What are your thoughts on the newer mobile devices?

2015-01-07T16:08:08-05:00

Those of you that I have had the pleasure in meeting and talking to know that I'm a huge nerd. I love new technology and seeing how it can benefit me in my world. So yesterday, I was given an iPhone 6+ from work. Being on call 24/7/365 for AAA, I wanted something a little larger than the iPhone 5 I had but didn't want to get another Android based device since I carry a MotoX for my personal use.

The iPhone 6+ comes in a 6.22" in length and honestly, is ridiculously large but has some great features that have been useful already. The reading pane in email when holding the phone on it's side is great. Anyways, this got me thinking, as the picture attached somes, we have gone through a lot of changes since the late 80s when the first cell phone was used. They started off large, became really small and now the thread is for bigger but thinner devices.

My question for the RP community is this; are these larger phones like the iPhone 6+, the Samsung Note 4, and the Nexus 6 just getting to big? And show your age a little, how many of use carried on the phone in the picture? LOL

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 7 at 2015 4:45 PM

2015-01-07T16:45:20-05:00

I still have a dumb flip phone with a $20 phone bill. These new ones can act as defibrillators, tasers, and WMDs. I just say need to say "hello."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOCfbYDvezU

How soon can you have your bags packed for Milan

Snl

Response by LCDR Doug Nordman made Jan 8 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-01-08T12:23:26-05:00

Guilty. Remember the duty section's pager & brick? Too many negative associations and midwatch wakeups-- two decades later I still cringe when I hear my phone ring.

We ditched our landline over a year ago. Today we have a five-year-old LG CDMA flip phone that I keep alive on Verizon's pay-as-you-go. It sits on our kitchen counter and only a handful of callers can ring through. The rest of the callers have to wait until I remember check it (at least weekly).

In a couple weeks we're visiting our daughter in Spain. We'll buy a cheap GSM PAYGO and a SIM card once we land in country. I'll reluctantly carry my LG phone but I'll turn it off as soon as we leave the American airport... and I'll try to remember to check its voicemail once in a while.

As much as I appreciate the tech, I'm waiting for the user experience. I'll upgrade when a cell phone is the same size as my wallet, preferably folding just like a wallet, and can hold all of my wallet contents (including military ID and driver's license) in a certified electronic format. Or at least with a case pocket. Maybe in five more years.

Response by SGT Timothy Byrd made Jan 8 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-01-08T15:59:35-05:00

Yes I believe these newer phones are getting too big. It's almost like having a cellphone when they first came out.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 5:35 PM

2015-01-09T17:35:49-05:00

Ok I thought that the Note & Galaxy, etc were too big and silly until I bought the iPhone 6+. Now you'd have a hard time making me give it up. The bigger screen is better. I rarely use my iPad anymore even when watching Netflix unless somebody reminds me I have one!