There are two generations answering this question. I am retired and would rather use my tower PC and old flip phone. Since I'm home most of the time it is easy to send a quick email to any of the kids to read on their smart phones. Can just answer or hang up with the flip. My upgrade is due and need a new phone. The darn flip phones are the same price and now with additional options which are of no use to me. The larger phone screens are nice, but still need my darn glasses to read anything of importance and it is too easy to go somewhere into cyberspace not wanted. Admission though, I would definitely use the app to compare pricing/stores. Can't tell you how many times someone has to show me a pic they have on their phone....I either nod or say something nice unless my glasses are nearby. The kids have accommodated me by sending pics through email. And I'll hang on to my Nikon D70 with all the functions in my head. The gathering of old people not wanting smart phones will fade away and this is not too far away. "New" old people will be the generation already skilled. But I have a vision of needing the old magnifying screens being put over them, those used in front of the first TVs in the 40s. Even an Ipad drives me nuts due to size in getting around for all I want to do. Am an ex IT person, 40 years of computer evolution experience. Still love new software and learning more. I like my fast access, multiple software programs and a "fat" built computer with a 42" screen for photography. We can be set in our ways, but there are physical limitations which also direct us to what works for our needs. Regarding the 700 a month. Enough people, aps, games, online use can easily jump to this. Family plan or not.. My son downloads books, usually once a month while he is sleeping. The data used is about 600 for this one shot. Phones used for business can easily run the monthly charge posted. This reminds me of one of my favorite commercials from Office Depot. Grandma is taking pictures of her kids with a hand stapler she picked up instead of the camera they gave her. My humor may be off the map.

I have often wondered what phones are really worth. It seems incredible that they can charge that much and millions of people will stand in line to pay it, but they are rather remarkable tools. What used to be the size of a show box and plugged into your car and could call across town now fits in the palm of your hand, can call the far side of the globe and well as send text messages or emails anywhere on the globe, take better photos than were possible with typical digital cameras just a few years ago, search the web for a restaurant, change your plane reservation and plan your trip to both, play music for your ride and so much more. What was a frivilous and arrogant luxury is now a necessity. And the technology keeps moving so fast that it creates constant need. If we stopped buying them every year or two ( I suspect the average of all users is less than or at least not more than two years), then a slack in demand might bring the price down. But does anyone see that happening anytime soon? It is possible. I mean, how much more do we need in the palm of our hands, really? But not likely. I'm sure they are already working on the next carrots to be dangled in front of us and how to convince about half of us that we half to have it. What else can you think of that gets replaced by half of it's owners every year? As long as demand keeps up and technology keeps changing, I don't see prices going down. So what is this portable mini-computer, telephone, camera, and wireless connection to the world that, aside from the amount of data storage, does more than my laptop actually worth? Hellifino. ETA: If you keep a phone for two years, the cost is less than a dollar a day. Most folks spend more than that on coffee, soda or bottled water. Or a working water fountain, for that matter?

Condolences, Anne. It's been a struggle, for both Marjorie and you. Thank you for the care that you gave her, through the years and especially recently. I hope that you won't beat yourself up regarding the moving to the hospice, for it had become a real burden for you. It was memorable, that she was able to contact a number of family people, near the end, and you'll be pleased that you were with her as she moved on. I hope that you can take pleasure in that. May God give you a great blessing, just now, and at Christmas, this year, Anne. (((((Anne))))) (((((Marjorie's family))))) ole joyful

Nothing yet! We are still waiting for the insurance settlement to get things started. Our kitchen was ordered back in April and is expected to be delivered by June 9th. Our contractor is scheduled for the week of June 12th. But the reconstruction and repair of our walls, moldings, floors, etc, has not started yet and may force us to delay the kitchen install. We were told that the work may start this coming Monday which would be great, as that would keep us on schedule. I am trying to be hopeful. I now have everythingvelse picked out except the backsplash. My Kitchen floor will be grouted Alterna vinyl in Sistine White. The ajacent dining room floor will be Mirage Maple Sonora hardwood... and I already shared the Basset dining table which has been ordered. I just can't wait to get back home, especially to all my newly designed rooms!