Re: frugal "emergency" cell phone

On 30 Nov 2003 22:48:46 -0800, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Larisa) wrote:

>> There is a huge difference between "want" and "need". I seriously
>> question your need for a cell phone. You want one, and that's
>> OK too, as long as you recognize that you want it, but don't
>> really need it.
 
>> Cars have been in general use for what, eighty years
>> now. Cell phones have been popular with the general
>> public for what, ten or twelve years now.
 
>> What did people do for the seventy or so years in between.
>> They obviously didn't *need* cell phones. Driving cars has
>> been going on for many decated without the need for a
>> cell phone.

>Yup, but pay phones were a lot more widespread.  And if one is driving
>a not-very-reliable car for long distances, especially if the weather
>is bad, it qualifies as a legitimate need to be able to call for help
>if your car is stalled on a deserted highway and the weather is -30F. 
>What did people do before cell phones, in such situations?  They froze
>to death, that's what.


Come now, Larisa. If someone is so far out in the boonies that there
aren't any cars, houses, or pay phones nearby, then their cell phone
likely won't work either. Only about 67% of the US has cellular
coverage. I don't recall anyone freezing to death, over the years, in
a situation where a cell phone would have saved them. Instead, many
people have died and been injured in the last 10 years due to drivers
being distracted by their double tasking while at the wheel, and
causing accidents. 


Caveat