That Asus smart phone for 5000 baht is an incredible good deal. I was walking around bored and semi-depressed one day, and ended up buying a newly released Samsung Note 3, which was almost 4 times the price of that Asus. They make good stuff.

The vast selection of phones here in Asia makes the the "system" we have in the States seem very backward. There, you have to buy into an expensive "plan", and take whatever phones are available, all of them locked into that system. Here, all phones are "unlocked", and you can buy time as needed at any number of places, and change sim cards as often as you want.

Another thing that impresses me is how any Thai lady can take up a brand new smartphone, and have all of the features figured out and functional, in no time.

I've noticed that many people who used to swear by the plain vanilla basic phones often find themselves upgrading to a 'smart phone' as they discover more and more what a smart phone can do to simplify daily chores. Sometimes, for some, it's hard to admit that change can be good.

How does it simplify daily chores? Frankly, if I had all the capabilities of my computer in my pocket connected to a satellite, I can not imagine how that would significantly assist in my daily chores? Please do let me know what am I missing?

Alarms, reminders, notes, grocery lists, online recipes, GPS (maps), address book, camera. All these things can aid in our daily chores. Except doing the dishes and taking out the rubbish.

When the wheel was being invented would you have questioned that?

I do not find any of that would simplify my daily chores. I do not need a map or GPS to get around nor do I need alarms to keep me on schedule. A simple list on the back of an old receipt is occasionally helpful but only used occasionally.

To suggest that a smart phone is anywhere near the wheel as a useful invention is a far reach of the imagination.

I have a couple of smart phones and a high performance laptop. Love 'em, but they really are just toys, nothing more.

When somebody cures cancer with an iPhone, then I'll be impressed.

There are a number of iPhone apps that can help you quit smoking which is the best cure for lung cancer so far...

Someone once said that you could judge a man's wealth by how many keys he carried... until he was rich enough to have someone else carry the keys for him. Me, I have several different notes to carry, a couple of lists I need to reference when I'm out and about each day, and God knows I need the alarm reminders or I'd never stop reading my book! I never seem to remember the number of the color ink cartridge for my printer, or the account code for a bank wire transfer should I happen to be passing by my bank. I guess we all have different needs. Some folks see smartphones as toys, others see them as tools.

There are a number of iPhone apps that can help you quit smoking which is the best cure for lung cancer so far...

Yes indeed.... This app helped 3 mates stop... https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/allen-carrs-easy-way-to-stop/id585624864?mt=8

Try carrying around a TV and DVD player everywhere you go when you get those cravings.

Smart phones are just what they say they are. To stay with Noah and his Ark is just pride, join the 21st century, all are welcome.

There are apps you can download for free and call home for free. I use Viber with video. That's to the US, but I'm sure there are more.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Using Skype on my smart phone, I talk with friends and family overseas all the time. It costs nothing, and gives us video call ability too.

The major problem with the 600 baht Nokia skinflint model is that so many expat retirees have them, it's easy to get phones mixed up, especially now that they reduced the color choices. Other than that, it's a great phone, with large buttons and easy to figure out.

I love my Samsung Note 3. Especially the big screen. My son has an iPhone and continually borrows mine to show photos and videos.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app