lww424
Newbie
What phone is that?
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Reasons the Droid X is a great tool for a College Student
- Thread starter lww424
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- motorola droid x
What phone is that?
Gummibands
Well-Known Member
It's supposed to have like a 2 ghz processor and be made by motorola. Now it doesn't have a name or anything but I figure while I'm waiting do more research. Plus I'll get to see how this whole 4G Verizon network plays out and if it remains unlimited or goes tiered.
Vihzel
Destroying Balls Everyday
I can't wait to see what phones are available in December. I have to sell my Droid X and then get a brand new phone for Europe! And then when I come back, I'll have an upgrade available next July to get an awesome 4G phone on Verizon. Loving just selling and buying the latest and greatest.
Rimzy
Android Enthusiast
Gummibands
Well-Known Member
Come on, Gummibands come over to the dark side... Nom nom nom
More like Ben and Jerrys Pistachio Pistachio ice cream with the Mt Dew that had the strawberry flavor to it that got voted out in favour of the Mt Dew Voltage.
Vihzel
Destroying Balls Everyday
Bleh. Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream is so dense and one of the most caloric brands. I wuvs me some frozen yogurt!
Pretty much all of the reasons to get a smart phone have been listed. I'm also a sophmore in college and coming from a droid x. I personally am tired of always going to school for 5 hours, have my break, then find out my next class is canceled because something happened. The reason I always end up seeing that "canceled class" note is because I start school very early. The professors would never email about the class being canceled before 7:30am, so having a smart phone would be very helpful. A lot easier to communicate too.
Then, it's also nice to actually know when the public transportation busses are arriving by checking their website.
My boyfriend relied on his smartphone all throughout his first year at college. His dorm room itself had no wifi, and the only way was to walk down the hall or go somewhere else.
I suggest you compromise with your parents. My dad is letting me get the droidx, because i offered to pay for the phone and all of my data. Doing the whole, "i'll pay for everything and you just buy it for now" thing always works. =)
Then, it's also nice to actually know when the public transportation busses are arriving by checking their website.
My boyfriend relied on his smartphone all throughout his first year at college. His dorm room itself had no wifi, and the only way was to walk down the hall or go somewhere else.
I suggest you compromise with your parents. My dad is letting me get the droidx, because i offered to pay for the phone and all of my data. Doing the whole, "i'll pay for everything and you just buy it for now" thing always works. =)
Why does this conversation sound familiar? Oh wait...this reminds me of when laptops were first becoming prominent. "you don't need a laptop".
Smartphones are a mediaplus convergence device..while you may not "need" one now, at rate of adoption, you very soon may "need" one to function in society.
Smartphones are a mediaplus convergence device..while you may not "need" one now, at rate of adoption, you very soon may "need" one to function in society.
Gummibands
Well-Known Member
It's kinda like I see the Kindles becoming something major for like my kids. The school books being downloaded on them and the laptops and smartphones. So you're right IMO.
Speaking as a 1) parent, 2) ex-college student, and 3) professor, I can honestly say you don't NEED a smartphone for college. All of the reasons people have given so far are definitely benefits, but to be honest you won't die and you won't have a lesser college experience if you have to do without one (or a Droid X, specifically).
Would it be nice to have one? Sure, just like it would be nice to have a car or a private 1 bedroom apartment or a 50" flatscreen TV (and I had none of these things as a student either) - but be honest - a smartphone is a luxury item for college, not a necessity.
Another thing to consider is who's supporting you thru college - is it your parents? If so, you're already very fortunate. That said, if you really want something like this, get a job and pay for it yourself. Or, compromise with your folks and offer to pay the monthly data charges if they'll buy you the phone (under contract).
Would it be nice to have one? Sure, just like it would be nice to have a car or a private 1 bedroom apartment or a 50" flatscreen TV (and I had none of these things as a student either) - but be honest - a smartphone is a luxury item for college, not a necessity.
Another thing to consider is who's supporting you thru college - is it your parents? If so, you're already very fortunate. That said, if you really want something like this, get a job and pay for it yourself. Or, compromise with your folks and offer to pay the monthly data charges if they'll buy you the phone (under contract).
Gummibands
Well-Known Member
Exactly, right now in this day and age it's not a necessity, and another good point is you also have to consider as a college student what are saving for in the future? When you get out of college are you going to be living in your own place etc. College is the time, especially if your parents are paying for it, to be super wise with your money and save save save and plan down to the dimes with it. If you don't have to spend the money don't sort of deal.
mlynchmob16
Newbie
I would like to say that I am going into my 4th year of college and got a smartphone the summer before my sophomore year of college. It is very nice to have, no it is not needed, but I don't believe I saw the OP say anywhere he needed it. He is trying to convince his parents to get him one.
Anyway getting emails instantly is a huge plus. A lot of teachers communicate mostly through emails. Also if class is cancelled you are notified instantly. In the winter this is nice especially for you in Michigan. It sucks to trudge through snow and slip on ice while going to class then get there to find out you don't have class, also that is risking getting sick which could lead to missing classes.
Also I have a laptop, but my battery life isn't great and my screen is kinda big making it a hassle to carry around, so I leave it in my dorm. It is nice to have a smartphone and internet access to look things up in and out of class. Also if I forgot to print out that mornings lecture because I woke up late, then I could pull it up on my smartphone and still follow along in class, taking notes on a separate piece of paper to fill in later when I could print the lecture out. Some teachers post their lecture aids online only a couple hours before class, but if you have classes before that you can't get them. Also at my school all grades are online and you can see what you got on that Anatomy test as soon as it is posted, instead of being nervous all day when your friends tell you it was their worst test all semester. Also quick referencing online when doing homework or studying in the library is a huge timesaver. If you need to know the atomic weight of a certain element, or remember a formula that isn't written down anywhere, you can just search it and be back to learning/reviewing/practicing instantly.
If during a lecture the professor uses a word that you have never heard before, but doesn't explain its meaning, you can quickly search to understand more about what the professor is talking about.
Some professors expect you to write 1000 words per minute to copy their notes, and don't wait for everyone to be done. Taking pictures with an 8mp camera should would make sure you got all the notes, and save your hand from hurting.
The calendar is your best friend and smartphones do calendars best. Being able to look at your calendar and see that you have 3 tests next week quick and easy is a huge plus. Lots of tests snuck up on me freshman year.
It can be a distraction but so can any phone, or even your desk to sleep on. It's not gonna be your phones fault if you don't pay attention, it is gonna be yours.
As for a chick magnet, girls without smartphones think any smartphone is the coolest thing and want to play with it (the smartphone.) Girls with smartphones probably won't care unless they want that model. But if you see another girl with the Droid X it could be a good conversation starter.
Overall I know your position and I would try the "If my grades slip I'll start paying for it." But smartphones are a great tool and learning aid that can be at your disposal.
Anyway getting emails instantly is a huge plus. A lot of teachers communicate mostly through emails. Also if class is cancelled you are notified instantly. In the winter this is nice especially for you in Michigan. It sucks to trudge through snow and slip on ice while going to class then get there to find out you don't have class, also that is risking getting sick which could lead to missing classes.
Also I have a laptop, but my battery life isn't great and my screen is kinda big making it a hassle to carry around, so I leave it in my dorm. It is nice to have a smartphone and internet access to look things up in and out of class. Also if I forgot to print out that mornings lecture because I woke up late, then I could pull it up on my smartphone and still follow along in class, taking notes on a separate piece of paper to fill in later when I could print the lecture out. Some teachers post their lecture aids online only a couple hours before class, but if you have classes before that you can't get them. Also at my school all grades are online and you can see what you got on that Anatomy test as soon as it is posted, instead of being nervous all day when your friends tell you it was their worst test all semester. Also quick referencing online when doing homework or studying in the library is a huge timesaver. If you need to know the atomic weight of a certain element, or remember a formula that isn't written down anywhere, you can just search it and be back to learning/reviewing/practicing instantly.
If during a lecture the professor uses a word that you have never heard before, but doesn't explain its meaning, you can quickly search to understand more about what the professor is talking about.
Some professors expect you to write 1000 words per minute to copy their notes, and don't wait for everyone to be done. Taking pictures with an 8mp camera should would make sure you got all the notes, and save your hand from hurting.
The calendar is your best friend and smartphones do calendars best. Being able to look at your calendar and see that you have 3 tests next week quick and easy is a huge plus. Lots of tests snuck up on me freshman year.
It can be a distraction but so can any phone, or even your desk to sleep on. It's not gonna be your phones fault if you don't pay attention, it is gonna be yours.
As for a chick magnet, girls without smartphones think any smartphone is the coolest thing and want to play with it (the smartphone.) Girls with smartphones probably won't care unless they want that model. But if you see another girl with the Droid X it could be a good conversation starter.
Overall I know your position and I would try the "If my grades slip I'll start paying for it." But smartphones are a great tool and learning aid that can be at your disposal.
On the other side of things, I totally understand where the OP is coming from. Planning for college is one of the most fun yet nerve-wracking things you can do. There's a lot of anticipation since you're going to be on your own and relatively independent for the first time in your life, and with that comes the desire to have the things that you see many other young, independent people have.
My best advice is to get a job and work hard for the money to pay for your phone, but not at the expense of having fun in college. And my next best advice is: DO NOT GO INTO DEBT (i.e., credit cards, layaway, or loans) when it comes to luxury items.
Cheeba
Newbie
He is referring to what is being called right now the "Droid Pro". Due out end of the year.
Go luck in school. Go Buckeyes!!
Gummibands
Well-Known Member
I'm currently a junior in college and I know so many kids in debt that bow money cause they want to next best thing. My parents pay for my college cause they want me to be able to go out in the world without any debts or loans to have to pay back, however anything I want besides basic needs like food and clothing (I.e not oh that shirt is just a mist have it's the in thing of this season) I pay for myself. So I've paid for all my phones and all my iPods but one phone and my iTouh and those were both birthday gifts. I paid for my second laptop myself etc. So I know the value of a dollar and I have a job. I don't think a smartphone is a need it's a want. Having an iTouch on campus while many times frustrating cause WiFi sucks at my campus does what it needs to do and so does my laptop which I take notes on. So it's a debate between cool new toy and more money in your pocket, either way it's the OPs choice and I can understand it.
P
Probably the only real life and practical uses. Don't forget it has an amazing camcorder that records those amazingly epic or epic fail college moment. Also a great 8 mega pixel camera that can catch all the people who pass out with there shoes on, those women who get drunk and decide to show the twins and other classic moments! Definitely a perfect college student phone!!
Probably the only real life and practical uses. Don't forget it has an amazing camcorder that records those amazingly epic or epic fail college moment. Also a great 8 mega pixel camera that can catch all the people who pass out with there shoes on, those women who get drunk and decide to show the twins and other classic moments! Definitely a perfect college student phone!!
Please, stop with the "risking getting sick" argument. At a college student's age, trudging through snow or cold weather isn't going to kill anyone unless you're doing it without clothes. Besides, by your reasoning if classes aren't cancelled you STILL have to go out into the cold weather to go to class, so you're at risk no matter what happens.
Solution: don't wake up late.
A totally specious reason to justify having a smartphone.
How much of a HUGE timesaver is it? Unless you're doing this constantly, you'll save yourself a few minutes max, unless your library doesn't have computer terminals nearby for you to walk over and do a search.
Or you can write the word down on a piece of paper and look it up later.
Taking a photo of a chalkboard or whiteboard with a smartphone camera, indoors, with poor lighting, is hardly helpful. And if you want to record a professor's lecture, there are tiny digital voice recorders out there that are much cheaper, have insane amounts of recording time, and longer battery life than a smartphone.
Or you can use a paper calendar or a portable day planner. Much cheaper. It's a wonder how college kids stayed organized before PDAs and smartphones, isn't it.
Sorry, but if my kid approached me with even half of the reasons you gave to try to justify me buying him a Droid X, I'd just laugh in his face.
Gummibands
Well-Known Member
These are all very valid points. My library has about ten computers on the base floor for research. I always carry a digital record with me, gps device, laptop, iTouch, and cell phone. My cell phone that's not 3G does an amazing job of reminding me of tests and things just like my calendar on my computer and the one attached to my school email address that will send me emails when things are getting closer.
Rimzy
Android Enthusiast
I am not going to argue whether it is neccesary or not, because i am in college but i pay my bills by myself, and whatnot, i am on a scholarship, so the extra money i get from my parents and my job helps. I do not have a smartphone yet, but i am thinking of getting one, i don't have to convince anybody, i don't sleep in late, i prepare my schedule for the semster once i get my syllabus and schedule and attach it to my folder, will it be nice to have a smartphone, absolutely, but at this point, if you have to justify purchasing a smartphone, you probably don't need it.
Very well said.
mlynchmob16
Newbie
HAHA that was a joke. Don't take it so serious.
If you made it to every 8am class 10 min early totally prepared you didn't have a social life...Sometimes 30min of sleep is more important then going to a computer lab and hope the printers are working and that there is an available computer.
That was an example, it could be any test...
Most libraries do not have computers on every floor, or enough for all the students in there. 95% of the time I go into my library all the computers are taken.
Yes there are other way to do things, that is why I said it is not necessary, but can be a very useful tool. Looking it up instantly on your phone is easier.
I think I have only had 1 or 2 classes that used a whiteboard or a chalkboard. Many teachers have the notes that they test on in either powerpoints or overheads and put them up and expect you to write them all. What they talk about is too help you understand what the notes say, they don't read the notes word for word. Also with graphs or pictures that is hard or impossible to write down in your notes, a picture is a perfect solution. And I have done it multiple times with my Storm 1 camera, and it turns out perfectly fine. I'm assuming my Droid X will do it better. Also I have a audio recorder, cost me $90 for a decent one. That is pretty steep for something that only has one function. Also you can then transfer the lectures to your Droid X and listen to them to/from class or while you eat.
Once again yes there are other ways to do things, and no a smartphone isn't necessary. I prefer my smartphone calendar because it send me reminders. A paper organizer isn't going to make noise until I read it and remember I have online homework due at 6am the next morning. Also after freshman year you have to buy the school planners in the bookstore for $35. Thats a month of data.
Apparantly you don't have an open mind or haven't had a college experience in a while. Some schools and programs require students to have iphones or ipod touches because of all the great things you can do with them. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that one school is going to add the cost of an ipad to every students tuition so that they all have one. The times are changing and a lot of people use smartphones for very helpful things. It isn't the only way to accomplish those tasks, but it is the easiest.
If you want to sleep in because of an active social life, that's fine. But that's no justification to own a smartphone. If classes are that important to you, then get up earlier. Simple.
I have no idea why you brought up printers. You regularly print stuff off your phone?
So wait in line to use one. The extra few minutes you spend won't hurt you in the long run. Spending $1000+ over the life of a 2 year contract on a smartphone just to save those few minutes makes no sense.
If listening to EVERY word the professor is saying in the lecture is that important to you, then how is it easier to look up a word on a smartphone in the middle of that lecture?
Then you didn't shop around well enough:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICD-BX70...4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280153841&sr=8-4
You don't even need a "decent" audio recorder that records hundreds of hours at a time, just one that can record monaural audio for a few hours. Can cost less than $35. What exactly do you need to do with $90 digital voice recorder than you can't do with the one I posted above as an example?
Then the bottom line is, you're too lazy. You just want to input dates and times into a calendar and expect the calendar to remind you about every single appointment you've put into it. It wouldn't kill you to take a look at a paper calendar or a school planner every so often to see what's coming up in the next few days.
Besides, if you REALLY want to do it electronically, a simple PDA or even an iPod Touch would work just as well, and would cost less in the long run.
Name ONE university in this country that requires, as terms of enrollment, all of its students to own an iPhone or an iPod Touch. You can't. You're either lying or totally misinformed. And sorry, nobody's going to believe you just because you "read it somewhere".
I have a very open mind. And as I mentioned in my first post on this thread, I'm a university professor so I've had much more experience, both as a student and faculty, with college and college life than you ever will. You completely missed my point - nobody's denying that a smartphone is a helpful tool for college. So is a car, or satellite TV, or a GPS unit, or a top of the line Dell XPS computer - but all of these things are just as much frivolous luxury items in college as they are useful tools, and you can easily get by in college without them. If you had used these excuses to try to talk me into buying you a smartphone for college, you would have failed miserably. Your last post hasn't changed that.
Gummibands
Well-Known Member
Ouch. I guess I have no social life then. I work and if I'm not working then I'm spending time with my friends which is rare cause I try to work as often as possible and regardless I still manage to make it to my 6 am classes 15 minutes ahead of schedule and have everything ready before class started. I maintain a A B average with only one C in two semesters and yet I work and hang out but I manage my time so I can do it responsibly so I'm not sacrificing anything from my classes since they come first.