How do you justify buying a smartphone?

[Jon Nale]

I am a college student, a system administrator, a software developer, etc. In order words, most of the day I am surrounded by computers. (note: these aren't full time jobs, just stuff I do around campus when I am not in class)

Unlike some people in the computing field, I need time away from computers. I cannot spend ALL freaking day sitting in front of a monitor. It would seriously drive me insane.

So, as a tech geek, I really want a smartphone. However, for reasons listed above, I have a hard time justifying my purchase of a smartphone. The big thing is, most of the time when I need something that requires internet access, there is usually a computer nearby.

The only thing I can think of when I consider 'reasons I need a smartphone', is the fact that I put EVERYTHING on my google calendar, so having that with me at all times would be awesome. The only other thing I can think of is maybe learning the android sdk and making some apps (not that this requires the phone, but having a phone helps). Maybe there is more I will use my phone for, but when I am not by a computer, I am usually glad I am not by a computer haha.

So I am just curious, how do you justify your smartphone? I am hoping I can relate to someone out there haha.

(note: I do in fact need a cellphone, but smartphone plans are more expensive [obviously])

(note2: I am planning on buying the Droid)

 

[punkzanyj]

after getting my first phone with a physical keyboard for texting, there was no turning back to a regular phone. So I moved from Nokia, to Motorola, to a Winmo, to Android.

I guess I don't feel like I need to justify it. I can afford it. It does what I want. Nuff said.

 

[Jacqueline]

Access to email and the ability to follow a link in email are two big reasons for me.

 

[pdragon]

For me, the big thing was also the Calendar sync'ing. For a while now, I've been keeping my Google Calendar sync'd with Thunderbird at the office. With my old phone, I'd have to enter important reminders for myself separately because the phone's scheduler didn't sync with anything. Now with a smartphone, I can keep everything sync'd up no matter where I am and it's great. It really was one of my main reasons for getting an Android phone.

Plus, if you're a sysadmin for any Linux systems, check out the ConnectBot app. Full ssh session from your phone!

 

[MotoDroidHelpandInfo]

Well im just going to say it since no one else will, you need a smartphone for the same reason i do to download lots and lots of pointless apps. i find the calendar function is also helpful to.

 

[shocker]

Easiest justification for me is if $1 a day makes you more money then it costs, then it's worth it.

 

[ciden]

'cause I like 'em....

 

[PsychoKlown]

I wanted a smart phone because I needed a way to keep all my contacts, calendars, etc. in one spot. I needed something that let me get things done and that was compact.

 

[FireRunner]

My phone is my ability to not have to be in front of a computer. Since smart phones really came into play I rarely check my email on a computer. And, most emails I compose aren't long enough for me to need a full keyboard.

I also use my phone for Twitter and oddly enough I communicate through that more than my messages sometimes. And, with an iPhone I can browse most pages just fine for general surfing.

 

[Backnblack]

Justify to who? I use them because I want to... i could easily get by with a pay as you go phone....

 

[geekygrl]

urm, because I wanted it?...

er...because my bank account said yes?...

mmmm...maybe its because I wanted a phone I can do most things, Twitter, Internet at work - we have really bad network fun police over what you can look at on the internet at work - including blocking of this forum!, IM with my b/f who lives in the US, email everywhere (this is important to me), calendar syncing on the go, no need to carry a laptop everywhere, I am sure there are yet more reasons

besides, I will take an Android powered phone over some 'dumbphone' anyday

viva la penguin!

 

[lekky]

My phone is my ability to not have to be in front of a computer. Since smart phones really came into play I rarely check my email on a computer. And, most emails I compose aren't long enough for me to need a full keyboard.

I also use my phone for Twitter and oddly enough I communicate through that more than my messages sometimes. And, with an iPhone I can browse most pages just fine for general surfing.

+1

I actually sit at a computer all day (day job programmer), yet i rarely if ever check emails on my pc, its just so much easier on my phone + alerts, same with twitter, love my twitter app much more than the pap i have on my pc

 

[IOWA]

Im on a pc alot myself, but being able to google something at the store, or having a GPS in my pocket, or looking up reviews on the restaurant I want to eat at. Or looking up ANYTHING and EVERYTHING on the go. Just being connected. There are plenty of reasons for owning a smartphone, and the billions of them sold proves that.

 

[lekky]

The fact that I can do pretty much anything with it, even though I too am at a PC all day. Plus the fact that the Hero was a free upgrade..

 

[IOWA]

The fact that I can do pretty much anything with it, even though I too am at a PC all day. Plus the fact that the Hero was a free upgrade..

Free is always good ^.^

I got my Moment almost free...

Only paid 30 bucks for it... not tooo shabby!

 

[JChester]

...I've been keeping my Google Calendar sync'd with Thunderbird...

HOW do you sync Google Calendar with Thunderbird??? Sounds like the perfect 'bridge' for me too.

I've been using Thunderbird for years & love it. Can't wait for Firefox on Android.

Would Thunderbird on Android be asking too much of the folks at Mozilla???

 

[Jon Nale]

HOW do you sync Google Calendar with Thunderbird??? Sounds like the perfect 'bridge' for me too.

I have posted directions how to sync thunderbird with Google Calendar on my blog:

Installation: Sync Mozilla Thunderbird with Google Calendar

Some settings you might want: Mozilla Lightning with Google Calendar Default Notifications (SMS, E-mail, Pop-up)

(note: currently my site is taking forever to load, sorry about the inconvenience)

 

[Mamahnita]

I want a smart phone because I want it and as long as its my money I'm using I should be able to get what ever I can afford and want to get. No reason is needed for making yourself happy.

 

[GrdLock]

I don't NEED a smartphone. I could definitely get by in life without one, as could anyone.

They're simply a matter of convenience. I love all the apps, being able to look stuff up on the web, check movie times, find directions, restaurants near me, use the GPS, check my email, sync my calendar, check traffic, browse youtube when I'm bored, etc etc etc.

Sure I could get by without doing all that stuff, but smartphones are all about convenience, and being able to do stuff on the go.

 

[BiGMERF]

cause im a nerd and always want the latest.. its a disease

 

[Mamahnita]

Cause I want one

 

[dmodert66]

I wanted a metal detector and flashlight so I got a Droid! Kidding aside, I always wanted a smartphone (or iPhone), but would not leave vzw to get a good one. Now that I have Droid, I spend far less recreational time on PC (I have to use PC at work...I'm a software tester/support). Also, for times like now I am using my home PC to scan/fix my mechanic's hard drive...so I'm using my Droid to browse the net and check work and personal emails....

I feel like I could never live w/o my Droid now....

 

[IOWA]

I wanted a metal detector and flashlight so I got a Droid! Kidding aside, I always wanted a smartphone (or iPhone), but would not leave vzw to get a good one. Now that I have Droid, I spend far less recreational time on PC (I have to use PC at work...I'm a software tester/support). Also, for times like now I am using my home PC to scan/fix my mechanic's hard drive...so I'm using my Droid to browse the net and check work and personal emails....

I feel like I could never live w/o my Droid now....

HA! " I wanted a smartphone (or iPhone),...."

Glad you distinguished the difference between an iPhone and a SMARTPHONE

 

[daleoffret]

I use my smart phone to keep me from buying a laptop or netbook. The main items are:

• Email
• Syncable contacts
• Syncable calendars
• Non-neutered web browsing
• MP3 listening
• Pandora radio, did I mention Pandora
• Facebook
• Posting to my blog from my phone
• Google Maps for local business searches, traffic, navigation, etc
• Playing videos for my children
• SSH into servers
• RDP into servers
• Don't have to lug around a laptop
• Don't have to lug around a netbook
• RSS reading
• ePUB book reading
• Keep track of my jogging trails

 

[pyehac]

Its a mobile office for me. Since I drive people to their medical appointments, our transportation broker sends us updates via their website on who to transport. Before, I had to rely on someone at the office to call me on the last minute appointments, but now I can just whip out my phone (while parked of course) download the updates, and drive. Sometimes its faster to get it online than it is to get it via a fax.