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Thread: Best dumb phone for seniors?

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    Default Best dumb phone for seniors?

    What's the best cell phone for technophobe seniors (70+)?

    I need it to be reliable and options free. Just contact list and dial pad will be use.

    Are there any Android apps that turn older droid phone into easy to use dumb phone?

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    Just get a $30 flip phone. If you want something durable, get a Samsung Rugby (flip phone version, not smart phone). Waterproof, and pretty damned shockproof. I dropped our work cell 18' onto concrete and barely made a scratch.
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    Default Re: Best dumb phone for seniors?

    Originally posted by Xtrema
    What's the best cell phone for technophobe seniors (70+)?

    I need it to be reliable and options free. Just contact list and dial pad will be use.

    Are there any Android apps that turn older droid phone into easy to use dumb phone?
    Honestly, i think smart phones are easier to use than dumb phones. Generally, they have a larger screen which is easier to see, accessibility options, and the menus are easier to navigate.

    The inlaws just switched to iphones and they couldn't be happier. They are pretty easy to use. I HATE apple but for them, the simplicity of the iphone was a no brainer.

    They also started using more advanced features because they were now available (advanced being simple web browsing and facebook apps).

    Take them to the store and have them play around with them. You'd be surprised how well they will catch on.

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    I recently got my grand dad an iPhone because he didn't like his old school flip phone anymore. He wanted to learn the new stuff as he put it. Let's just say that he's having quite a hard time doing that. Don't get them an iPhone that's for sure unless they specifically ask for a smart phone like my grand dad did. lol

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    Originally posted by shakalaka
    I recently got my grand dad an iPhone because he didn't like his old school flip phone anymore. He wanted to learn the new stuff as he put it. Let's just say that he's having quite a hard time doing that. Don't get them an iPhone that's for sure unless they specifically ask for a smart phone like my grand dad did. lol
    I had the complete opposite experience...my parents are both pretty technologically illiterate, but they both got iphones/ipads and figured them all out in no time, without even having to bug me for help. I'd say they're easier than the "dumb" phones..

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    My parents are fine with them too. I am talking about my grand dad. He is in mid 80's and has now forgotten all about computers even. He used to be able to check/send e-mails but doesn't remember much of that anymore either.

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    dunno if you can get them up here, but yeah:

    http://www.jitterbugdirect.com/

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    the biggest problem with a smartphone i can think of other than adapting to technology would be battery life. My grandmother is mid 70's and her old nokia that has a 6 day battery life seldom is charged. She will charge it then leave in her purse for a week then go to use it and battery is dead. An iphone or smartphone this would happen far too frequently.

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    How about a Samsung S275? Cheap ($25-30) and can be unlocked for free.

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    Originally posted by Mosquito_R
    How about a Samsung S275? Cheap ($25-30) and can be unlocked for free.
    Where can I get one?

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    If you can find an ancient RAZR they seem indestructable...

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    Originally posted by Xtrema


    Where can I get one?
    It's on sale sometimes as a Bell prepaid phone at Futureshop or Best Buy. Look online for the free unlock trick. It's not really an unlock code as it resets the imei to all zeroes. But for $30 it's worth it. Just wait for it to be on sale.
    PS. On sale until this Thursday at Future Shop for 29.99.
    Last edited by Mosquito_R; 10-16-2013 at 05:48 PM.

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    .
    Last edited by Cos; 12-29-2016 at 11:23 AM.
    Originally posted by adam c

    Line goes up, line goes down, line does squiggly things and fucks Alberta
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    I saw a commercial on TV a couple of weeks ago advertising the fact the phone can be put into "simple mode" for those who only wanted the basics of a smartphone. Maybe someone can recall the make and model? It was not an iPhone for sure.

    For what it is worth, everyone in my family, aged from 10 to 80ish all have iPhones. The older crowd was on Blackberry.... yeah that went real well....
    Last edited by CanmoreOrLess; 10-16-2013 at 07:14 PM.

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    This free app available in Canada for the iPhone. I am not sure if there are hidden fees, etc:

    https://itunes.apple.com/app/silverl...641458230?mt=8

    http://silverline.mobi/apps/

    There is also a Doro flip phone from Rogers, this model is geared to the older user:

    http://www.dorocanada.com

    http://www.rogers.com/web/link/wirel...+11+4294948711
    Last edited by CanmoreOrLess; 10-16-2013 at 07:26 PM.

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