Electronic Device Ramblings

turnsouth · **on:** September 24, 2013, 03:33:47 PM

So I finally got a smart phone a few months back (iPhone 5), and have come to realize that I don't really like having a phone paired with my pocket computer. Not that I don't enjoy the iPhone, but it's just not working for me as a unit.

There are several reasons, like hating the idea that my phone could ring while I'm reading something (have always hated being interrupted by the phone), and it's always in the back of my mind. But the biggest reason is that I find that I'm hesitant to use my apps because I don't want to run down my phone battery. Seems self defeating...

So, a few days ago I dusted off my iPod Touch 4, slipped it in my pocket (nothing pockets like an iPod Touch 4), and have reached electronic nirvana once again.

Realizing that I've settled on the iPod, I went ahead an ordered a new one with more memory, plus I wanted to get one of the last 4's before they are all gone from the retail channels (the prices aren't awful right now either).

jzmtl · **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2013, 06:03:26 PM

Quote from: turnsouth on September 24, 2013, 03:33:47 PM

There are several reasons, like hating the idea that my phone could ring while I'm reading something (have always hated being interrupted by the phone), and it's always in the back of my mind. But the biggest reason is that I find that I'm hesitant to use my apps because I don't want to run down my phone battery. Seems self defeating...

You'll stop caring after a while. I did that too when I first got a smartphone, doing all sorts of software tweaks to squeeze a bit more battery life, but after a year it's just "hey as long it last through the day".

turnsouth · **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2013, 02:18:11 AM

Yeah, that wouldn't work for me. I'm one of those guys that panics when my phone gets below 50%. I blame it on every television show and movie for the last 15 years where when anyone gets trapped they can not use there cell phone because the battery is always dead.

AlephZero · **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2013, 10:19:56 AM

I solved that problem by dusting off my ol' reliable Sony Ericsson Z520i, found an original replacement battery for it and hey presto, 2 weeks battery life... Now I don't have to worry if the Padfone runs out of juice

jekostas · **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2013, 06:17:53 AM

I am absolutely the other way around, I like having convergence. Having a GPS, Camera and MP3 player on me at all times is awesome, not to mention that my phone has a big enough screen to use as an e-book reader.

It does help that what I'm using right now (LG Optimus G) has both very good battery life and audio output quality that rivals standalone MP3 players. Even with quite a bit of usage (2+ hours of screen time, LTE on 12 hours a day, a couple hours of reading, couple hours of listening to music) I still have ~55-60% battery life left at the end of the day.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #5 on:** September 29, 2013, 08:49:09 PM

I currently have a Pantech Breeze II flip phone. The battery charge will go for 6 or so days without recharge.

I also have an iPhone 3GS, which isn't actually active as a phone. I use it basically like an iPad Touch. It works in any place with a wifi hotspot. Usually, if I'm out and about, I'm with my hubby, who has an iPhone 5. So, I usually don't need any smartphone capability beyond what I have.

I'm up for an upgrade, and am waffling on getting a 5C. In truth, I don't really feel like I NEED it. And don't really even WANT it. It'd just push our phone bill up $15 a month, and never really get used.

Cupboard · **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2013, 12:20:55 AM

I get 4 days of battery out of my Cat B15 smartphone, and that includes using it, being in areas of crap signal and it checking for emails via IMAP every 15 minutes.