Smart Phones, Are They Really Glorified Mini Laptops With A Phone Attached?

[piggynose]

yes i haven´t got a smart phone yet, but i am debating if i should really get one. i see people all the time looking at them, so is it easy to download stuff with them, or do you need to buy an expensive one to do this?

[RATTER15]

I think any smartphone will do what you want, just ensure your package deal allows you to connect to the internet, or use your WiFi at home. They are quite easy to use, not complicated once you are used to using them.

[piggynose]

i read something about a scanner, do most or all smart phones have this facility to find wi-fi for you?

[Bathsheba]

Sorry, piggynose, haven't got a clue, but I've no need of one, and am sticking to just texting + talking ;)

Baths
x x x

[RATTER15]

"i read something about a scanner, do most or all smart phones have this facility to find wi-fi for you?"

Yes they do.

[alavahalf]

If you are talking about a barcode scanner .. then they are free to download from Play store and even the most basic of smart phones can do this.

[ichkeria]

Any smartphone should automatically pick up wifi. In fact, you can use them without any sort of a phone package or connection at all, if you just want them for internet access.
In fact, if you use VOIP like Skype then you can make free calls with them to other smartphone users

[Postdog]

I've got one but I would rather just a phone. The reason I don't is that I can block spam calls with it.

[RATTER15]

"Smart Phones, Are They Really Glorified Mini Laptops With A Phone Attached?"

Pretty much so really! obviously, the better the phone the more it can do, also these days the cameras are excellent on them as well. I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 3. there isn't a lot it cant do to be honest.

[piggynose]

bathsheba, i was just like you, but i now feel i´m being left behind, eg whatsapp, people emailing me on the move, and missing important emails/texts
its got to the point where people cant or wont text me because i haven´t got whatsapp, well its not that bad now, but its getting that way.

[alavahalf]

A couple of hours ago I was looking at a brand new 4g smartphone for £35. 00
If you don't make the move you will be left behind with a whole lot more to learn.
When the car was invented they said it would never catch on ... don't be left driving a horse and cart. My neighbour runs a Telecoms business .. he no longer uses a PC, it's all done on his phone. Don't be one of those left holding a 10 year old Nokia saying it does everything I want.

[Sycamore3House]

I purchased a £20 smartphone recently for my technophobic partner from the EE shop. Kept the same number & package (£10 per month 120 mins + 500 texts plus 1gb data.). I will never be able to use that was the response. Anyhow it is now the best thing since the wheel & he has downloaded all the sports app & connects to wifi when he is out & about in cafes/pubs etc. Go for it.

[Old_Geezer]

I'm not describe them as glorified, but they are a computing device that can be programmed to do multiple things, and obviously has a phone programme running as that is it's prime task.

Generally speaking the more expensive the more it has re resources and detectors and resolution etc.. But I'd advice not buying top of the range stuff initially but get used to a lower spec and see what you think. Do get one with a decent sized touch screen.

[SpikeyBush]

Only down side I have found is that they do run out of electricity rather quickly when compared to the old handsets which were just telephones and would go for a week between charges. My windows phones are doing well if they last three days without a charge but you can get solar powered phone chargers now to keep you topped up if you plan on going off and away from mains power for a few days camping in the wilderness.

[piggynose]

alhavahalf+sycamore, are you taking the pee, or did you really get yr phones at those prices, if so where?
payg, is this enough? i mean can you download whatsapp with payg, and what about normal texting is this an expensive option if you have whatsapp, cuz some people i know haven´t got a smartphone also.

[jomifl]

When I go to a restaurant, I got here for a meal, not to play with my toys which is why I don't take my camera, glass engraving kit or train set. When I go to a bar I go for a drink and a chat. So far I have only had to put up with a few aquaintances trying to show me how wonderful their latest smartphone(which they can ill afford) is and how it can take really silly photos which are *od all use when they eventually get it to work. Must remember to take my latest set of router bits next time, they'll be well impressed.

[mrblear]

Thank goodness I don't have to carry a smartphone for business purposes - when I was out of the office I was unreachable and I decided when to check in. I wouldn't dream of buying one now I'm retired - people are slaves to the damn things.

[hc4361]

piggynose, I bought my phone outright and use GiffGaff as my provider. It is ideal because there is no monthly contract and you choose the 'goodybag' you want that month. Mostly the £7.50 deal suits me but if I know I'm going to be away from home and wifi a lot I buy a deal with more data . The goodybags start at £5.
https://www.giffgaff.com/goodybags

You can get a very good Windows smart phone for around £60. If you are a fan of Windows then it might suit you but be aware there are fewer apps for Windows and for iphones and Androids.

I have an android and love it. You can get a decent phone for around £100 if you shop around.

[hc4361]

This is the cheap Windows phone:
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[hc4361]

This Android has been recommended by many techie mags

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[hc4361]

You need to decide what you want to do with a smartphone and check that anything you consider buying can carry out those functions.