I have basically all notifications off (really only for calls, texts, and alarms), which minimizes the downsides
having maps / search available all the time is really convenient. I used to spend a lot of effort either looking up directions or being lost, now I don’t
I’ve found that using my phone to triage emails / rss / whatever is faster than on a full computer, because of the touchscreen
it functions as a mobile hot spot (not sure if older phones do this) so when it’s nice out I can sit in the park and work, which is pretty pleasant
it converts small amounts of downtime into interesting reading opportunities (not really roi, but enjoyable)
Generally speaking, the smartphone keeps my tools close to me instead of at home. I use anki, beeminder, my calendar and other electronic assistance heavily, so I think that might be why I get more value out of it.
I’m either at my computer or class with little time between, so there isn’t much downtime for me to even use my phone. It is just an alarm clock people can talk to me from.
Admittedly I do have a tablet, but for the most part it is used for taking notes and so it may as well be replaced by a paper notebook, but I’m a sucker for OneNote. Because I spend every non-class minute walking or at home I’ve yet to give my tablet another role beyond that since my desktop is so much superior.
To flesh out my opinion:
I have basically all notifications off (really only for calls, texts, and alarms), which minimizes the downsides
having maps / search available all the time is really convenient. I used to spend a lot of effort either looking up directions or being lost, now I don’t
I’ve found that using my phone to triage emails / rss / whatever is faster than on a full computer, because of the touchscreen
it functions as a mobile hot spot (not sure if older phones do this) so when it’s nice out I can sit in the park and work, which is pretty pleasant
it converts small amounts of downtime into interesting reading opportunities (not really roi, but enjoyable)
Generally speaking, the smartphone keeps my tools close to me instead of at home. I use anki, beeminder, my calendar and other electronic assistance heavily, so I think that might be why I get more value out of it.
My first thought: “Oh, you leave your house.”
I’m either at my computer or class with little time between, so there isn’t much downtime for me to even use my phone. It is just an alarm clock people can talk to me from.
Admittedly I do have a tablet, but for the most part it is used for taking notes and so it may as well be replaced by a paper notebook, but I’m a sucker for OneNote. Because I spend every non-class minute walking or at home I’ve yet to give my tablet another role beyond that since my desktop is so much superior.