I hate the term "entry level"

[jmcook79]

Low end or budget I don't mind but entry level suggests that I plan on moving up to a higher priced device and I actually find the term somewhat insulting.

I'm not rich so I have a low end phone, the Samsung Galaxy Centura. It's a Straight Talk phone and I pay $45 a month for unlimited talk, text and 2.5GB data, which is more than enough for me since I have WIFI at home and I use my laptop for most multimedia. I use it for talking, texting, Facebook, playing mp3's and browsing the internet. I only have a handful of apps installed.

This phone meets my needs perfectly and is a major upgrade from my $50 Samsung R355C feature phone. I could use the internet and play mp3's on it as well, but the experience wasn't nearly as enjoyable. I also like my phone to be as small as possible, just fits better in the pocket and most low end smartphones are on the smaller side.

I still take care of my phone as if it were a $500 device. I have a case and screen protector. Just because it is inexpensive doesn't mean I don't want to keep it in top condition. A co-worker with an iPhone asked me the other day why I even bothered protecting such an inexpensive phone. I told them I take care of everything I own to extend the useful life of the device. I only spent about $10 on ebay for the case and screen protectors, a small investment to prevent scratches and provide shock absorption in case of a fall. I just get tired of people looking down on people like me. My phone is a tool, and sometimes a toy but it's not and never will be a status symbol.

I guess I'll be at "entry level" for the rest of my life because why buy a mid to high end device if I don't need it? If someone wants and can afford a high end phone, great! Just don't judge others on their choice of a phone!

 

[olbriar]

I never actually considered the term entry level as being insulting. I do see your point however. Don't look long and hard at those that use that term to describe the budget phones. I'm certain that it's more of a coined term than a descriptive term.

I'm glad you enjoy your phone. There is a lot to be said for purchasing the right tool to use. Not everyone has the same expectations of a phone so there are many different models of varying prices. The gold plated iPhone is likely a status symbol.. I'll leave the rest up to the consumer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

There is also something to be said for those that can afford to be on the leading edge of technology. For one.. it's a lot of fun to be a part of the discovery and use etc on these forums. Just check out any of the newly released phone areas.... it's a riot.
Those out there pushing the envelope and requesting more from the manufacturers ultimately brings more features to the budget phones... and all phones between. We all win.

We are fortunate that there is so much phone interest and we the consumer are helping drive technology progression. We all win no matter carrier, make, or model we purchase.
There is something out there for everyone. The trick is to find that perfect phone. It sounds that you have done just that. The perfect phone for you. Fantastic!

 

[jmcook79]

Yes I agree I have nothing against people who can afford to be on the cutting edge. It has become a coined term but I guess I just take it personally when jerks like my co-worker act all stuck up with their precious high end Phone lol. My wife still uses a flip phone...her money her choice!

 

[olbriar]

I drive old vehicles. People tend to make fun of me. Unrelated.. but in the same vein. It's personal choice and what a man wants to spend his money on. Hey.. if it works for you, don't sweat it. It's not just money... it's how one decides to spend it. Everyone is different... it makes the boat float.

 

[unnamedny]

Why does it bother you so much? Entry level, so what. It's just a marketing term I guess that's why it bother you so much. It puts your phone at crappiest line of phones. What you are forgetting it 5-6 years ago your phone would be a luxury. Companies need to promote their products in order to make sales, to make you feel you need something better what you already own.

Don't sweat it, anytime someone points out that I have something budget I just tell them I have no debts, savings, retirement plan, have no issue helping my parents/relatives financially and I don't lose sleep at night over "what's going to happen tomorrow"

 

[MoodyBlues]

Low end or budget I don't mind but entry level suggests that I plan on moving up to a higher priced device and I actually find the term somewhat insulting.

I find it insulting, too, although not for the exact same reason you do. To me, it implies that its potential customer base consists of new users. From there, I agree with your take on everything, such as choosing the device that best suits one's needs and price range. If that happens to be a low-end device, so be it--that doesn't mean the person is a new user or planning on moving up to a more expensive device later.

I still take care of my phone as if it were a $500 device. I have a case and screen protector. Just because it is inexpensive doesn't mean I don't want to keep it in top condition.

This is how I treat everything I own--and ever have owned--regardless of their value/cost. I LIKE taking good care of my things, and I especially like getting years and years of use out of them. Sounds like we're on the same page.

A co-worker with an iPhone asked me the other day why I even bothered protecting such an inexpensive phone.

 

[jmcook79]

I see what you mean about new users, like a budget phone is somehow easier to learn or use than a flagship phone!

I think the reason some people are surprised I'm using a low end phone, and before that a feature phone, is because I fix computers on the side for extra money so I'm well known at work and with my friends as "the computer guy". I guess they are surprised I'm not on the cutting edge of everything. Even my laptop only cost $300 and it works fine for me, I use it mainly to watch videos, email, pay bills, Facebook etc. Most of the computers I've fixed have been more expensive than anything I've ever owned!

It doesn't bother me as much now knowing that others can at least see my point.

 

[jefboyardee]

I really don’t care what they call my Huawei Ascend 2. I’m also cheap by necessity and the phone does more than I ever expected a phone to do. I might use it even if money was no object. So go ahead and thumb your collective noses.

 

[Codegerm]

That term doesn't bother me at all. I have a Prevail that fits that description, and I didn't mind that it is an entry level device. It still runs great and I have service on it still.

 

[mrsmumbles]

My Hydro is a very difficult phone. In fact I wonder about the connotations of "entry level" because you'd think any "entry level" machine would be easier for newbies to use, not harder. It's a badge of honor to use something like a Hydro because it's such a frustrating device and I think you learn more using something like that. Especially if you end up learning how to root it.

Your snotty iPhone using coworker probably doesn't learn much at all in comparison.

 

[mikedt]

"entry level" in terms of price and affordability maybe? Although I myself prefer to use the term budget or low-cost, or sometimes "cheapo", if it's really cheap and not particularly clever.

 

[SiempreTuna]

Why does it bother you so much? Entry level, so what. It's just a marketing term

It bothers people because it's designed to bother people: it's trying to subtely insult you in order to push you into spending more money.

Sadly, it works. Which is why nearly all companies do it: I have a recent 3 series BMW - hardly a cheap car - and the first marketing e-mail I got from BMW basically told me: welcome to the 'family' .. cheapskate. How about you buy one of our decent cars next time?

Personally, I take some pride in being tight. A primary reason I got the Nexus 4 was because it was cheap. I keep my ageing contract because it's super cheap ($16/month) .. I'm fortunate (/old) enough to afford to pay more, I just object to doing so

One of the most successful people I've met (a music producer / property developer) had a moto that the easiest buck you'll ever make is the one you don't spend :rock:

I drive old vehicles

It is the most cost effective way to run a vehicle. Bar none.

My last car was 9 years old with 130K on the clock when I sold it. Only reason I changed was it was starting to be less reliable and was therefore costing me money (the only thing I know about cars is that the dirty bit under the front lid is called an 'engine' ).

 

[DanJ]

Its good to blow up your frustration sometimes, but to be very true you do not need to get frustrated for this reason.

People are crazy, especially those who hold high-end devices just as a status symbol.

From my view, you need to have a phone that fulfill your requirements. And as you said you finds your device a perfect fit for you, just don't bother about others.

 

[unnamedny]

It bothers people because it's designed to bother people: it's trying to subtely insult you in order to push you into spending more money.

Sadly, it works. Which is why nearly all companies do it: I have a recent 3 series BMW - hardly a cheap car - and the first marketing e-mail I got from BMW basically told me: welcome to the 'family' .. cheapskate. How about you buy one of our decent cars next time?

I have to agree with you. What would be a better term for an entry level? To me, it sounds like all of them would be an insult. Would it make you feel any better if they called it a budget BMW, trying to tell you that you bought that one just because you could no afford 5th series. Low cost? Cheap? inexpensive?

I would not be happy with any of this terms.

 

[EarlyMon]

You want a steak, they sell the sizzle.

 

[MLSS]

I am happy with my low end phone (Samsung Galaxy Rush)
My last phone was an LG Marquee. I need a phone do do what I need it to do. I don't care what people call it as long as it works for me and is within my budget.

It wasn't that long ago that anyone that used prepaid phone service was looked down on by the folks getting ripped off with a contract.
My oh my how things have changed lol


There are a few folks on here who get a little crazy over these 600 dollar phones and I am happy for them. Just remember, that technology will males it way down to the lower end devices very soon.

 

[jmcook79]

I drive old vehicles.

Add me to the list. I've been driving a 93 Honda Civic for 6 years which now has 225k on it. I just spent $2000 to get new head gaskets, clutch, clutch arm, and a bunch of other repairs and people ask me why I don't just buy a new car. Because I STILL have no car payment! I took out a small loan for the repairs and it is a very small payment which is almost paid off and now I'll get many more miles out of her!

 

[SiempreTuna]

What would be a better term for an entry level?

I don't really see why there's a need to refer to it at all.

It's not like they mention it in the advertising: the tag line for the 3 series isn't "Well, at least it's not a 1 series"

As for the $600 phones: I think they're gorgeous. Certainly better looking and more capable than my cheapskate phone. I get why you'd want one and I get that they're absolutely right for a lot of people - I'm just not one of them.

I'm way too much of a tightwad. My pleasure comes from getting a phone that does everything I need and cost me a fraction of the price. S4 owners may feel slightly superior because they have a cool phone in their hand, I feel slightly superior because I still have $300 in mine

 

[jmcook79]

Sadly, it works. I have a recent 3 series BMW - hardly a cheap car - and the first marketing e-mail I got from BMW basically told me: welcome to the 'family' .. cheapskate. How about you buy one of our decent cars next time?

WOW

 

[Codegerm]

Sadly, it works. Which is why nearly all companies do it: I have a recent 3 series BMW - hardly a cheap car - and the first marketing e-mail I got from BMW basically told me: welcome to the 'family' .. cheapskate. How about you buy one of our decent cars next time?

Did you email them back saying something like, "I plan to buy a Ford Focus as my next car. It is more affordable"..

 

[sfbloodbrother]

It bothers people because it's designed to bother people: it's trying to subtely insult you in order to push you into spending more money.

Sadly, it works. Which is why nearly all companies do it: I have a recent 3 series BMW - hardly a cheap car - and the first marketing e-mail I got from BMW basically told me: welcome to the 'family' .. cheapskate. How about you buy one of our decent cars next time?

Seriously? Wow, I would never buy a BMW if they tell me something like that.

 

[SiempreTuna]

Yeah, it was obviously more subtle than "How about you buy one of our decent cars next time?" but that was the clear take away I got reading it ..

Like I say, I think it's pretty common: I had an 7-ish year old, bottom-of-the-range Porsche years ago and when I took it to the dealer for a service, the mechanic barely even tried to conceal his sneer. And he f***ed up the service: left a cable loose so the car kept randomly missing.

Needless to say, it didn't go back to Porsche a second time. The local specialist did a better job for half the price. Still ridiculously expensive - this was 25 years ago and it still cost around double what I paid to service my Audi last year (the BMW hasn't needed a service yet). And it completely failed to impress any girls. The only time a girl ever commented, she said "What is this car? I don't like it. I think guys are looking at me then I realise they're looking at the car."

 

[Codegerm]

Yeah, it was obviously more subtle than "How about you buy one of our decent cars next time?" but that was the clear take away I got reading it ..

Like I say, I think it's pretty common: I had an 7-ish year old, bottom-of-the-range Porsche years ago and when I took it to the dealer for a service, the mechanic barely even tried to conceal his sneer. And he f***ed up the service: left a cable loose so the car kept randomly missing.

Needless to say, it didn't go back to Porsche a second time. The local specialist did a better job for half the price. Still ridiculously expensive - this was 25 years ago and it still cost around double what I paid to service my Audi last year (the BMW hasn't needed a service yet). And it completely failed to impress any girls. The only time a girl ever commented, she said "What is this car? I don't like it. I think guys are looking at me then I realise they're looking at the car."

I never would take my car to the dealer for service, They are always overpriced. Unless it requires some tool I don't have, I normally do my own service work. I also wouldn't get a car to "impress the girls". Generally you find the wrong kind of girls, if you are trying to impress them with a car..

 

[nickdalzell]

my car is a 1992 Pontiac Bonneville i got from a junkyard for even trade of an older, land yacht of a car known as a Chrysler Fifth Avenue. it needed some minor stuff and has recently had a water pump and alternator swap (done by me, of course, i work on my own stuff) and now has 271K on it. still looks like new inside and out and runs perfectly. i prefer my tech on the modern side and do like the way newer cars look, but the Bonneville SSE ages rather well, has a lot of that same gadgetry inside (Head-up display, electronic climate control, digital information center and compass, all working) and hardly comes off as a 20-year old plus car.

 

[SiempreTuna]

I never would take my car to the dealer for service, They are always overpriced. Unless it requires some tool I don't have, I normally do my own service work

Have to say, I do tend to go to main dealers as (ignoring the fact I know zero about cars), it's a condition of the warranty (as long as that lasts) and also having a main dealer service history adds quite a bit to the resale value.

Not sure why I feel that's important, given I tend to drive my cars till they die, but there you go ..

I also wouldn't get a car to "impress the girls". Generally you find the wrong kind of girls, if you are trying to impress them with a car..

I was young. I was ugly. I didn't know any better ..