Over 4 years ago, I wrote a blog post speculating what people did before they had mobile phones. Well, this week I’ve been finding out…
On Sunday evening, my phone had an argument with the floor and it came out of the fight looking like this:
(Don’t worry, the floor came out undamaged.)
I’ve been without a mobile phone for 5 days now whilst it’s off being fixed, and here are the things I would normally have done using my phone:
Phone calls/text messages This is obviously the main one. I’m not a prolific caller/texter but it is a problem when I can’t. Alternative: None (excluding using the phone at work)
Emails Although I can still read emails on my laptop, I have to go get them, rather than have them delivered to me. Alternative: Computer
Social networking Again, it can be done on a laptop, but not as convenient or accessible on the move. Alternative: Computer
Mapping It’s much easier to find a location when you check where you are and where you’re trying to get to. Not as big a problem in central London but it is more annoying in the suburbs. Alternative: Planning ahead and reading directions/signs (where available)
Bus/train times I often use my phone to tell me when the next bus is due to arrive at a bus stop or to let me know if there is any disruption on the trains. Alternative: Waiting around for ages at the bus stop/station
Alarm clock This was the hardest one to find a substitute for as I couldn’t think of anything that would do this, and obviously I need to be up in time for work. Eventually I remembered my fitbit one has built in alarm functionality. Alternative: My fitbit
Random searching/thoughts Those random thoughts/questions that just pop into your head that you have to look up or you’ll forget them. Probably not the most essential of missing items. Alternative: None
Shopping list I often make notes on my phone of what I need to buy when I head to the supermarket. Alternative: Pen and paper
Weather Do I need to take a raincoat to work or not? Alternative: Paying attention to the weather section on TV
Games I like to play Sudoku on my phone before bed. Just one of those things I like to do. Alternative: None (without buying a puzzle book)
I’m sure there are lots of other things I use my phone for, but ironically without my phone I’m unable to check. Most of the activities do have alternatives, but it is more the convenience of accessing things when I need to that is the most annoying factor, and the thing I miss most. Hopefully it’ll be back soon.
Have I missed anything? I’ve definitely not included taking photos, but mainly because I don’t often do that on my phone.