Do You Remember Life Before...

...the cell phone?
(Motorola MicroTAC flip phone, 1989)
Cell phone

There are 8 comments for this item.

Posted by skizix at 9:39 am (PDT) on Mon October 5, 2009   
O M G -- I had that phone! Our kids just can't picture life in the 70's, with a single phone, attached to the wall, with a four foot tether, and rotary dial. Even better, for a couple years, we had a party line.
Posted by Duff at 1:47 pm (PDT) on Mon October 5, 2009   
Yep, that was my first cell phone as well. A friend of mine had an even earlier model that was briefcase-sized.
Posted by Leslie62 at 9:47 pm (PDT) on Sun May 16, 2010   
I certainly remember life before the cell phone. I lived without one just fine!
Posted by nan at 10:01 pm (PDT) on Sun May 16, 2010   
I'm still trying to remember how we were able to make plans with friends, go from place to place and all this without a cell phone......
Posted by Gunny at 9:34 am (PDT) on Mon April 18, 2011   
Well, I'm a hold out. I STILL don't have a cell phone. One of the more annoying things we have that has created an actual dependancy in so many of its users.
Posted by Laura at 2:22 am (PST) on Thu February 23, 2012   
Unfortunately with this invention kids, and some adults, no longer have to put any thought into calling. You used to have to think about when you could call and catch the person at home. You used to have to remember, or write down, what you wanted to say because you could not just pick up the phone and call someone the minute you thought of something. We no longer have the ability, or patience, to do this. Nor do many give their full attention to the person they are with because they are constantly answering their cell phone. I try not to hang out with that type of rude person as obviously they are too busy to give me their attention.
Posted by Duff at 1:13 pm (PST) on Thu February 23, 2012   
Good points, Laura. Also, we no longer devote any brainpower to remembering phone numbers. Now we use speed dial or call via a Contacts list or voice dialing feature.
Posted by packratjohn at 4:44 pm (PST) on Sat February 25, 2012   
First Cellular system went online in Chicago in 83. I lived in Indiana, and we had service in 86. I've had a cell phone of one sort or another since then. Before cellular, we had RCC, MTS, IMTS, and various "phone patch" arrangements. In other words, there have been "mobile phones" for almost as long as there have been two-way radios in cars. I'm a Ham Radio Operator, and recall having "autopatch" in the car in 71. But yes, I do recall life before even that technology.

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