[anasam]

DH has asked if I would like to buy a smart phone, he is keen on having GPS available. Trouble is I don't actually know what one will do for me. I am not into social media that much (it would tick me off if I got facebook notifications all the time). Most of that stuff I can do on my home computer. So tell me, how will having a smart phone enhance my life?

[indigo~]

I finally made the leap about 6 weeks ago to a smart phone and the best feature for me (with a new bub) is having a camera on hand to take heaps of photos/videos and then being able to immediately email/message them to friends and family. Previously I would have to connect my camera to my laptop to download them first.

[Tobias'smum]

the thing i use all the time is the maps app ( i havent updated my phone as the new version had a few problems) i used to have to use public transport with ds but even now with work etc i put in where i am going from where to and the time and gives me bus/train /ferry (in perth) route for a few times around my time - its great if going somewhere i am unsure of.

I now use it if i am driving somewhere new i put it in before i go that way if i get lost i pull over it finds where i am and i get new directions.

i also use the camera for other things than photos of ds - my main one - i take pictures of receipies so i dont have to write them out .

I didnt think i would use it much either but i love it as if you are out you can look up something you may need online etc

oh i also do bank transfers DH has access to 1 account as hes hopless with spending - he calls i transfer money via bank app and he can use it within minutes\.

You can turn notifications off i use fb on my phone but turned the notifications off

[CallMeProtart]

I got mine for the having a camera on hand all the time. And it's fantastic for that.
I've unexpectedly become very reliant on the maps too.
The torch is often quite handy, and also the free messaging apps and notepad get a good workout - never again need to worry about finding a pen and paper for anything.

And despite my initial belief that I didn't need this, being able to google something or get on the internet or check my emails anytime I want, has actually become really useful to me. I can't do without it now.

Only thing that sucks is the battery life!

[lsolaBella]

TBHi have one and regularly go back to a standard phone when I get jack of having to always recharge the battery.

taking photos or video of the kids upon occasion is good but not essential.

Maybe once in a blue moon do I really use any smart phone features.

[anasam]

Thanks for that. I can see us using maps from time to time but as we live in the country I think a lot of the apps would be useless to us (eg time tables - we have no public transport). the photo app would be handy though. My sister emails me photos sometimes forgetting that I can't open them!
I am wondering now though if an ipad (or something similar) would do just as well.
Can an ipad/iphone help keep you organised with appointments etc? At the moment I put appointment reminders in my phone but it is a bit fiddly.

[charlottesmum04]

Can an ipad/iphone help keep you organised with appointments etc? At the moment I put appointment reminders in my phone but it is a bit fiddly.

The newer Iphones are great for appointments. You just use press one button and say what appointment and when and it will shedule it for you in your calender.

[emma_jean]

I have an Android - fave features are Google Calendar, task list, camera, net banking app and maps.

[FiveAus]

I use the reminders app on my iPhone, it's very easy to use and you can set the time you want to be reminded at.
Also, the notes app is fantastic, I write my shopping lists on them and if I'm buying ingredients for a recipe, I keep the note so I can refer back to it again.

[lsolaBella]

I use my ipad mini more then my phone for reminders etc.