Maybe you don't need a smartphone, or you don't want the high monthly data bill. Don't worry, because you can do nearly all the mobile tricks they can if you know how to use your feature phone. However, the day-to-day routine becomes increasingly more inconvenient for those who can't download an app at the snap (or touch) of their fingertips.
If you think you're behind because you don't own a smartphone, you should know there aren't as many smartphone users as you'd think.
There are plenty of ways to utilize your phone for more than just texting and calling. Even if you have a smartphone, sometimes you run into an area without service, so it's good to know how to get back to basics.
Here are ten ways to get more out of your phone.
1. Email
There are some people who respond quicker to email than anything else. That's unfortunate for anyone who doesn't have a phone capable of email, but you can actually send them a message from your phone. Just direct the text to the recipient's email address, type the message as you would in the body of an email address and you can also send photos.
Many of the following tips require email to utilize their service. So if you can do this with your phone, you should be good to go.
2. Twitter
Updating your Twitter via SMS is easy as sending a text. First you need to find your code — for example, U.S. is 40404. Text "start" to the code and wait two minutes. Twitter will reply and ask you to sign up if you're new, or just text back your username. You'll need to send your password too, then once you've agreed to the sign-up, you can tweet away.
You can also receive select updates from followers of your choice. On each profile, next to the follow button, there is a small button with a cellphone on it. Clicking that will automatically send their status updates to you via SMS.
Once verified, simply texting the code with your 140-character update is all you have to do. If you have a camera phone, you can send pictures by registering through other services, such as TwitPic.
3. Facebook
Uploading to Facebook is similar to Twitter. You need to register your phone and then activate it for text messaging. If you don't want your friends to see your phone number, make sure you uncheck the box on the right side of the page.
You'll receive a personalized email to post status updates or send photos to your profile, which you text the email address and it will automatically update for you.
You can also receive status updates, messages and wall posts from friends via SMS. I advise against this if you have a large volume of friends on Facebook. It will get old quickly.
4. Tumblr
If you're a blogger on a budget, you can still update your Tumblr via SMS.
First, you need to grab your personal email address from the settings page of your blog. It's separate from the regular email address you'd normally use to log in.
Whether you want to send an short update, blog post with tags, a photo, quote or any other feature on Tumblr — send it in a text to the custom email address and Tumblr will automatically detect it and send to your blog.
5. ChaCha
ChaCha may be evolving to mobile, but it still answers one to two million questions every day by text message. The service lets you ask a question via calling or SMS from your mobile and quickly receive an answer.
Wondering how tall Danny Devito really is? Want to know when Superman's birthday is? Just text CHACHA (242242) to get any burning question resolved.
6. Google
Whether you need to find an address or check your Gmail, these are all capable features through Google SMS applications.
When you need an address, or perhaps restaurant suggestions in the area, simply text GOOGL (46645) with whatever information you have, for example "sushi" (without the quotes), and then the Zip code or city and state. Within minutes, you'll receive a listing of places.
Need to be reminded of an important event? Register your phone to Google Calendar SMS and then text GVENT (48368) to request your next scheduled event, or all of your events within the next two days.
7. FourSquare
Don't think that you can't earn the "Super User" badge just because you don't have a smartphone. First you have to sign up, then compose a new message to the phone number DOTCOM (368266), and send the word foursquare in the body of the message.
After that, you'll receive a menu of options, such as tips nearby, your to-do list and check-ins, which are based on your last location. So, say you last checked into Brooklyn Brewery, it would assume you were still in Brooklyn. To change cities, simply select the number 3, plus the new place.
8. RSS
You can go anywhere with your favorite blogs and news sites to read with SMSmyRSS.
After creating a free account, just enter RSS web content you want forwarded to your phone. You can enter keywords to flag any important stories. Like with Twitter, take incoming content sparingly. Otherwise, your inbox is going to become full very quickly.
9. Traffic.com
Traffic.com will send you traffic alerts via email or SMS updates when roads you frequent reach dangerous conditions, or accidents or construction are blocking the way. Just sign up for the free service and get notified when it'd be better to take an alternate way home.
10. PayPal
After linking your mobile number to your account, there are a couple things you can do with your PayPal account via SMS.
To check your PayPal balance, text "bal" or "balance" to PAYPAL (729725), and they'll text you back with the information.
Send money by texting PAYPAL (729725) with the specific amount and the recipient's phone number or email address. You can also request money by texting the same number with "Get" plus the specific amount "from" the person you're requesting from's number.
Once you're SMS-savvy with these basic features on PayPal, there are a few more advanced options you can try.
BONUS: Pizza
Yes, that's right. Once you've had money sent to your PayPal account, you can reward yourself with a pizza. Domino's, Pizza Hut and Papa John's all let you order a pizza via SMS after you've registered with the website.
Pizza Hut: text PIZZA (83080) the word "pizza" plus your zipcode, and the nearest store will call you back.
Domino's: text 61212 with easily recognizable keywords, and the pizza should be delivered within 30 minutes.
Papa Johns: Although you can't literally order a pizza via SMS at Papa John's, the company does offer a restaurant locator and will text you special deals on pizza and other items.
Images courtesy of Flickr, mallix, Ramberg Media Images and callme_crochet
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