New phones

I'm certainly no technophile and couldn't care less about my mobile phone as long as I can send/retreive emails, text and make phone calls. While people around me are brandishing their iPhones, I am still cradling a Nokia E52.

Yesterday I surprised my sons by getting each an iPhone 4. SK's jaws almost dropped when I made the announcement several days ago. I had recently replaced his laptop and he thought the much coveted iPhone would have to wait for another year.

Most parents will agree that while we're happy to stinge on ourselves, we will not hesitate to splurge on our kids. I personally have no desire to own one but the youngsters will find the Apps truly useful.

YK's phone has been malfunctioning for months. When he makes calls, he has to activate the loudspeaker. It's rather inconvenient especially in public. When he's in the car, we would have to keep quiet and turn off the radio when his phone rings. I've not seen many of his friends but I've heard their voices.

As for SK, his phone was sent for servicing 3 times during the first year. I think it was slightly defective to begin with.

To cut the story short, we drove to the store after lunch at Sushi Tei yesterday. It's not easy to gather everyone together, so I didn't want to let the opportunity slip. Besides, I have two phone vouchers which were on the verge of expiry.

The store was packed but everyone was surprisingly patient when it comes to getting a new iPhone. SK waited with bated breath, hoping the store wouldn't run out of stock.

We finally walked out after 2.5 hours with new phones. I'm particularly impressed with the tiny package that looks more like a box of perfume. After trading in my old Nokia 65 and offsetting those vouchers, I didn't have to fork out loads of cash.

When my contract expires early next year, I might get myself one as well.