -- but the amount of time spent on checking out if there IS anything wothwhile out there is horrendous --to say nothing of possible Viruses etc.

4) I'm sick of the batteries running out almost daily before needing to be re-charged.

5) I haven't a clue on what background processes are running -- I'm sure there are some services like Weather etc which are continually chalking up small fees on the account without my knowlege.

The final straw was when I thought I'd use the phone as a music player -- with a 16 GB memory card in it this was I thought a No brainer.

So most of the music players don't give you a chance to browse and play music in FOLDERS / DIRECTORIES --they seem to make you have to create "playlists" / track / album / artist, I can't be bothered with all of that --I have my stuff simply ordered in directories.

I found Winamp but to get folder play I had to go "pro" -- i.e pay.

Unfortunately it only worked until the phone screen went dark --after that it stuttered ever few seconds.

Now there IS an update --but to get the update seems to require the updated base install to be installed -- again the endless loop of "Phone Not registered to the android app store -- of course it's not it's a NEW PHONE bought in a DIFFERENT COUNTRY (Belgium in this case).

I've further looked and it would appear that one would have to pay for the PRO upgrade again.

Anyway I've just had enough and have gone back to an "Ipod like" music player --works fine -- no probs,

I don't like texting / tweeting / facebooking and the small screens of these phones for me isn't a viable Internet option -- to me a Phone will remain a PHONE.

I'm also an Independent contractor and not a "Wage slave" so I don't need or want to be continually checking e-mails on a phone. In any case the small screens aren't really suitable for long emails anyway.

I did give it a serious try but this is ONE piece of technology that I'm letting pass me by.

I've since given the android phone away to a younger nephew who will probably have a far better use for it than me.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

Hi all
I'm not against new technology -- far from it -- but I,ve finally had it up to the Eyeballs with Smart Phones and have gone back to a basic phone and am MUCH MUCH happier with it.

My problem with smart phones

1) -there are these ZILLIONS of apps which are almost impossible to install without going through some convoluted process "Logon to the Android store" -- which then means having to create a Google account ---- No thankyou Google --you've got enough info out there anyway --why can't I just download the wretched thing like buying Windows or other software.

2) You invariably run into cryptic errors like --This Phone is not linked to the account ???? why on earth should it be -- Why can't I just download the app like any other piece of software -- pay for it if it's a commecial version and then install it on the phone later at my convenience. In any case the computer or device I'm downloading the software from doesn't have to be the one you install on. -- I've often downloaded software on one device - including various versions of Windows -- and installed / licensed / activated the product on another device.

For example I downloaded MS office 2010 suite 64 bit from MS using my Work's Internet server (legally) and installed on my private laptop.

3) No quaity control so some of these apps are nothing more than 100% rubbish -- but the amount of time spent on checking out if there IS anything wothwhile out there is horrendous --to say nothing of possible Viruses etc.

4) I'm sick of the batteries running out almost daily before needing to be re-charged.

5) I haven't a clue on what background processes are running -- I'm sure there are some services like Weather etc which are continually chalking up small fees on the account without my knowlege.

The final straw was when I thought I'd use the phone as a music player -- with a 16 GB memory card in it this was I thought a No brainer.

So most of the music players don't give you a chance to browse and play music in FOLDERS / DIRECTORIES --they seem to make you have to create "playlists" / track / album / artist, I can't be bothered with all of that --I have my stuff simply ordered in directories.

I found Winamp but to get folder play I had to go "pro" -- i.e pay.

Unfortunately it only worked until the phone screen went dark --after that it stuttered ever few seconds.

Now there IS an update --but to get the update seems to require the updated base install to be installed -- again the endless loop of "Phone Not registered to the android app store -- of course it's not it's a NEW PHONE bought in a DIFFERENT COUNTRY (Belgium in this case).

I've further looked and it would appear that one would have to pay for the PRO upgrade again.

Anyway I've just had enough and have gone back to an "Ipod like" music player --works fine -- no probs,

I don't like texting / tweeting / facebooking and the small screens of these phones for me isn't a viable Internet option -- to me a Phone will remain a PHONE.

I'm also an Independent contractor and not a "Wage slave" so I don't need or want to be continually checking e-mails on a phone. In any case the small screens aren't really suitable for long emails anyway.

I did give it a serious try but this is ONE piece of technology that I'm letting pass me by.

I've since given the android phone away to a younger nephew who will probably have a far better use for it than me.

Cheers
jimbo

And your point is?

I'm with jimbo, just another means to get targeted by adverts that I don't want and until the battery life of these devices approaches the weeks region that I think necessary I won't be buying one.