As I expressed in my previous list, there are quite a few things that are making me exciting and anticipating my upgrade to a smartphone. However, like several things out in the harsh world, there are downsides to owning such a small yet advanced device. And most, if not all of these points are potential dealbreakers for several people (and who can blame them?). Although I'm about ready to face what will come, this doesn't make them seem any less malignant.

High Monthly Payments

Even in my other list, I indicated reluctance towards upgrading when I made note of the data plans available to my family member and I. The option we'll be going for costs $150 per month before taxes, which will likely bring it close to or around $180 per month. I've set most of my summer-time paychecks aside to pay what I can of the plan, since we currently pay $100 a month for three lines. Granted, Sprint are still one of the less-expensive phone carriers, and even with unlimited texting and data sharing, it's tough to feel content about shelling out the equivalent to a smartphone every month for those services on. This is especially tough to justify if you live in an area that has no 4G coverage, which seems to defeat the $10-$20 "Premium Data" charge included in the aforementioned monthly payments.

Hand them Franklins over

Extra Charges

Again, this is something I've alluded to already. My family and friends have had our share of extra charges being added to some montly bills, though other than extra text messages mine have been kept under control. Regardless, companies are only bound to try and find a way to make you pay more; whether once in a while or for each month. It's a real hassle and only adds to the compromise of "new, advanced technology for less-than-satisfactory costs." Just like the man Steve Martin pays to get a cab at the beginning of Planes, Trains & Automobiles (only to be "robbed"), their mentality essentially amounts to "oh, if you're willing to pay that, then surely you can pay this." Hopefully this won't come to be a huge presence for us, but it's practically an inevitability.

Upgrade Wait--The Obsolete Factor

Although this is applicable to ANY phone contract scenario, it applies more after you buy what might be considered a technologically advanced product. Of course, we all know the phrase about how a computer/device is obsolete the day after you buy it. Companies love to push out newer versions of what are already considered new products altogether, so frequently so that it becomes bewildering (I'm pointing at you, Apple, just look at the announcement of the MacBook Air replacing the original MacBook). This very point could provide the basis for a blog on its own (which I direct people to the Human CentiPad episode of South Park), but I must refrain and digress. It only takes a few short months after you buy a certain product for its upgraded version or replacement to come along, and by then yours feels obsolete. And of course, when locked into a (two-year) contract, you're left waiting even longer to get a "new" device (for a reasonable price). There is one advantage to this, however: the high cost of upgrading early makes doing so that much more discouraging and unlikely, and means you'd technically spend less money in the long run. I'll just have to retain what I've always tried: get the most mileage possible out of my purchases before ditching them.

Not exactly a reassuring sight

Damage Done

One of the top reasons I wasn't very fond of the iPhone at first was because having the device be big and touchscreen-centered made me think (drop it once, your screen is done). And while the reports of dropping/damaging phones haven't been nearly as frequent as I thought, they've still popped up. I generally consider myself a safe and stable individual, but I still try to buy cases for my portable devices to keep them secured. I have my iPod clas sic in a very bare-bones plastic case that covers all but the screen and click-wheel, which I've dropped once or twice. The case came apart (it's two pieces) but protected the device and wasn't cracked, so I still was able to use it. One advantage to having a basic cell phone is that they tend to be very well built; only beginning to fall apart after much use and abuse. But I'm skeptical about how well a smartphone can hold up with what I only assume to be a delicate touchscreen. I've already ordered a case for my Evo 3D, but there's still the possibility of dropping or damaging it, which, if it coming to occur, then it'd be another hefty fine to face. Oh, and ten points to whoever gets the (musical) pun above.