Pricey Abby: That is in response to “Love My Low cost Cellphone” (Aug. 28). As a millennial who has labored in retail my complete grownup life, I’m uninterested in the excuse that the older technology can’t or gained’t use smartphones.
Private computer systems have been out for many years, and smartphones have been round greater than 16 years. Like the automated transmission, these items are designed to make our lives simpler and needs to be embraced reasonably than shunned. I’ve had folks cuss me out over not having the ability to entry reductions as a consequence of not having a smartphone — going as far as to assert discrimination.
The one particular person holding them again is themself, and more often than not smartphones are extra intuitive than beforehand thought. Additionally they all don’t value $1,000; many fundamental use smartphones might be purchased for below $200, to not point out sure cellphone firms supply massive reductions on folks’s first smartphone with a brand new account. I don’t really feel dangerous for “Love.” I counsel they get with the instances, as a result of these gadgets aren’t going away.
— Millennial in Oregon
Pricey Millennial: Thanks for writing. After that letter appeared, I used to be inundated with feedback from readers. A few of them agreed with you. Different readers understood “Love’s” level and supplied solutions for transitioning extra simply to a contemporary communication system. Learn on:
DEAR ABBY: I’m a senior with mobility points, and I couldn’t stay with out my smartphone. It isn’t a “toy.” I exploit it to fill my prescriptions, schedule medical appointments, test take a look at outcomes and talk with my medical doctors. I do most of my purchasing, conduct all of my banking on-line, name up ride-sharing, make journey preparations and keep up a correspondence with family and friends. I encourage “Love” to open their thoughts a bit. — On-line Senior in California
DEAR ABBY: There’s a authorities program, Lifeline (go to fcc.gov), that gives a FREE smartphone and cellphone service to low-income folks. If somebody chooses to not have a smartphone for different causes, that’s their alternative — however nobody ought to go with out one as a result of they can not afford it. — Mary in Massachusetts
DEAR ABBY: Some states supply the Reasonably priced Connectivity Program (ACP) which offers free cellphone service with smartphones AND TABLETS to low-income people or these receiving Social Safety. A pill is likely to be the higher choice to make use of for the type of interactions the author described. — Hopefully Serving to Out West
DEAR ABBY: I’m guessing “Love” has household and buddies who’ve older telephones within the junk drawers of their properties. (We do.) Maybe somebody can be prepared to half with one. Additionally, AARP provides courses to discover ways to use a smartphone, which I believe is behind your author’s reluctance to modernize. — Kristin in New Hampshire
DEAR ABBY: As a retired librarian who has helped many seniors with their know-how, the thought of a $1,000 smartphone is akin to pondering that each automotive is a Rolls Royce. Many telephones might be had for below $200, and a few for lower than $100. Various cellphone and repair suppliers cater to seniors making an attempt to transition from their beloved flip telephones. I urge “Love” to go to their native library and see what recommendation they’ll get there. — Mr. G. In Syracuse, New York
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Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also referred to as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Copyright 2023, Andres, McMeel Syndication.
