SIM = Subscriber Identity Module. It's a tiny printed circuit board that contains your phone's ID# and other information. It identifies your specific device to the communication network. Some SIM cards are carrier-specific; that is, if you use Verizon's services then you need a Verizon SIM card in your phone. These plug in (and out) pretty easily. You need to work with your carrier (the folks who provide your cell service) on this. They can order you a SIM card, and they can install it. And I'm like many others here. I've had a smartphone for years and rarely use it for anything other than phone calls and texts. I don't browse the internet with it (such a small screen) or play games (such a small screen.) I do like the Walmart app, though, and use it frequently. Makes shopping in the stores (Walmart and others) so much easier.
Do we need to dig up that old thread about Hal buying a tablet at Best Buys? My memory is a bit foggy concerning that thread, but somehow my mind's eye sees it best to leave that thread in rigor mortise.
I had a smart phone but lost it in the hay. (dead battery) As we get down in hay, hopefully before the new stuff is delivered, I will take a metal detector to try to find it. (I digress) I have a $4 refurbished flip phone from tracfone that can take pictures, get email, browse the internet, tell me where I am (but not where my other phone is)... What do I know how to do with it? Make phone calls. I can now text, though, tapping the numbers on the phone feverishly to get to the right letters, take pictures...If I were going to travel, I could put the apps on the phone that I need to communicate with for travel. I will NEVER put on the amazon app as I spend too much there already.
I agree, @Faye Fox . We have several threads from Hal deciding he wants to buy a cellphone (smartphone or otherwise) and then at the end declaring that he would never own such a device for any reason. I am expecting this thread to go the same route, and not sure where Hal intends to use the smartphone if he actually did get one.
I've mentioned that the only app I have ever installed on any phone is the Walmart app, primarily because of its in-store functions and the ability to scan bar codes in any other business and see what Walmart's price is.
Ben stopped nibbling his apple. Tom swept his brush daintily back and forth – stepped back to note the effect – added a touch here and there – criticised the effect again – Ben watching every move and getting more and more interested, more and more absorbed. Presently he said: “Say, Tom, let me whitewash a little.”
I ordered a Jitterbug 3 Smartphone Made by Lively, and its loaded with too much information! Nowhere in any of the paperwork does it say Jitterbug...just Lively Smart. The owners manual itself has 151 pages, and the terms used to explain the functions need explaining themselves! And this is supposed to be a simple phone that Seniors can understand? It comes with a transparent screen-saver, a soft case, a car charger, a wall charger, a stylus, and some other little clip thing. Whew! Hal
Your caretakers should be able to help you set it up and show you how to work it, @Hal Pollner . You will need to choose a cell carrier, and they can also help you set up the phone, unless Lively is also a carrier for their phones.
AlI I want out of a phone is to be able to send for help in case of an emergency and nothing more. That's smart enough for me.
When I ordered it, I agreed to pay the $35 "phone activation" setup fee, so it should be "set up". I'll see..... Hal