Right after Christmas ODD finally traded in his almost-five-year-old Blackberry and got a new phone. He chose a Samsung Captivate Glide because he likes having a real keyboard. I was also due for an upgrade but hadn’t decided what I wanted yet so I’ve been thinking about it for the last month or so, trying to decide. I was just going to get another regular phone that didn’t require a data package but could have one later if I wanted but when I talked to the guy at the store about it he mentioned they just found out the data packages were going up in price in a few days so if I got in now I’d be locked in at the lower price. So I decided to just bite the bullet and go for a smartphone. I ended up with an HTC Inspire (yes, I know I could have chosen an iPhone and gave it some thought but, among other things, I don’t like only being able to use Mac-approved apps and programs). I’ve been reassured typing on a touchscreen won’t drive me insane forever. I’m still not a huge fan of touchscreens in general but think I’ll live and so far I like the phone. And I now feel like I’ve entered the 21st century.
I ordered a screen protector and cover from Amazon since there were more fun options at a better price than at the store but even so I still wanted a softy case to keep it in while it’s klonking around in my purse. Last night I fell asleep trying to figure out how I wanted to do it and ended up dreaming about it so this morning I made one. I knew I didn’t want to use a velcro closure because it tends to stop closing well after a while. I also knew I didn’t want to use a button closer since it can damage the screen. In my dream I had a flip-over flap closure. I totally screwed up my first attempt but finally realized what my problem was and the second one went together really smoothly and quickly. I lined it with a large wale corduroy so it’s softy inside and there’s still a little wiggle room left for when my snap on cover comes.
So here’s the finished case.
The flip-top flap sort of folds over to the front to keep it from sliding out.
Once I figured out what I was doing it went together so fast I think I’ll have fun making a few more just so I can change it up when I get tired of the same old thing.
Now, tell me, what are some apps you can’t do without? My kids, of course, love Angry Birds and Cut the Rope but do you have any other suggestions for them as well?
I love that fabric. I haven’t bit the bullet yet for a smart phone. Want too, but Daniel’s tastes are too expensive for our budget and we’d rather not have anything if it can’t be “that one” so we’ll wait. I agree on the iPhone, I don’t like being tied to only one operating system.
Ack, you drank the Microsoft koolaid! I am glad Apple apps have such standards and tough screening.
I had a giggle last year when the 1st counselor in our stake presidency taught over and over again Sunday school that iPhones and iPods were vicious transmitters of pR0n, because he was mistaken. Apple refuses to use flash because it is a memory/battery sucker, and because it is too easily hack able.
1st counselor got an iPad for Christmas. He loves it. And he blushed good-naturedly when I giggled at him.
iTunes is capital L lame, but everything else…is so much better. And I am saying that as someone who’s used a computer for 30 years! When I finally got to really use a Mac in ’93, I never wanted a PC again. It took me about 11 more years to afford it, though.
Apps: Spotify. Get a pitch pipe app. A metronome. Apps to help with your grocery list. Mac just released an app for iPad to write your own textbooks for your iPad, which is ridiculously exciting for homeschoolers. I am sure android will follow that lead. Facebook. Twitter. WordPress has a lame app. Tumblr has one. Skee ball is a favorite. Bubble wrap popping app. Netflix has an app, so does Hulu+. ABC and NBC. Get overdrive and you can download audio and ePub books from the library. Audible. Craigslist. Amazon. Instagram. Flickr. Proboards. Photobucket. Pinterest. Etc.
Oh, and a bunch of news outlets, doctor who apps, foodie apps, urbanspoon.
LOL, Mrs., I knew you’d comment about my iPhone dig.
I hadn’t heard that silliness about them being “vicious transmitters of pR0n” but it makes me laugh. Whatever. Both my brothers and my sister have/had iPods or an iTouch and my dad just got an iPad for Christmas. I’m really not as against them as some people, though I really do hate iTunes. I just don’t like that everything has to be through their own software though I get why they do it that way. Maybe someday I’ll get a Mac, maybe not. For now I’m more than happy with my PC. And that’s from a girl who’s had a computer in her home for 30 years, too.
Thanks for the app recommendations. I’m so out of the app loop, beyond a kitchen timer and alarm clock I’m at a loss. I’m sure there are a bunch that haven’t even crossed my mind. I just need them all pointed out to me.
So I have an HTC Sensation (bit that same bullet myself just a few months ago) and have really quite enjoyed it. I’ll just add my promise that you will get used to typing on a touchscreen… but man, those first few weeks were the WORST!!! I truly was hating the phone when in the beginning it took me 1.5 hours to send seven texts… Grrrrrrr….. BUT you do get used to it, and probably faster than you might think.
I hope that you enjoy your new upgrade. LOVE the case that you’ve sewn for it! And I’ll ask Ivy what her favorite apps on my phone are– because honestly she knows them better than I do… 
Look at you! Very cool! Love the case too