Wednesday, June 30, 2010

truth in advertising


I'm not all that good at actually, um, purchasing stuff that I want -- even stuff I really, really want.

Though we got rid of our old tv back in August 2009, we got a new one only a few weeks ago. And when I say "we," what I mean is that I, personally, had nothing to do with it.

Similarly, I still haven't managed to come up with a persuasive rationalization to replace my wildly outdated cell phone or to get a new camera to replace the one I broke before Ruby was born.

Anyone have a way of convincing myself that it's absolutely necessary that I acquire a smart phone? As in (fill in the blank): Niobe needs to shell out a hefty monthly fee for an expensive new toy even though she seldom remembers to charge her current phone because ______.

On the camera front, I've been fairly happily making do with a teeny tiny Canon Ixus 100IS.

The other day, I was using the macro feature to take photos of various things on my desk (make up, plastic snakes, mini dinosaurs, toy cars), when I noticed something that most of us living in this all-too-unfair world could probably use. See close-up below.

In case you can't make out the label, it reads: FAIR: to use: apply as needed

As, you know, if.


13 comments:

areyoukiddingme said...

How big is that? Because I'm gonna need a whole lot of that to apply around here! Fair is almost completely unheard of.

I recently got a smartphone, of the berry type. I do like to check my email, read blog posts, and have GPS. It's nice. However, the phone portion suuuuucks. We cannot get any kind of reception inside our house. I'm not sure if it's the phone or the service (Sprint). They do have the best package for the price. Unlimited data and messaging, unlimited minutes to other cell phones, you only use your minutes for calls to land lines. (Also, you might ask for discounts based on your employer. And you might want to say that your employer is Home Depot) I could live without the smartphone, but it makes it a lot easier to get around the internet blocking at work!

Rachel said...

You don't need a smartphone. But they're kinda fun.

Melissa said...

I have a Verizon smart phone, but no data plan. I can't see myself paying an extra $40-50 a month when the times I would actually use it are minimal.

I only take solace in that, with this phone purchase, I'll probably never have to upgrade again. Or at least not for a long time. In theory.

Kristin said...

Hell, I'm not a good one to convince you to buy a Smart phone. I don't even have a cell phone yet.

Like the picture.

Furrow said...

That's funny. I've been using fair products since I was 13 or so. Just about the time when I really could've used an extra dose of it. I'd say the coverage is spotty, at best, though maybe I just don't use enough. I can't really complain. At least I'm not using burnt toast, or something ominous like that.

Nah, you don't need a smart phone. Just another thing to feel bad about when you lose or break it.

leanne said...

I, too, have a very, very old phone -- I can't even remember when I got it (it's so old it doesn't even have a camera on it). But I do know my husband has gotten at least one or two new phones since then (we originally had the same phone). And I'm also bad about charging my phone. I'm not sure I'm worthy of a fancy new one. Except that I can tell my phone is slowly dying on me.

Maybe you just need to have someone else do the purchasing for you. Like the TV.

diana said...

Steve Jobs said that if one wants, ummm, you know, p-o-r-n app, one should use an Android. Just keeping you informed!


Excuse me...

As for Fair-careful with the unused/rarely used make-up; they say it's a heaven for bad-bad germs. Not that i know from experience, no-no-no!!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm no fan of smart-phones. I need a "device I can talk into, hear and be heard". For everything else, I have a computer and camera (speaking of: as usual I looove your pictures).

Plus, I'm way too clumsy for an expensive phone. Mine is probably made for handymen, I dropped it quite often - and it still works.

painted maypole said...

hmmm... my husband could convince you of any of that... he can rationalize buying ANYTHING. I am way more like you.

AnnaBelle said...

Oooh yes, a Fair Stick! Something very similar to the Easy Button.

Regarding fancy electronics, if what you have works for you why spend the money to change it. Sometimes I think people are too busy with their smart phones to be present where they actually are.

Stacy said...

I have a 5 year old Razr phone and no need to get a smart phone. My husband WANTS me to get a Droid, but I don't see the need. I'm already attached to the computer most hours of the day...so why do I need a phone to further enhance that?? Plus, I hate talking on the phone.

So...I guess I'm not much help in convincing you to get a new phone. ;)

Jen said...

I don't see the need for me and I'm too cheap to buy one. I don't like the way the iPhone has taken over my husband and his family. It's very insidious - they are all attached to their phones even more than before. Tiiiiiiime suck.

I even had to ban the thing at the kitchen table: I don't care if you need to know the answer to that question right now, you can wait. Yes, really. Thankfully the person in question doesn't take calls at the table but he does in the john. Ewwwwwww.

In any case, I only remember to charge my cell when it bleats it's sad "I'm dyyyyying" little bleat.

Maggie said...

I never thought I needed a smart phone, and I couldn't imagine paying for a data plan for one. Heck, I hardly ever even texted.

Then I got one...and I was hooked. I even upgraded to...gasp!...an iPhone. And I love it and use it all the time. For everything. On the days that I am busy I never even open my laptop to use the computer -- I can get all my email, etc from my phone.

You certainly don't need one...but I will be the first to admit that they make an awfully fun toy. They also make great child entertainers if you happen to be caught with an unexpected wait somewhere...