The myth of the 'drunk phone'

[quest7]

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/17/tech/mobile/drunk-phones/index.html?c=homepage-t&page=0

So do you carry a "drunk phone" when you go out for a night of revelry? Or can you not part with your valuable smartphone? Are there other times and places you'd opt to take a cheaper phone?

 

[Carlanga]

I take one of my backup phones whenever I go fishing at sea. When I reach the destination, I swap the SIM to the backup and turn off the iPhone and leave it at land.

Whenever else, I always take my iPhone w/ me. At pubs and clubs is always inside my pockets or hands, I don't leave it on any table or surface.

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

Here is an idea, rather than swapping phones before getting drunk, establish limits and self control. Or, if you're dead set on getting hammered, how about no phone at all?

Don't know many people who thank god for making a drunk phone call to someone, but I know plenty who wished they didn't.

Also, what a pointless article, CNN, no wonder ratings aren't what they used to be.

 

[malman89]

Pretty much all my European friends (especially Norway/Sweden) have bar/travel/drunk phones - mostly just for safety in case it's lost or stolen. The 'drunk phone' aspect is probably the smallest piece of that pie.

I've never known anyone in Chicago or Michigan who has ever done that. I am also amazed at how no matter how drunk one can get, they can still pull off their custom unlock pattern and use their phone perfectly (myself included... or at least used to. Those were the days).

Here is an idea, rather than swapping phones before getting drunk, establish limits and self control. Or, if you're dead set on getting hammered, how about no phone at all?

That's just no fun.

 

[Hellhammer]

I toyed around with the idea but decided against it because my carrier no longer gives copies of SIMs, hence I would have two numbers. That's too much hassle and a smartphone is handy for looking up bus schedules, open bars and snack places.

I do have a "drunk" debit card with very strict limitations, though. I always pay in cash but a card is useful if I run out of money and need a cab for instance.

Or, if you're dead set on getting hammered, how about no phone at all?

That's quite dangerous. Without a phone, you have no way of calling a cab (or ambulance) if you need one. And others have no way of contacting you in case they are worried.

 

[thekev]

Here is an idea, rather than swapping phones before getting drunk, establish limits and self control. Or, if you're dead set on getting hammered, how about no phone at all?

Don't know many people who thank god for making a drunk phone call to someone, but I know plenty who wished they didn't.

Also, what a pointless article, CNN, no wonder ratings aren't what they used to be.

This is a far worse idea, and you don't have to be totally hammered to be complacent with your phone. People go out to have fun and relax. If they need a cab, they will require a phone. Pay phones mostly disappeared a long time ago. Drunk phones could also be used in other situations, like if you're going to the beach. It's not 100% safe in your car (break in rates tend to be high around beach parking areas). It's not that safe with the beach towel if you leave it sitting there. Why not carry a cheap one then? Phones have become really expensive devices, so even with backups of your information, I can understand the desire to protect them.

That's quite dangerous. Without a phone, you have no way of calling a cab (or ambulance) if you need one. And others have no way of contacting you in case they are worried.

You beat me to it, but I decided to comment anyway . Prior to the extreme popularity of mobile phones which took over at a much earlier time in Europe than the US, we had much greater access to public phones, which basically explains the what did people do prior to everyone carrying a mobile phone issue.

 

[boss.king]

If I need my phone, I take it. I take care of my stuff, and at the end of the day if something happens to it, it's just a phone.

The only occasions I leave my phone at home or in the car are:
-at the beach
-foam parties
-when playing sports

 

[roadbloc]

Since my bad tempter broke my iPhone, I'm now currently sporting a Nokia 1100. I don't think I'll care much if I lose it.

 

[malman89]

The only occasions I leave my phone at home or in the car are:
-foam parties

*shudders*

I do second the sports thing though - leave my wallet and phone in the car.

 

[Heilage]

I have self-control and thus have no need to bar myself from calling my ex-girlfriend when I'm drunk.