Light Phone asks, “How much is you time worth?”. Refreshing. Excited for January
@tinyroofnail They say they'll support my Light Phone 2 forever, but all the 3 hype makes me a bit nervous.
@JohnBrady Apologies for being part of the 3 hype. Though, in fairness, it’s your fault for recommending the company 🙂
@tinyroofnail I've followed the development of the Light Phone a bit but I've never heard from an actual user. Due to my work, I'm obliged to walk around with a smartphone that includes Outlook and Teams. But outside of work, I would be very interested in something like this. How do you like it?
@willtmonroe I don’t have it yet. I preordered their third version as soon as I heard of it. They say they’re still on track for January. But that will be my first Light Phone. @JohnBrady is the person to ask, though. He has spoken highly of the Light Phone II.
I have a Tracfone fliphone for when I want to be less distracted, but it’s been too easy to cheat. I travel a lot right now, and my plan for next year is Light Phone III + iPad. I’ll still have what I need — web, maps, email — when I really need it, but without the pocket-size mega-distracting data sucker to check every 5 seconds. I plan to follow up when I see how that works
@JohnBrady No problem, I'm on their mailing list so I get it all anyway. If you end up getting a LP3 you can tell me what you think.
@tinyroofnail Thank you for sharing your plan! The scenario you describe, Light Phone III + a second device with other capabilities that can be connected when needed, is exactly what I had in mind. In my case, just keeping my existing smartphone would probably work just fine.
@JohnBrady have you written about your Light Phone II elsewhere? I'd be interested in any impressions you might share. It just struck me that in addition to my work obligations (ie, Outlook, Teams), I have a herd of communication apps related to my children (ie, Dojo, GroupMe) that I would have a hard time leaving behind.
@willtmonroe I don't think I've written about my Light Phone II at any length. I love the size (about as big as a credit card, about 1/4 inch thick) and basic functionality. There are a few doo-dads (timer, alarm, music player) but basically it just phones and texts. I like the e-ink display; one reason is that it gives the phone great battery life. If you want more (browser etc.) it's definitely not for you. As for communication apps, I take a hard line: every phone comes with texting, so anyone who wants to communicate with me can text. Incidentally, when people include photos in texts, the photos are automatically emailed to you, so you can look at them on your computer when you get home. You can get an inexpensive ($30/month) phone plan from the Light Phone people.
@willtmonroe Following this Light Phone convo too — do you know if you can keep the same number for both?
@willtmonroe I have a LPII for a personal phone and an iPhone for work. It hasn't worked perfectly, mostly because of 1) need for camera for "out" tasks (shopping, picking up the right thing, car accident record keeping). I use a DJI osmo with LPII or an ipod touch for those. but it means I just carry lots of devices vs iPhone. Ideally, I would have LPII and an iPad mini with Cellular, which covers a lot of my daily use + disconnected from always on, and carry iPad mini into the store, etc when needed. I really like having a device that means one doesn't install the app to function: concert tickets are hardcopy, flights etc. Digital dependence for a digital 'wallet' is bad...
@ablerism I don't think it's possible to keep the same phone number for both a smartphone and a LP.
As I was waiting for the bus with my kids this morning and receiving the cascade of GroupMe messages from parents further up the route, I was concerned that moving my personal cell number to a LP would preclude my ability to use the app. This one app is used for so much kid-related communication.
After a little research, I think I would be fine to move my cell number and leave GM on my smartphone. But the powered down smartphone in a bag would probably need to travel with me. I have to think about
@jonah I appreciate your lived experience of having multiple devices and shifting to analog means. I think I'd probably have two devices with me. Are the LP builds good? Built to last?
@willtmonroe with a case I think they are. I think it's too delicate without one. I use the official Light Phone one for a while and then found a wallet case on Amazon, that is very good. Battery life on mine does not last a long time, I've run it through many many cycles over three years. For a season, I used it all the time as a hotspot and that will blow through battery like nothing else.