Our first was the big hurky heavy case black ugly construction type. SSSOOO glad to see it gone! Now, we have mine, DH, both sons and an older gentleman who helped my husband out running for parts and things. It is necessary to me, I work two jobs, up and down highway, youngest son in in HS and has band and games and such. Nice to know if he missed the bus and instead of going back into town to get him, I can just swing over after #1 job. Also after being sent to Wallyworld 4 times in one day, I can call home and ask if there is anything anybody wants. Husband is often alone on construction jobs or riding horse, so if he needs something, he can call one of us. Son #1 is addicted to GF and can't stay off. fortunatly, M2M is free. Older man turned off his home phone, we dropped computer line and went broadband. I complain when I pay the bills, but it has saved me in the long run. I just get annoyed with some of the hideous answertone songs(?) that I have to listen to when I call others... I use bluetooth ear phone while in vehicle, use voice dial, so no different than talking to myself.... I depend on my Blackberry for alarms, reminders, phone book, calendar, (especially!) and if it rings I answer. I do not use the web, have email at home and both jobs. I refuse to pay the high price for that! The text feature is not my cup-o-tea, but I do appreciate it when my sons take the time to text old mom a line or two. Makes me think that they haven't forgoten me... It's nice to be able to chat with family-near and far- so conveniently. I pitty the poor grandparents and parents that don't have that privilege. Yes, I would feel deprived...

March 26, 2013: re: Kenmore Elite Oasis HE issues (start and rinse cycle issues, unbalanced issues): Electronic Control Board (aka the motherboard, the brains) recall, replacement and labor at no charge: Thank you to those who posted correct ph number to resolve these problems! Here is the ph number again: (800) 847-9083. We have an appt scheduled" to receive the updated electronic control board,service and labor-@ no charge" per the product resolution customer service rep. You may assume all went well if I do not post a follow up. DO ask the product resolution customer rep to REPEAT your model #, serial #, your ph # and address (she typed part of the serial # incorrectly which could disqualify you receiving replacement recall). The customer serv reps' work environment is NOISY (she replied "there are 213 problem resolution reps in the same room"). VERIFY what you are hearing the rep say and ask kindly for a summary why you called and what the resolution is to be. She spoke rapidly and had an accent. Verify any numbers you have not verified (including your ph # and address) at the end of the call. The customer resolution rep had obvious experience handling the process, obviously streamed lined due all the years of issues complaints and it took about 20-25 minutes total time, most time was waiting for her to process the info she enters. Our Kenmore Oasis washing machine has been highlyt problematic issues during the start cycle and rinse cycles as well as frequent unbalanced loads (error code: UL). Our model and serial numbers complied with the recall (I have read this is a "silent", unadvertised recall. We have an appointment scheduled "to receive an updated electronic control board and the labor service at no charge". Hope this works out (believe it when I see it and when it continues as resolved) and wishes for resolutions to those who are working towards theirs. We all learned a big lesson in the world of electronic motherboard computerized washers and driers: buy the old fashioned, dependable washers and driers with knobs! (I'm staying this route with everything appliance and vehicles). I will def will stay my computer pref as a MacGurl though!

Well that is nice that you love your LG, but I think the best washer of all time is my Miele. I NEVEr have had to wipe it down, use bleach, leave the door ajar, or anything out of the ordinary to get cleaner clothes or to prevent mold or mildew in side the machine or on my clothes. I do NOT have to use vinegar, FS, Borax, washing soda,bleach, Afresh,etc to cover any problems this machine may throw at me, cause I have never had a problem with the machine or my clothes. Plus I have the advantge of having a machine that will almost boil my clothes if I so choose and a lot of times I do, because we have a farm and I've yet to see a stain it will not remove. Love your LG, I LOVE my MIELE.

A lot of people check their voicemail from a landline. If you have a cell phone plan that does not allow a lot of minutes or are not doing the checking during the "free" nights and weekends using the landline is the best option. Using another phone to check VM can be done when your cell phone's battery has run out/too low and you need an important VM message stat. Hint: Never toss out the instruction manual that comes with a cell phone or any other appliance or electronics. You never know when you will need to refresh your memory of an item's usage. Sometimes something that seems 'simple' like changing the batteries on an item, can turn out to be more complicated than one had assumed. Having the instruction manual handy can save a lot of hair pulling. Hint #2: If you discover that someone has tossed the instruction manual out, or it has been stored in an inaccessible place, keep in mind that instruction manuals for many many products sold can often be found online on the manufacturers website.