DEAR ABBY: That is in response to “Love My Low-cost Phone” (Aug. 28). As a millennial who has worked in retail my whole adult life, I’m bored with the excuse that the older generation can’t or won’t use smartphones.
Personal computers have been out for a long time, and smartphones have been around greater than 16 years. Like the automated transmission, these items are designed to make our lives easier and ought to be embraced somewhat than shunned. I’ve had people cuss me out over not with the ability to access discounts on account of not having a smartphone — going up to now as to assert discrimination.
The one person holding them back is themself, and more often than not smartphones are more intuitive than previously thought. Additionally they all don’t cost $1,000; many basic use smartphones might be bought for under $200, not to say certain phone corporations offer big discounts on people’s first smartphone with a recent account. I don’t feel bad for “Love.” I suggest they get with the times, because these devices aren’t going away. — MILLENNIAL IN OREGON
DEAR MILLENNIAL: Thanks for writing. After that letter appeared, I used to be inundated with comments from readers. A few of them agreed with you. Other readers understood “Love’s” point and offered suggestions for transitioning more easily to a contemporary communication device. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: I’m a senior with mobility issues, and I couldn’t live without my smartphone. It will not be a “toy.” I take advantage of it to fill my prescriptions, schedule medical appointments, check test results and communicate with my doctors. I do most of my shopping, conduct all of my banking online, call up ride-sharing, make travel arrangements and communicate with family and friends. I encourage “Love” to open their mind a bit. — ONLINE SENIOR IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR ABBY: There may be a government program, Lifeline (go to fcc.gov), that gives a free smartphone and phone service to low-income people. If someone chooses to not have a smartphone for other reasons, that’s their alternative — but nobody should go without one because they can’t afford it. — MARY IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR ABBY: Some states offer the Inexpensive Connectivity Program (ACP) which provides free phone service with smartphones and tablets to low-income individuals or those receiving Social Security. A tablet is perhaps the higher option to make use of for the type of interactions the author described. — HOPEFULLY HELPING OUT WEST
DEAR ABBY: I’m guessing “Love” has family and friends who’ve older phones within the junk drawers of their homes. (We do.) Perhaps someone can be willing to part with one. Also, AARP offers classes to learn the right way to use a smartphone, which I think 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 technology, the thought of a $1,000 smartphone is akin to considering that each one cars are Rolls Royces. Many phones might be had for under $200, and a few for lower than $100. Plenty of cellphone and repair providers cater to seniors attempting to transition from their beloved flip phones. I urge “Love” to go to their local library and see what advice they will get there. — MR. G. IN SYRACUSE, N.Y.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also referred to as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
DEAR ABBY: That is in response to “Love My Low-cost Phone” (Aug. 28). As a millennial who has worked in retail my whole adult life, I’m bored with the excuse that the older generation can’t or won’t use smartphones.
Personal computers have been out for a long time, and smartphones have been around greater than 16 years. Like the automated transmission, these items are designed to make our lives easier and ought to be embraced somewhat than shunned. I’ve had people cuss me out over not with the ability to access discounts on account of not having a smartphone — going up to now as to assert discrimination.
The one person holding them back is themself, and more often than not smartphones are more intuitive than previously thought. Additionally they all don’t cost $1,000; many basic use smartphones might be bought for under $200, not to say certain phone corporations offer big discounts on people’s first smartphone with a recent account. I don’t feel bad for “Love.” I suggest they get with the times, because these devices aren’t going away. — MILLENNIAL IN OREGON
DEAR MILLENNIAL: Thanks for writing. After that letter appeared, I used to be inundated with comments from readers. A few of them agreed with you. Other readers understood “Love’s” point and offered suggestions for transitioning more easily to a contemporary communication device. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: I’m a senior with mobility issues, and I couldn’t live without my smartphone. It will not be a “toy.” I take advantage of it to fill my prescriptions, schedule medical appointments, check test results and communicate with my doctors. I do most of my shopping, conduct all of my banking online, call up ride-sharing, make travel arrangements and communicate with family and friends. I encourage “Love” to open their mind a bit. — ONLINE SENIOR IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR ABBY: There may be a government program, Lifeline (go to fcc.gov), that gives a free smartphone and phone service to low-income people. If someone chooses to not have a smartphone for other reasons, that’s their alternative — but nobody should go without one because they can’t afford it. — MARY IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR ABBY: Some states offer the Inexpensive Connectivity Program (ACP) which provides free phone service with smartphones and tablets to low-income individuals or those receiving Social Security. A tablet is perhaps the higher option to make use of for the type of interactions the author described. — HOPEFULLY HELPING OUT WEST
DEAR ABBY: I’m guessing “Love” has family and friends who’ve older phones within the junk drawers of their homes. (We do.) Perhaps someone can be willing to part with one. Also, AARP offers classes to learn the right way to use a smartphone, which I think 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 technology, the thought of a $1,000 smartphone is akin to considering that each one cars are Rolls Royces. Many phones might be had for under $200, and a few for lower than $100. Plenty of cellphone and repair providers cater to seniors attempting to transition from their beloved flip phones. I urge “Love” to go to their local library and see what advice they will get there. — MR. G. IN SYRACUSE, N.Y.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also referred to as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
