A lot has changed since the first commercial cell phone call was placed in 1983. The "brick" was replaced by smaller "bricks," that eventually led to the banana-phone made famous in The Matrix. There's even a site for fans of old cell phones, and a video morphing cell phones from 1985 to a first-generation iPhone.
One difference between 1985 and now is the number of subscribers: 340,000 then, compared with over 260 million at the end of '08. Another is price. The "brick," more formally the Motorola DynaTAC, cost $3,995 when it hit the scene in 1983. That's $8,677 in today's dollars.
Today, prices aren't quite so steep. Lots of phones cost nothing with a 2-year agreement, or have a steep price discount--like Google's new Nexus One phone--when you sign up for a plan. But there are plenty of people (42% to be exact) who feel trapped with their plan because of cancellation fees that can be hundreds of dollars.
There is hope. Sites like cellSwapper.com and celltradeusa.com allow you to dump your contract without a termination fee by hooking up with another person who wants to adopt it. Great for the 42% of teens who say they can text blindfolded, and those who weren't looking when they signed on with their service provider.
--Brandon
Hi there Brandon,
It has been a while since I was here, Hope you are doing well, and staying away from the flu and colds that are going around.
Interesting reading, I didn't know Cell Phones had been around that lond, and shame on me, I don't even have one yet. Giggle.
I love your photo here it is a real good one. Hugs Rosalyn
Good for you for resisting the masses!
While we at brass appreciate technology, it always goes back to the trusted adage: everything in moderation.
Thanks for checking in!
--Brandon
I bought an iPhone recently, and I've found a lot of great apps to help you save money and stick to a budget. Check out my list at http://blog.greensherpa.com/index.php/personal-finance/best-personal-fin...
Allison -
Liked your list! But I am supremely disappointed that Doodle Jump wasn't on there. You may ask yourself what Doodle Jump has to do with personal finances? To that I say, if you've ever bet your sibling that you could beat his score, lost, and then challenged him to double-or-nothing, you will quickly find out.
--Brandon
Haha I'll take your advice and give Doodle Jump a try...
My blog also published an article on some simple ways to save money on your cell phone bill. Check it out!
http://blog.greensherpa.com/index.php/personal-finance/the-frugal-studen...
Great article!
Thanks for stopping by!
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