The Big Phone Debate
I have a first generation iPhone that’s far overdue for an upgrade. I’ve been trying to decide whether to keep the iPhone service, or downgrade to a simple and cheap flip phone.
My issue is this: I’m going to need wireless internet on the road. It’s going to cost an extra $30 either way, be it tethering my iPhone to my laptop or simply paying for a wireless internet card for it. One would think that the iPhone is the obvious decision, and I did for a long time too (I’ve been thinking about this for months now, even before the trip was planned). However, I think I may take the flip phone option.
A simple phone is good for many things other than saving money. I’ve found that internet on my phone is a huge time suck. It allows me many more opportunities to drift off into internet land, and I end up checking my email, Twitter, and other sites way more than I need to on a daily basis. By removing this option, I’ll get rid of the temptation, and make more time to do important things.
It’s also good for networking. We all do the “nervous phone browsing” in social situations where we might not know anyone. This automatically makes us look unapproachable, gives us empty shelter from becoming more comfortable talking to new people, and possibly even prevents creating friends and/or opportunities. While we’re out in public, a simple phone will make us revert to old fashion, more personal forms of networking. Exchanging business cards will prevent being lost in a sea of new contacts and BBM pin’s. Actually calling a new contact will build a stronger relationship than sending an email on the fly (and will take about the same amount of time, if not less). Hell, even writing a number on the back of a hand will make a much bigger impression than just texting someone your number.
What I’m planning to do for the time being is downgrade to a flip phone, and worry about the internet later. This will save me $200 right from the beginning, because I won’t have to pay for a new iPhone. Then, every month for the next 18 months I’ll save $30. I’ll put all that money in a jar monthly, and I’ll have $740 total at the start of my trip. By downgrading to a flip phone, I will pay for the gas to drive across the entire country.
