SAHMs - Do you use a smartphone?

kimeve

I am due for an upgrade on my phone. I have a super basic make calls and text phone. I went in today to see what my options were and I'm tempted by the smartphones. Mostly I want new toy, something for just me

So I figured taking/sending pictures and videos would be fun, esp because of the LO. But as a SAHM it's not like I've got to check business emails all the time. I figured there are probably some pretty cool apps that might be helpful. So if you stay at home, do you have a smartphone, and if so, how do you use it in your stay at home life?

Sunidaze

I am not a SAHM, but do have a smartphone.  That phone is used for absolutely nothing work-related if that makes you feel any better when considering purchasing one.  I use it to take pictures of Stella (and upload to FB or send to those that aren't on FB), take videos of Stella, FB, Bump, Angry Birds (I think I previously established that I am an AB addict), read (I have the kindle app on there as well as having two kindles), check my yahoo email, even my bank account.  In the first few weeks after Stella was born, I even used it for middle of the night baby care research.

DramaMama06

BrandySun:

I am not a SAHM, but do have a smartphone.  That phone is used for absolutely nothing work-related if that makes you feel any better when considering purchasing one.  I use it to take pictures of Stella (and upload to FB or send to those that aren't on FB), take videos of Stella, FB, Bump, Angry Birds (I think I previously established that I am an AB addict), read (I have the kindle app on there as well as having two kindles), check my yahoo email, even my bank account.  In the first few weeks after Stella was born, I even used it for middle of the night baby care research.

all of this! i'm not a SAHM and it's not used for anything work related.

i don't even use my POS camera or my flip video b.c the camera on my phone is way nicer and i can directly upload to FB. i have also used the MP3 player to play white noise and music for LO. mine has a GPS too. idk what i did before it had it! lol!

Nickiechan

I am a part time SAHM... and YES! I was just talking to DH about this last night. I think I would have given up breastfeeding if it wasn't for my Samsung Infuse Android phone. I check facebook, do bills (LOL!), stalk the bump, stalk TBW(The babywearer), and keep up with the news. It keeps me sane. I also agree with PP I use my instant uploader to upload photos and videos of LO to share with family and friends. I use the camera on my phone then I use my Flip video and PAS camera. I also use Sky.FM App which is a Online music channel that has a Relaxation station that helps put LO down for sleep.

KYBABY2011

I have an iPhone which is how I bump most times. I would love a new one. I am constantly taking pictures of ds and sending them to family. I'm on fb some throughout the day. When ds was newborn, I would track feedings and diaper changes. I have the kindle app but not much time to read. I use grocery iq to make lists. There's plenty of helpful apps but I mainly use it to entertain myself. Lol

Sunidaze

DramaMama06:

BrandySun:

I am not a SAHM, but do have a smartphone.  That phone is used for absolutely nothing work-related if that makes you feel any better when considering purchasing one.  I use it to take pictures of Stella (and upload to FB or send to those that aren't on FB), take videos of Stella, FB, Bump, Angry Birds (I think I previously established that I am an AB addict), read (I have the kindle app on there as well as having two kindles), check my yahoo email, even my bank account.  In the first few weeks after Stella was born, I even used it for middle of the night baby care research.

all of this! i'm not a SAHM and it's not used for anything work related.

i don't even use my POS camera or my flip video b.c the camera on my phone is way nicer and i can directly upload to FB. i have also used the MP3 player to play white noise and music for LO. mine has a GPS too. idk what i did before it had it! lol!

Forgot about the GPS - yep, I've definitely used that frequently!  As a test, when we were in Atlanta a year ago, we used both my phone GPS and our hand held GPS and the phone got us to our destination quicker.

amanda1680

I SAH and just got an iPhone a few months ago. I had an ancient flip phone and when I decided to finally upgrade, of course the guy talked me into an iPhone. I use it to take pics, videos, get on FB, bump, pinterest, and of course play games. It prolly wasn't necessary for me to get one, but it sure is fun

thomas2013

I am a SAHM and I have a droid I love it! I can bump, upload, FB all from my phone. Not to mention when I am out somewhere and need to look up something. When I would have to take DS to the OB with my or the hospital it kept him busy too. I love it (I think I already said that LOL)

CantWait2Be

I have an iPhone and dont use it for work. I'm not a sahm though. I use the timer when I pump, take pics and video of the kids, check Fb, the bump, email, play angry birds sometimes, look up a recipe here and there. Love it. I do wonder if there is a way to pip on tb from it though. Anyone know?

chuicafina

I'm a SAHM and I absolutely love my iPhone. Like the PPs said, I use it to take pictures of LO, check email, FB, TB, get directions when I'm going somewhere new. I also use the Yelp app a lot to search for things nearby (like if I need an ATM and I don't know the area, or if I'm looking for the nearest BRU, Jo-anns fabrics, Starbucks....you get the picture).

Oh I also use the "notes" to keep track of LOs milestones, and I have a grocery list app that I use all the time too. 

EMLYNNLERETTE

I use mine for all of the same reasons as above.  I wouldn't say I am in love with it though, I just have it because my husband likes to download apps for me to feel useful... I don't use any of them though!

nirern626

I mostly SAH and have an iPhone. I'm not sure how I ever lived without it. There's nothing I don't do on my phone. You can pip on TB using the photobucket app and with the 4s you no longer have to turn JavaScript off to post. I do FB, TB, games, I even watch Netflix stuff in my phone. Can't say enough good things about it!

foxisoxy128

I love my iPhone! We are an Apple family and have never looked back. I use it for pictures/videos and the face2face chat with out of town relatives/friends. I have a few baby apps that keep H occupied like cartoon animals dancing and singing. Instagram is probably my favorite one though.

MrsPBNJ0220

I just got one, but not for purposes like that.  If I had an Itouch I would use that for the purpose of apps and stuff.  However, I have my Samsung Tablet and that is what I have all the apps on.  I would be fine because of that without a smartphone.

klv

With my LO, I rarely have the chance to sit at a computer. My iPhone is my life. I would not have as many pics as I do if not for my iPhone. It's my connection to the world....email, FB, bump, recipes, ect.

 

waterfall11

I have a smart phone because we own a business and wanted to see emails as soon as they arrive even when out and about. I dont feel that I need it now that I have access to a computer more frequently, but it is still nice to have. 

ladybear06

I have the Samsung Galaxy s2. Honestly I don't need a smartphone, I rarely use it for anything other than calling people, texting, and occasionally for GPS.  I carry my ASUS EEE tablet with me most of the time so I don't really see the need for such a nifty phone.  I don't appreciate it as much as I should, lol.

Bran_ham

I don't have a smart phone yet. I'm up for renewal in a few months and I really want an iphone but I can't justify the extra $30/mo. I don't need the smart phone at home and I'm not out an about all that much (just quick trips to the park or store). Sometimes I feel the need but mostly not. Ugh. I did see a cool company that you pay $20/mo for but you have to have a wireless connection. The idea is you mostly use the mobile via the wireless connection except when you're out and about (you use the their network) which is how they keep cost down. Only problem is they aren't signing up a ton of people and you have to wait for an invitation. This would be the perfect solution for me. Still waiting on my invite

ETA: oops they're called republic wireless. 

justme04

Not currently but I upgrade next fall.  When we went last fall to upgrade DH's they didn't have anything but the most basic phone...it didn't even have a camera or a million smart phone options.  DH ended up getting a droid.  And I developed major phone envy! 

Since I doubt they will bring back a lot of regular phone options looks like I'll be moving up to a smart phone when I upgrade.  I mean I have to have a decent camera phone....thats how I take a lot of pictures of the boys.  I don't always have a digital camera with me but I have my phone.

chocoholicchick

Yes, I have the new iPhone 4S.  It's so much easier to take pics of DS wherever we are, lol.  My smartphone options never depended on whether I was/am a SAHM or not though.

kas80

I have a smartphone and I only use it to bump while nursing and to take photos.  Honestly, for me it's a waste of money.  I thought all the apps and stuff were cool when I first got it but I once the novelty wore off I barely use them.  It's definitely not the money we pay for it per month.

I told my husband to look at our plan and see how much cheaper we can get if I switch over to a normal phone.  All I request is a keyboard for texting, a camera and if possible, a calender.

kimeve

kas80:

I have a smartphone and I only use it to bump while nursing and to take photos.  Honestly, for me it's a waste of money.  I thought all the apps and stuff were cool when I first got it but I once the novelty wore off I barely use them.  It's definitely not the money we pay for it per month.

I told my husband to look at our plan and see how much cheaper we can get if I switch over to a normal phone.  All I request is a keyboard for texting, a camera and if possible, a calender.

I'm afraid this will be me. They're so tempting though. I want a cool phone; I've had basic for so long. Still mulling.

imoverit

I have an iphone that i use to bump, send pix/video to daddy of lo, and surf the web. I love having it and hardly ever use my laptop anymore. 

Turtle143

I have a MyTouch/Droid. It felt too much for a SAHM like myself but DH insisted and everyone is enjoying receiving pictures and short videos of Liv from me. I always said I only need a basic phone but I'm really loving my phone.  I play Words with Friends, check Groupons, check my email on the go, it has GPS function, unlimited texts of course, etc.