With my hectic schedule in full swing, I realized I was missing out on staying productive by not being able to check my email or get online when I’m out and about (about 75% of the day!). My old Treo 600 was on its last leg; it could no longer check email, my internet connection was slower than dial up, and I couldn’t even send a text message because it couldn’t keep up with my typing speed. So I caved in after months of Mr. LH researching the best replacement phone for me and I purchased an HTC Evo 4G.
Thankfully, my carrier offers discounts towards new phones every few years and since I hadn’t upgraded my phone in over 5 years, I automatically saved $150 off the new phone. The HTC Evo also had a $50 mail in rebate. If I factor this savings in, my out the door price was $112. Not too bad considering it’s a top of the line Android Smart Phone. However, I hadn’t factored in the accessories I’d need to protect it. Twenty-two additional dollars later, my white Evo had a black case and a screen protector to keep it from getting scratched and beat up.
Sometimes you have to spend money to make money, or at least stay on top of your crap. I’m still figuring out all of its functionality, but so far I love it. I can check my multiple email accounts quickly and easily (the internet speed is impressive), I can get onto my blog and accept comments and even reply to them, though I’m still getting used to the touch screen keyboard, and I can type quick text messages to let Mr. LH know where I am and when I’m coming home (my schedule is out of control and he is never sure exactly where I am from day to day.)
Since I also had to change my plan when I purchased my new phone, I asked for a school district discount. Because I remembered to ask, I saved 23% off my plan. I’m paying the same amount each month for the new plan, but with 700 more minutes and an unlimited data package.
If I can keep my Evo for five years (the same amount of time I had my Treo 600), the price breaks down to $26.80 per year including the cost of the accessories. Not too shabby considering communication technology progresses faster every year making it hard to keep up with the latest and greatest gadgets.
Have you recently purchased a new technology gadget out of necessity?
16 Comments
Ha! Funny you should ask. I bought a streaming media device this weekend, the Roku 2 XS. We cut the cord on our cable and the rabbit ears left my wife and kids less than satisfied. The Roku fills the middle ground, and with Netflix subscription at only 10% of the cost of cable, we’re a long way ahead.
That phone looks great. I need to move to a smart phone very soon.
@Hunter – The Roku sounds like a great compromise! As for smart phones, they can be great – if you know how to work them. I’m still figuring mine out. 😉
Congrats on your new device. I have an iphone and gosh does it save me time. It is worth the money in my opinion because I am freed up for so many other things. Plus it has so many functions so I save money on having having to pay for separate services or devices.
@Miss T – I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of figuring out my phone. Once I do, it should save me lots of time!
I just got a LG Quantum back in April. I’m really enjoying having it. One of my favorite smart phone apps is the Amazon Kindle app. Now, I can carry my books I want to read wherever I go.
This is actually great if I happen to go to Chick-Fil-A or the park or anywhere I can let the kids run around — especially if I’m by myself. As long as I have my phone with me, I can read. There are hundreds of free classics available as well as all the newer stuff, so if you don’t have that app, you might want to check it out.
Another thing I like using my phone for is storing podcasts (particularly audio ones) I can listen to on my way to work.
Good luck with your device!
@Grady – Thanks for that tip! I’ll have to start downloading apps. I like the idea of the Kindle one.
My wife just got an Evo 4G Switch. She looked at the one you have but she wanted a keypad so she went with the Switch. We had to get a new phone because her Blackberry quit working.
@Money Beagle – getting used to the touch screen keyboard is a little weird. Sometimes it vibrates and other times it doesn’t. I still haven’t figured it all out yet. 😉
I’m still using my cracked screen iphone 3GS, waiting for the iphone 5 to come out thought:D can’t wait
@Aaron Hung – Mr. LH has already warned me that if I abuse my phone, it’s going to be confiscated! I’m taking extra good care of it so far (wrapping it in an eyeglass cloth.) Hopefully I won’t get lazy and drop it!
Wow, cute phone. Great job to get the discount too. I still have a dumb phone because I’m too cheap to pay for the data plan… I’m in front of the computer 80% of the day anyway so I don’t need it at this time.
@Retire by 40- If I was in front of my computer all day, I wouldn’t need a smart phone either. However, most of the day I’m not. So, my phone comes in handy!
Similar to Retireby40, I have a dumb phone. I have access to a computer most of the day and can’t bring myself to pay the extra amount for internet with my phone. I would rather put it towards an awesome vacation every year. 🙂
@20’s Finance – I’d say if you don’t have to upgrade, then use that money elsewhere! If I wasn’t in a classroom most of the day (and I really can’t say, “Ok, kids, let me check my email while you finish your worksheet!” that’s bad teaching!) I wouldn’t need my phone. Now I can check my email during recess and lunch and then get all the heavy typing done when I get home!
Congrats on the new phone! I love my sprint HTC Hero (it was the one before the Evo). I have had it for 2 years, and I have to say HTC’s are made to last. Longest I have ever had a phone.
I am waiting for the Google Nexus Prime to come out next month and then I’ll be upgrading.
@Evan – Good to know HTC’s last a long time. I really hoping to have this phone a while.