TED 08APR2015 – Cell Phones update




The Elder Divide show

Summary: Cell Phones update Cell Phones are kind of a matter of choice. You can be one of those techie types with the latest smart phone or phablet or you can be an Elder just looking for a basic phone that meets your needs. I will try to list some of both categories with a gear towards visual, audible and ease of use. This will cover most of your needs for the 50+ age groups. Not to say you might want something higher end but this will help in selections out today. With Smart or Phablet Phones, you need to decide if you want to use Android, Windows, iPhone or Blackberry. Probably best to stay with one that has a least 5-inch or greater display to help with any vision issues. Android phones are usually cheaper than say an iPhone. Android with version 5 is best for these types. iPhone 5 or 6. Windows phones are very easy to use. Blackberry has versions with or with-out keyboards. Smart phone ownership is up for ages 50+ with 50-64 54% and age 65+ at 27%. Also more and more people of all ages are turning to smart phones, phablets or tablets instead of desktop computers for things like email, shopping or other tasks. <a href="http://www.sprint.com/landings/accessibility/senior.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sprint:</a> Basic <a href="http://shop.sprint.com/mysprint/shop/phone_details.jsp?prodId=dvc8110002prd&amp;deviceSKUId=81100154&amp;flow=AAL&amp;planSKUId=&amp;ptn=&amp;tabId=dt_phones" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kyocera Verve</a> - Candy bar phone with slide-out QWERTY keypad, 2.4-inch display. Cost: $19.99/mo 2yr contract or $129.99 full price. <a href="http://www.sprint.com/landings/wego/index.html?ECID=vanity:wego" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">WeGo</a> - One button and friendly intuitive screen. GPS tracking, panic button with loud alarm. Shatter and water proof. Cost: $9.99/mo includes 1000-mins and 1000-text. Plans Basic as NO plan for Elders only. <a href="https://www.verizonwireless.com/mobile-living/home-and-family/phones-plans-for-seniors/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Verizon:</a> Basic <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/device/cell-phone/lg-exalt?mlcid=ML%7Carticle%7Cclick-through%7Carticle-body-lg-exalt%7C13698" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LG Exalt</a> - Stylish and simple flip phone that offers both clear sound and convenient features. It has large keys, large 3-inch screen to view pictures, web, email, exterior display for messages waiting or 2-megapixel camera. Hands free and can read your text messages aloud. Alarm clock and outside LED display for notification of text message waiting or Caller ID and counts missed calls. Costs: $8.33/mo Edge, $79.99 2yr or $199.99 full price options. <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/basic-phones/cosmos-3/?mlcid=ML%7Carticle%7Cclick-through%7Carticle-body-lg-cosmos-3%7C13698" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LG Cosmos 3</a> - Candy bar phone with four-line, slide-out QWERTY keyboard for easy text messaging. Optimized for quick updates to your social networks. Preloaded with tools, including a tip calculator and alarm clock. View web or email or use 1.3-megapixel camera. Costs: $6.24/mo Edge, $0.99 2yr or $149.99 full price options. <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/basic-phones/gusto-3/?mlcid=ML%7Carticle%7Cclick-through%7Carticle-body-samsung-gusto-3%7C13698" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samsung Gusto 3</a> - Simple go-to basic flip phone with 2-inch display. Bluetooth for hands-free conversations. 2-inch screen to view pictures, web, email or use 1.3-megapixel camera. Voice features for if you have low vision or are blind. Costs: $6.24/mo Edge, $49.99 2yr or $149.99 full price options. Plans <a href="https://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/plan-information/?page=65Plus&amp;mlcid=ML%7Carticle%7Cclick-through%7Carticle-body-nationwide-65-plus-plan%7C13698" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nationwide 65 Plus Plan</a> AT&amp;T: Basic Many choices but NO specific info for Elder phones. Plans <a href="www.att.com/shop/wireless/plans/voice/sku3830294."></a>