How useful is a smartphone in college?
So my parents got me an Iphone in prep for my college years. I'm not sure how useful this may be. The monthly bill is expensive too. I feel sorta bad for them because it cost quite a bit. Should I tell them to cancel the plan or will having a smartphone give me an advantage? Even if it was I think an Ipod Touch with Wifi would have sufficed since college campuses have wifi all over. Thoughts?
February 5, 2013
33 Comments • Newest first
If there's wifi all over, iPod + cheap cellphone is the way to go. Or a cheap android phone.
iPhone is pretty expensive. If you just need a little bit of data and can hook into your school's Wifi, T Mobile has a plan for new activations that's just $30 a month, compared to iPhone's 70. Unlimited text and 2g data, with limited talk and 4g.
I find it extremely useful in just yelping places.
it's nice and useful to have, but not required.
I don't have a smartphone and I don't really see a point to it.
I use it for works, email, and learning apps. The flashcards app is a Godsend.
I use my iPhone a lot, and not just for goofing off. I put my entire work and school schedule in my phone, set reminders for labs, due dates and things like that, and can call or text someone if needed on the same device it's very handy for me, and I commute.
Right now I'm considering canceling my line to the family plan and just get a itouch 5th gen and a cheap phone. Wifi hotspots should suffice. The pros of a smartphone is all in the itouch except the fact that a itouch won't have 4g or a built in phone
smartphones are very useful! for checking facebook in the middle of class
.......
There's hardly a difference between any smartphones nowadays. I just went from Android OS to an iPhone 5 and the biggest differences are sort of minor. I will say though, I'd keep it if I were you. It can cover almost every use you can think of, especially on the go. Therefore, you don't need to carry around a phone+camera+ipod, etc etc.
Its camera is more than worthy of itself (unless you're a photographer, this will definitely be good enough for normal use). Siri is a great tool for finding anything you want or need (quickly, too). Web browsing is quick, especially on wi-fi or 4g. The mp3 player... well you know it might as well be an iPod. You have everything else from other smartphones as well. The app store might be good enough to keep it for, too. Many useful apps there that you won't find on the Google Play store.
Good luck! (Keep the phone, they'll need to pay a bill either way, and the iPhone's bill only costs a few more bucks likely).
An average, cheap phone that can call/text people and an iPod Touch 5th generation is all you need.
you need it almost everytime
[quote=CreamyMilkV4][url=http://evasi0n.com/]Just gonna leave this here.[/url][/quote]
LOLOL
I finally saved up enough money to get myself a smart phone last year and personally I think it's a great asset to have in college. I use it all the time to schedule out my life (exams, work schedule, due dates, events), get reminders, send/check urgent e-mails on the go, as an alarm clock/timer, figure out when the next bus is coming and where it's going, find my way around with the built in map, group message people for plans, Yelp a place to eat or find something to do, check my bank statement/deposit a check, check the weather to see how I should dress for the day, and so many other things.
I guarantee they signed a contract where you can't just give back the phone and change the terms. And that telling them now to "take it back" will only really insult them.
I don't think it would be appropriate to cancel the plan. I mean, I heard ending that kind of stuff is also expensive.
I use mine all the time and it's useful+fun. I have a ton of the apps google makes and I recommend downloading google drive or something.
So many times where I flip out my phone during class when my professor gives us class assignments on finding information on a particular topic.
When you're bored in class watch Netflix
If you go out with your friends or alone and get lost the Map gps apps are very useful
You will also get to join the kewl kids klub by getting yourself an instagram and follow your new friends so that way you are always connected with people.
[quote=WinterWish]I think he's just talking about the data plan and such alone. Not counting the minutes.[/quote]
I don't know of any unlimited data plans that's only $30/month.
If your parents can afford it and they're willing to pay then who cares.
My phone is my main form of communication with my friends don't know what I'd do without it.
[quote=blackwest]How the hell are you getting 30 dollars a month with unlimited coverage.. I don't even have a smart phone and my bill is 30 a month.[/quote]
I think he's just talking about the data plan and such alone. Not counting the minutes.
It's useful, keep it.
So should I just tell them to cancel it and get an Ipod Touch instead? Or is the 3g/4g enough reason to use it? lol
considering it is 30$ a month... thats 360 a year and a Ipod Touch 32 gb is only 300 bucks
Calendar, alarms, maybe email.
It's so useful that I often see people in lecture playing games on their iPhones while the professor lectures away.
[quote=icemage11]Are you gonna be living at home or out of state? If at home, then an iPod is fine. If out of state, then iPhone is good for navigating around the city. [/quote]
[url=http://i.imgur.com/K8qVr.jpg]Yep. Definitely helped me navigate San Andreas.[/url]
You RARELY have time to socialize....[only on weekends]...
By the time your classes are over....it's already late and you're friends will be busy.
The only thing I use my Smartphone for is my Calendar and email [thank god I have unlimited data plan]. Oh, and music....but iPods could suffice for two of these [obviously you will need wifi to use the internet on an iPod though].
Something like a tablet would seem much more appropriate for college if you don't call or text a lot.
It's useless.
I use it a lot (Android phone). Sticky Note app to remind me of homework/readings/upcoming tests. Calender app to remind me of on campus events and other things.
I'm most likely going to live in a dorm Freshman year. And I'm in State.
Edit: Yea and the thing is I don't call or text alot. But I'm in a data plan with other people who text/call like crazy so we still have to pay 30$ a month for the unlimited data.
You don't really need it, if you don't call or text a lot. You could alternatively get a cheaper phone with a cheaper plan for those inquiries.
Anyways, an Ipod can do everything a iPhone can do basically, but requires wifi.
Know what apps to get and it is a very useful tool
Are you gonna be living at home or out of state? If at home, then an iPod is fine. If out of state, then iPhone is good for navigating around the city.