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| 1983 cell phone |
When my computer gigolo Kevin or my webmaster Jason try to educate me in upgrading my computer or my web site, my comment is “I’m scared.” While the number one fear of most people is speaking in public (glossophobia,) I am thrilled to address 10,000 people or more. No paralyzing stutter for me. In fact, the more people paying attention to me, the better. But the thought of a computer upgrade? I cannot function.
Computer Gigolo upgraded my laptop to Windows 7 about three months ago. He upgraded on my laptop so I could slowly learn how to maneuver through the new system. Once I learned it on my laptop, he would upgrade my desktop. So what has happened? I have not used my laptop for three months because I'm scared!
What is so ironic about this fear of technology is that when cell phones were introduced, I was one of the first people to own one. The phone was in a giant bag that one had to lug around. When I had a cell phone installed in my car, the equipment took up half the space of the trunk. It is not communication that scares me - it is what the cell phone has evolved into that causes my panic.
The reason I am writing about this now, is that on Friday, I have an appointment at Sprint to get a new phone. My current phone is fine with me, but I really cannot read the e-mails very clearly on it and it has no apps. I don’t know why I need apps, but since everybody else has them, I obviously need them.
I have been to the Sprint store a number of times already. My friend Jill came with me once and was almost hysterical in her laughter as I walked around the store. I have looked at the phones, I have touched the phones and I have reduced my selection down to a few models. I thought I was all prepared for decision making and then what happens today? Microsoft comes out with a new phone!
The story on AOL said, “Congratulations, Microsoft! You've finally shaken off the shackles of your aging mobile OS, and joined the class of modern smartphones with Windows Phone 7 (WP7). Starting today, WP7-powered devices are available though Microsoft retail channels, on Amazon, and from AT&T and T-Mobile. T-Mobile customers have only one choice right now for WP7 devices: the HTC HD7. It packs a large 4.3-inch touchscreen and an HD video camera -- basically an EVO loaded with WP7 and T-Mobile-friendly radios. AT&T customers can choose between two models: the HTC Surround, which hides a pair of slide-out speakers behind its 3.8-inch screen; and the Samsung Focus, which is like a WP7-outfitted Galaxy S, and sports the Galaxy's same 4-inch Super AMOLED screen. “
I have no idea what any of this means. No where in the description does it mention phone calls! Isn’t the purpose of a cell phone to make calls? Not anymore. I invite anybody who wants to watch me make a fool of myself to come to the Sprint store on LaSalle and Randolph about 1:00 p.m. on Friday. My performance will be funnier than any Broadway in Chicago production. Tickets available online or through some app on your phone.
Haha I am looking for that Posner app on my iphone and can't seem to find it yet. Guess I will just read about it in the Tribune: "Civic Leader Has Panic Attack At Sprint Store"
ReplyDeleteWendy writes:
ReplyDelete" just got a new phone too....
you're mensa....you will get it certainly if I did!! LOL"
HTC EVO 4G FTW!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteRon writes:
ReplyDelete"Many people feel the same way that you do,myself included. Which is why it took me 6 months after its release to purchase an I-pad. Just couldn’t figure out why I needed it nor what I would do with it. But ALL the cool kids had one. Chalk it up to great ads/commercials.
Did I really need it ? Certainly not. But it is fun to play with.
Please have someone video your phone excursion so I can watch it on youtube."
Gail writes:
ReplyDelete"Haaa - - so funny! You really need a camera crew to film this event!! "
Sue writes:
ReplyDelete"OMG...it's times like this that I wish I lived in Chicago. Maybe you can get someone to video tape the whole procedure for those of us that can't witness it in person!"
Bob writes:
ReplyDelete"I got an iPhone about 18 months ago, because of an usual confluence. We had gotten lost in Wisconsin in the summer of 2008 delivering our granddaughter from O’Hare to a B’nai Brith leadership camp. I said to Esther that I wanted to buy a GPS to keep in the car. Then, my phone died, so I needed a new phone. The free-standing GPS was $300 and the iPhone with the GPS as one of the built-in applications also was $300. So there you are. I have yet to order an application and I have yet to master the calendar or the internet connection. I do use it for pix occasionally. In fact, when my camera broke the second day we were in Russia last year, the only pix I got were from my iPhone. But I haven’t figured out how to transfer them to my computer (for printing) except by emailing them to myself one at a time. So be brave! You’ll be OK."
Stella writes:
ReplyDelete"I feel your pain!"
Funny but i am somewhat like you that's why i am not changing my cell phone to spare me all the hassle. hahaha
ReplyDeleteused sprint cell phones