Comments on: The Advantages Of Traveling Without An iPhone

By: The Best Comments Of The Month: November 2009 | foXnoMad

The Best Comments Of The Month: November 2009 | foXnoMad — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:35:28 +0000

[...] are just some of those great comments.The Backpack Foodie tells up how to really crack an iPhone to avoid its disadvantages.Drive 2,250 kilometers the quick and painless way using some of Mark H‘s Australian advice. [...]

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:15:38 +0000

I don’t use cell phones too often but I’m online *a lot* no matter where I am. Skype, an iPod touch, and an old Nokia meet my needs. Occasionally I might buy a SIM card somewhere to use temporarily, but rarely. Now if I didn’t have those things I wonder if I could make it without a phone at all…

By: BackpackingGuide

BackpackingGuide — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:00:22 +0000

I personally think carrying any cell phone with you while traveling is unnecessary and a pain in the ass…De-tech yourself! Friends, family and co-workers will understand that you can’t be on your cell phone while traveling, it’s a luxury for you! Plus, getting in an international call overseas when really necessary is always an interesting experience

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:44:24 +0000

Jason, I worry what I’d become with an iPhone or any smart phone from that matter. I’m probably online for a solid 8-12 hours on most days and it’s nice not to be ‘connected’ every now and then. I’ve got to enjoy traveling somehow!

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:42:37 +0000

It’s funny, in some places I’ve traveled one of the first things people ask me is what kind of phone I have (seriously). When I pull out my ancient Nokia they always look disappointed. A good and bad thing I suppose.

The iPhone apps are very cool and useful though. I keep discovering new ones all the time.

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:41:10 +0000

I still haven’t switched to an iPhone or blackberry in the U.S. because I know i’ll be checking email way to often. This article at least helps justify me not having one abroad!

By: Sherry Ott

Sherry Ott — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:57:04 +0000

Great advice! I just purchased an iphone when I returned to the US. I’m really excited about everything it can do – but you are totally right – I have to really consider the ads and disads of traveling with it. I do agree with the the idea of traveling with an old phone – at least using it as the one that you ‘flaunt’ around. I travel with a laptop all the time and rarely take it out in public as I don’t really want people to know that I’m carrying expensive equipment! I will also def. check out the travel apps you mention!

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:05:52 +0000

Hi Trisha,

I think the iPhone is my last refuge from technology when I travel! The Invisible Shield is great, I use it on my iPod screens and they make good laptop screen covers as well. I’m impressed that you husband’s iPhone went through a wash cycle and lived, pretty amazing!

There are advantages to both traveling with and without an iPhone certainly. The travel apps are great in particular. I find myself not talking too much on the phone and rely on Skype from my laptop for most everything which makes the decision easier. Plus I’ve got the jailbroken iPod touch which makes up for an iPhone pretty well.

All said, who knows, everything I play with an iPhone it makes me want one. Great marketing on Apple’s part!

By: Anil P.

Anil P. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:25:52 +0000

You got a pretty good deal on the re-sale though. I’ve found the iPod touch to be a good replacement, especially the latest model which has a microphone. Plug in some headphones and you’ve got yourself a Skype phone.

If you do end up getting another iPhone though, let me know I’ve got a few easy jailbreaking methods up my sleeves. I’m going to be posting them at some point over on the tech site but if you let me know I’ll send them your way.

I’ve never had any problems with my ratty old Nokia, it’s been great and the laptop covers everything else. I’m tempted to get an iPhone too but the charges scare me a bit honestly. Plus it’s nice not to have to worry about leaving it at a shop for repairs or having it stolen.

By: Trisha Miller

Trisha Miller — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:07:21 +0000

I totally understand anyone not wanting the distraction (or crutch) of technology while traveling, and you make some good points, but personally I never go anywhere without my iPhone.

I’ve dropped mine a number of times, with no damage, and my husband’s iPhone survived a trip through the washer & dryer just fine, but now I keep mine in a nice rubber case from iSkin.com, with an invisible shield to protect the face (and provide some anti-glare as well).

I have found that the convenience offered by some of the travel apps I use outweighs other factors for me, and I do keep costs down by using free wifi spots whenever I can, but I also like the idea of jailbreaking/unlocking and using local SIM cards – it’s a great suggestion for anyone who spends a lot of time in places that would otherwise be ‘roaming’.