Let's just say, my recent submersion into the tricky world of alternative phones has been a trying experience. I will document my experience as a non-techy person and see where it takes me...
I don't have a f*cking clue what this looks like on mobile btw.. Forgive me
Me wandering down this road:
Reasoning: Basically I was just spending too much time on it and it was sucking away my lifeforce.
Method: I went to AT&T Shoppe and said, "Give me your finest Flip Fone!"
So they sent me a TCL Classic. Initially, I was having trouble receiving text messages, but I just had to turn off the line/iMessaging on my old iPhone.
The hardest things to contend with so far are 1) Texting: The keyboard is just a number pad with corresponding letters (Typing out 44-33-555-555-666 just to say "Hello"), 2) My inability to use Google Maps (Before returning to college, while driving around at home, I actually got better at following street signs. But maybe that's because I'm already familiar with the area), and 3) The fact that I can't use QR codes (On the first day of classes, I had to do the walk of shame to the front of all my lecture halls and say, "Um, can you put the link on screen so I can do the exit ticket?").
The benefits far outweigh the downfalls, though. I no longer have an evil device that steals my time and attention. My mind is clearer (see: no immersion in the horrible mindnumbing mess of social media) and I also have the mental energy to read and pursue hobbies.
I am unsure if I will stick with the TCL Classic long-term, but I will definitely remain in the sphere of alternative phones. As of right now, I'm not aware of a phone that will let me use Maps, text easier, etc. etc. and STILL not be addictive. Even modern MP3 players are like little iPads. That's actually another issue because I've been looking for a good music player and unfortunately haven't found a reasonably-priced, good-quality one that doesn't have Instagram Reels & etc. pre-downloaded. But I digress.
Ok so I've been texting primarily on my laptop because it's near-impossible on my TCL Fone. But since I'm using my iCloud email address to communicate, I can't even contact Android users. What the f*ck, iApple. What the sigma am I supposed to do?
See, this is an issue because in the past when I would go to other countries I would just make a new Instantaneousgram account to centralize my messaging rather than worrying about data or whatever. But I've sworn off Instantaneousgram 4 life! And nobody has Whatsapp on this side of the border, let's just say that..
Bought MP3 player. Will inform more when it Gits Here.