People over 30 hate cell phones

people over 30 hate cell phones

What big corp are you working for Mr. Elgan? I believe this may be true somewhat, however I think people over 30 tend to be more mature and less concerned with features like ring tones, texting, etc. People over 30 also tend to be more involved in their careers, family, etc. and don't have as much time to use features on a cell phone. Speaking for myself, I'm 57, female, have a degree in chemistry (physics) and I work for a hospital in a computer-related occupation where I have been involved in the development of software for my department. I'm not interested in most of the features on my cell phone, not because I'm not capable of using them, but they're childish and boring. To me, it's like my 2008 Toyota Corolla CE, that gets me where I'm going safely, efficiently and cheaply; a cell phone to me is just a convenience, a safeguard, for when I'm away from home. I only use about 75-100 minutes/month of my pre-paid plan. I think cell phone companies love a certain percentage of people under 30 because they're easier to rip off. To me, that's what most features on a cell phone are, a rip off. I would never say "all people under or over 30" because I don't judge people based on their age, etc. (I believe that's called discrimination). I have 4 children under the age of 30 who would never let anyone rip them off. They're too smart and too mature for that, and like me, just not interested.

People over 30 hate cell phones

What big corp are you working for Mr. Elgan? I believe this may be true somewhat, however I think people over 30 tend to be more mature and less concerned with features like ring tones, texting, etc. People over 30 also tend to be more involved in their careers, family, etc. and don't have as much time to use features on a cell phone. Speaking for myself, I'm 57, female, have a degree in chemistry (physics) and I work for a hospital in a computer-related occupation where I have been involved in the development of software for my department. I'm not interested in most of the features on my cell phone, not because I'm not capable of using them, but they're childish and boring. To me, it's like my 2008 Toyota Corolla CE, that gets me where I'm going safely, efficiently and cheaply; a cell phone to me is just a convenience, a safeguard, for when I'm away from home. I only use about 75-100 minutes/month of my pre-paid plan. I think cell phone companies love a certain percentage of people under 30 because they're easier to rip off. To me, that's what most features on a cell phone are, a rip off. I would never say "all people under or over 30" because I don't judge people based on their age, etc. (I believe that's called discrimination). I have 4 children under the age of 30 who would never let anyone rip them off. They're too smart and too mature for that, and like me, just not interested.

Cell Phone Desirability

I am 56 years old, and despise cell phones. Here is why:

1. It changes the relationship between the cell phone owner and the world. It used to be that if you weren't home, people could not get you -- you would have to call them from a pay phone. Therefore, who was in control? You were! If not home to answer the phone, you contacted others when convenient for you. True, you don't have to answer your cell phone -- you can turn it off. But just the mere fact that everyone expects everyone else to have a cell phone means that everyone feels that they can call someone else at any time, leave a message, and then they have done their part. The idea that "I tried to get you, you weren't available, so I kept calling" is now out of the equation. You're supposed to be available 24/7 with the cell phone -- they call once, leave a message, and their job done. I hate that. I don't carry a cell phone, and I don't have an answering machine at home. If you want me, keep trying. Eventually you'll get me, when I'm home, and available to answer the phone. As you can see, this is an entirely different social relationship.

2. Cell phones feed the self-indulgent American ethos of "I can have whatever I want when I want it." This is awful for one's psyche, an awful way to raise children. If you don't have a cell phone and/or the other person doesn't have a cell phone, the communication has to wait. Put off gratification. A good thing for Americans.

3. On that note, cell phones feed self-centeredness. If folks make a date to meet each other at a restaurant, for example, and either or both don't have cell phones, they are compelled to show up at the appointed meeting time. They have to remember the time and place, and carry through. Not so with cell phones. Everyone can change plans in the last minute by calling the other, or even say that I forgot where the place was. You don't have to make an effort to remember. Cell phones are all about what is convenient for me. Cell phones promote "I come first." My needs come first.

4. Of course, with cell phones, you're on an electronic leash. Your job feels they can get to you 24/7. Of course, you can turn off the phone. But just the mere fact that they think they can get you means that you're eventually going to feel you have to pick up, especially if your other co-workers are doing it. With no cell phone, no leash.

re: 30+ Hating Cell Phones

Don't be fooled. It's the UI and manuals. Buttons are too small or not distinguishable by feel. Soft keys and thumb dials that vary in function depending on menu. Some features not fully supported, or hobbled, or otherwise unavailable, and not fully disclosed in the brochure or manual. Common features too far down the menu tree or grouped with unrelated features. Poor default settings. Biggest culprit: Verizon RAZR V3m. Last phone I liked: Nokia 3360.

30+, Hates Cell Phones, Has None.

It has nothing to do with poor interface,
complicated functions, computer illiteracy.

I'm well over 30, computer savvy, own several desktops, UMPCs, notebooks.
I've got PDAs, mp3 players, many many gadgets.

But no cell phone.

Why??

Very simple--
I don't want to talk to anyone.

People over 30 hate cell phones

I believe that a percentage of people over 30 lack advanced computer skills and this is why they don't use the cell phone features.

Then there is another percentage of people over 30 who don't want or need all the features regardless if they know how to use them.

We all know there is a percentage of people over 30 that are computer savy and can't imagine life without their cell phone and all it's bells and whistles. Some of these people have migrated to the Iphone or Blackberry type devices.

For those of you who just want a simple cell phone with no features I saw an advertisement for the Jitterbug phone. It claims to be a simple cell phone with big buttons and the caller id is in large font size. I have not tried this product nor am I a paid advertiser for the product. I merely just saw it in a magazine and then on a tv commercial.

Over 30 and love my cell phone

I'm 45 (well over 30) and love my cell phone! I use it as a phone, MP3 player, USB file storage, take photos and videos, and even receive email.

I don't text on it (I'm too cheap) nor send people pictures/videos (too cheap and 3G is still too slow).

When travelling in Egypt last year (live in the US), I made sure my GSM phone would work there -- quad band.

The only thing I don't like about having a cell phone is the expectation that I am always reachable. I tell work that I'll be out in the woods and largely unreachable... Where I actually spend my weekends is my business...

Over 30's Hate Cell Phones

Mike,

At 63, I don't buy that assertion, but here are some solid issues that cool my enthusiasm for cels:

1) I see an orgy of marketing hype that usually
obscures the basics: frequency coverage and protocols. There is no reason why all phones should not be able to do the basics: a) cover ALL the current & proposed frequencies, and handle GSM and CDMA (W & regular) aside from GPRS, Wifi, etc.

2) The camera, MP3, GPS & other gadgets should be of (emphatically) secondary concern, but we know it ropes in the kiddies. I don't mind the features - but I don't like the clutter.

3) There are some serious questions about microwave radiation & brain tumors being pointedly left unaddressed by the mfgs.

4) How about SERIOUS built-in cryptography on phones that will make electronic eavesdropping much tougher. Some of us don't like carrying a 'bug' around with us.

5) How about locks and warnings when attempts are made to alter phone's software.

I think people over 30 like

I think people over 30 like mobile phones, but if they are like me it's just that they HATE PAYING SO MUCH FOR THEM.