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A day in the life of a non-smartphone user

Sporadic Sparkly

I'm aware there are many discussions on these forums related to technology such as smartphones, so I thought I'd add another one to the collection.

Earlier today I had used my desktop computer to sign into my Patient Access account to submit a repeat medication request. Whilst I do own an infrequently-used mobile phone, it is not a smartphone. Therefore, anything I do that is internet-related is done via my desktop computer, which suits me just fine.

Having entered my sign-in details for my Patient Access account, there's then a dreaded Captcha screen, which in my opinion is not really tailored to people living in the UK. In my case, I am lucky if I can manage to pass the Captcha screen exam first time, and without uttering a few choice words in the process.

Of course, before I can progress to ordering my medication, I am then required to enter a 6-digit code, sent via SMS to my infrequently-used PAYG mobile phone. Because it is used so infrequently, past experience has taught me to check beforehand that the battery doesn't need charging. It only adds to my frustration if the battery runs out of juice in-between receiving an SMS and reading it.

Because we now live in an era where it seems to be assumed that EVERYONE owns a smartphone, I am then asked if I would like to activate two-factor authentication by downloading a 3rd-party app. As I don't own a smartphone to download the app onto, the only other option available is to select, "Remind me next time". It would just be great if there was another option provided that enabled me to bypass the reminder after signing in.

Parents

  • I don't have one, I have been given a couple, one I couldn't work out how to switch it on, the second I did a bit better with but couldn't work out how to answer calls, I cancelled the contract for lack of signal, the chap on the other end of the phone tried to disaude me, but I said to him, the most basic need for a mobile phone is to be able to call for help in an emergency, not much good if I have to walk five miles in the dark to be able to find a signal! Due to the geography of my area there are lots of signal blind spots and being on the coast, some places have no UK signal, only an Irish one. Also we're near an RAF base and mobiles don't work if you're to close ot it.

    I get fed up of being told they're intuitive, they're not, or maybe they are if you've had every generation from the begining and they seem to breed like rabbits.

    I refuse to order repeat prescription online, I refuse to do lots of things online, its making life increasingly difficult as everyone thinks everyone has a smart phone, it does feel like it's becoming mandatory, but until government legislate and pay for them I don't want one and I don't see why I should have to use one. I refuse to have any sort of remote banking, with my ability to crash things, I could accidently cause a world wide banking crisis! In all honesty I don't know what I'd use one for, it seems an awful lot of expense and hassle to go to and a waste of precious rare earth minerals so as I can what? Phone the AA once every 3 years or so? I can do that on my dumb phone.

    I agree about captcha and I hate those things that have about 8 pictures and you have to pick the ones with a bit of bicycle in it?

  • in reply to Mummycat

    I think the area where I live is pretty good in terms of mobile phone coverage, but I do remember a time when I would see neighbours wandering about outside in an attempt to get a signal, or else having to travel further afield. If I have remembered rightly, you're based in Anglesey aren't you?

    There are three methods my medical practice offers for ordering repeat prescriptions; the NHS app, Patient Access, or by depositing a paper repeat medication slip in a box at reception. Although I live within reasonable walking distance of my medical practice, I'm not always physically capable of it. In addition, if I'm feeling particularly low on spoons, I just don't have the energy to justify making the effort to have a bath and get dressed to do something that I can do at home.

    Somehow, I doubt that you would actually cause a global banking crisis, but I can understand why there are some things that you would rather not feel forced to do online.

  • in reply to Sporadic Sparkly

    Don't bet on it Sparky, I've managed to do all sorts of things that are supposed to be near impossible!

    IMM, We can get Irish telly and radio, one of the problems is that some of the places where you can only get access via Ireland is that they're where app based car parking places are, so many people get cross and confused.

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  • in reply to Sporadic Sparkly

    Don't bet on it Sparky, I've managed to do all sorts of things that are supposed to be near impossible!

    IMM, We can get Irish telly and radio, one of the problems is that some of the places where you can only get access via Ireland is that they're where app based car parking places are, so many people get cross and confused.

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