Believe me or not, I’m still using a basic mobile phone!
When I wrote ‘basic’ above, I mean it. I use Nokia 105 for my personal and productive cellular communications and I’m pretty satisfying till now.
Already started hating? I can understand that! But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hear my side.
This is important and it is related to your productive life and health as well.
I got a very pleasing theory which I’m sure I can convince you with. Throughout this article, I’ll mention convincing reasons why you should be using a basic mobile phone in 2015. Whether you’re convinced or not, in the end, do let me know your views on it.
#1 Health Issues with smartphones
During my last week eye checkup, eye specialist told me that using a smartphone or even a tablet for the case, can badly hurt eyes and even the natural sleep cycles.
After hearing her side, I made myself pretty clear that I don’t use a smartphone or tablet for primary purposes and no doubt, I felt safe.
The reason why smartphones are affecting eyes is pretty clear.
Flickr: David Moss
Remember those old childhood days when our parents used to tell us not to watch TV very closely. Always maintain a good distance, remember?
The same thing applies here. While using a smartphone or tablet, we have to continuously watch a compact TV screen (technology is way better than of TV but still it is at least a screen and will always be).
Also, we can’t keep a much-needed distance in this case because we have to interact with the device as well. Unless you have a 5-10 feet long hands, smartphone or tablet usage is hurting your eyes.
Now, this is just a beginning.
We got Facebook, internet connectivity, and not to forget those endless Subway Surfers or Candy Crush Saga and we have to use them. Even if we try to stay away for a moment, then the device will put an alert through notification section, and none of us can help the situation.
The result, our eyes start experiencing strain. During initial stages, side effects aren’t there but after few months or maybe years, it starts affecting natural sleep cycles.
Flickr: Jo Donaldson (miss goose)
In short, due to that eye strain, we either start sleeping more or less i.e. disturbance in the natural sleep cycle.
There is already many researches going around the world on this topic and you should read them. I can’t write exact details here as I don’t have prior knowledge in that field.
But I do write for my readers and I’m writing this to warn you of upcoming health issues.
#2 Distraction
Now, this is the second worse thing. Earlier we had missed calls, which never alerted us to check them until we pick our phone.
But now we have notification feature. That additional red light blinking or special ring alert and even the desktop notifications to let us know that something just passed by our phone while we are working on some productive work.
All these tiny looking notifications are wasting important time.
Now I won’t go into details rather leave you with a little exercise.
Since, I’m using a basic mobile phone even in 2015, I’ve lesser distractions. I can work on my articles and blogs without getting distracted due to anything related to stupid apps or games or even a missed call.
Flickr: Leanne Boulton
Now, are you able to achieve that much level of productivity while using a smartphone? Give it a try, think about it for a moment and do share your thoughts in the discussion area beneath.
This point isn’t over yet! Let me complete.
Work was above situation and now let’s talk about vacations.
We all take vacations, we should. But due to smartphones, we are still not on vacations.
We are still getting email alerts, voice notes, WhatsApp messages and only you knows what all sort of things. All those things are wasting a valuable time which we somehow found for our vacation.
Our short (or maybe long) leave from all sorts of problems and work.
But guess what, you got a sweet pet around, keeping you informed of your digital family.
Frankly, that’s not the case with me, as I don’t have any such pet. I do have a cat and I find the optimum time to play with her.
So, one way it can hurt productivity and second it can ruin those personal moments.
#3 Getting lost in Woods
What was the last time when you asked someone for a place or restaurant or any place? Long, right? But hey, you got Google Maps for that.
It delivers pin-point exact data and also saves us from getting in trouble. Especially in case of girls.
I’m in no position to make any statements here, but you should run a test on how secure you feel now with a smartphone than you were in old times. I know there are benefits but not to forget, there are cons as well.
Flickr: Jonas Thomén
While exploring (I love that), you shouldn’t be using a gadget. Rather, explore people, nature and demographics around you. That’s what you meant to do when you said traveling.
And, if you’re planning of getting lost? Then that gadget can spoil that plan any day because it keeps track of your location all the time.
#4 Small in Size and Less Costly
If you love your phablet then you should skip this part. And if you have been using a tablet even for making phone calls, then you shouldn’t be here at all (please leave).
Phones are growing, but our hands don’t (after completing our teenage, or even before). Even Apple refused to build larger phones earlier just because they are not that comfortable to hold and use.
Flickr: Jun See
As a tech geek, I’m well aware of the growing popularity of phablets and out of every 10 new phones coming, 9 of them are having at least 5inch screen size (and don’t forget the bezels around that).
If you’re OK with hurting your eyes, sleep cycles, productive work environment and most importantly those few vacations, then phablet is the device meant for you.
But in every other case, you should be having a basic mobile phone. Because that large phablet you have right now doesn’t fit your hand and you always have a terror back in your mind of losing the grip on it.
The result, you’ve to buy a repairing solution for your beloved pet. But that isn’t the case with basic mobile phones. They are small, so chances of losing the grip is minimum (comparatively) and don’t forget they are little Wolverine who can still work, even if you put a hammer on them (watch the video).
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuWd4GQnS1E]
Even if they die due to some World War kind of incident, you can get a new one. They don’t cost a lot.
In short, you will never experience that fear of losing money unless you have a plenty to spare.
#5 Above all, they are always connected
Even with all those cons I mentioned above of using a smartphone, I could have been using one.
But the primary reason I am still with a basic Nokia 105 phone, is that it is always running and always connected.
I need to charge it once and then I can simply forget for at least 3-4 days. On some days of heavy usage, the phone can still last for a single day, no matter how worst the situation is.
Also read: Back in 2013, I also wrote on why Android smartphones weren’t good
But, when it comes to a smartphone, even a 3000mAh battery can’t deliver an optimum experience. It will die, the moment you start that new game.
Final Surprise
After sharing all those serious notes above, I should be honest with you. Otherwise, it will be partial.
I do use a smartphone. Yes, I own a Sony Xperia P for the moment (sorry about lying above).
Flickr: Daniel Go
But that’s not meant for any of my primary usages. I never use it to check any email or play game. I barely attend its notifications while it still offer them.
I’ve to keep that with me (I always hate to do that) because I’ve to be aware of what a smartphone is, how it works and even access internet in emergency situations when I’m not at home or office.
So, as a geek, to deliver genuine reviews of apps and all smartphone related stuff, I’ve to use it.
If I wasn’t in this professional, I swear I never have used any.
Enough, right? Let’s complete the story for now. But do let me know if I was able to convince you or at least update your knowledge with important alarming facts.
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