Upgrading

After weeks of research and much discussion with those who seem to know, I have finally upgraded my cell phone. The big question:  should I get the iPhone 7  or the newer iPhone 8?  (I didn’t even consider the new iPhone 10 because I figured the learning curve would be overwhelming).  I even discussed the issue with my young barber friend while getting a haircut.   He hardly ever talks while trimming away my grey locks, but, given my question, he became an animated conversationalist. He just happened to be a technological guru when it came to cell phones—a “walking encyclopedia.”  It was perhaps the longest haircut I’ve ever had. I felt obligated to give him a big tip, not so much for the prolonged haircut,  but for his sharing of his expansive knowledge and recommendations.

My iPhone 5 was purchased “secondhand” a few years ago to replace my antique flip-top phone that had been my companion for a number of years. That up-grade from the flip-top to the iPhone 5 was a gigantic learning curve.  So why would I want to upgrade and experience my ineptness in technology all over again?  My excuse for considering a new iPhone was rather flimsy.  It was based on the fact that my phone seemed to need constant recharging.  Why not, I contemplated, buy a new battery rather than upgrading? My barber told me nobody bothered these days to replace a cell phone battery, and that was all it took for me to consider a new phone. To be really honest and straight-forward, I must confess,  I really wanted to be up-to-date, and like the kid at Christmastime,  I wanted a new technological toy.

My youngest son, Luke, advised me on how to transfer the stuff from the old phone to the new  one using iTunes—and it worked like a charm, even for me.  The new phone was activated online rather than by a phone call so I didn’t have to reveal my technological ignorance with some stranger.  The new iPhone is slim and slippery and with my arthritic hands I knew I would need a protective case to keep a firm grip on it.  I realized, too, that I probably needed a protective screen cover to prevent it from becoming all scratched up like my old phone. These were ordered online and were delivered the next day! What an adventure it has been to get a new iPhone.  Only one problem occurred—I forgot my new passcode!  Fortunately, the new phone recognizes my thumbprint—unless I happen to turn the phone off!