All-in-One Device
Remember when you used to lug around a phone book or a contacts list? Or huge cameras when you wanted to take photos on your trip? Heck, there was even a time when you couldn't pay if you didn't have your physical cards with you! However, times have changed, and now, that slim smartphone sitting in your pocket is capable of doing all the things we mentioned—and more. While some people still prefer the retro way, these 20 items have since been replaced by an all-in-one device.
1. Contact Books
If you're old enough to remember the era of phone books, it's probably still pretty jarring to think you can simply search up any business with your smartphone, and it'd pop up. Your friends and family, too: you've got all their phone numbers, birthdays, and other important details saved in one place. No more writing them out by hand!
2. Notepads
Sure, some people still like to carry around notebooks and sketchpads, but most would be delighted to know that you can do all that just on your smartphone. Whenever you want to jot something down, there's an app for that. Many even let you organize your scribbles and doodles into folders, or add other photos or anecdotes to them!
3. Calculators
A pocket calculator used to be handy whenever you needed to double-check some quick math, but modern smartphones have reduced the need to carry those around. Plus, most apps can take care of everyday arithmetic and more complicated calculations as well.
4. Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Compact digital cameras were common sights once upon a time, and while many professional photographers still prefer a dedicated device, your smartphones can take high-quality pictures and videos anywhere, anytime. Want a quick selfie? Simply flip to the front camera.
5. Paper Maps
Those who prefer hard-copy directions might still carry around paper maps during road trips, but even simple navigation apps can take care of all that for you. They even provide directions, estimated arrival times, route changes, and updated information about traffic, meaning you don't need to worry about sudden congestion.
6. Standalone GPS Units
Speaking of maps, smartphones have also replaced GPS devices. If you don't own a modern car with a built-in navigation system, all you have to do is plug your destination into a map app on your phone, and you'll get a step-by-step route.
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7. Flashlights
Older folks likely remember when flashlights were essential items to keep in emergency kits, equipped with extra batteries in case the juice ran out. But now? The LED flash beside your smartphone's camera doubles as a convenient light. A proper flashlight is still the smarter choice for an emergency kit, of course, but casual everyday use is easily covered.
8. Portable Music Players
We used to carry around separate MP3 players when we wanted to listen to music when we were out and about, but the rise of streaming services and smartphones has eliminated the need for a separate player. Of course, if you still rather rock your iPod or Walkman, no one's stopping you.
9. Voice Recorders
Are you a student or a budding journalist? Whatever it is you might use a recorder for, you're probably glad you no longer need to buy a dedicated device. In fact, on your phone, your voice-recording app can capture decent audio with a few taps. You can even trim, transcribe, and share right then and there!
10. Alarm Clocks
Gone are the days when you had to keep a separate alarm clock by your bedside. Though you might like the retro method, modern smartphones are far more customizable, which means you can set it and forget it. You can also create several alarms at once if needed.
11. Wristwatches
Watches certainly haven't disappeared, and fitness watches are still beloved by many. However, if you just need an accessory to tell you the time, you can simply pull out your phone. Plus, if you regularly need to track different time zones, you can look them up right from the app.
12. Calendars and Planners
Physical planners can still be satisfying to use, but they're no longer necessary for keeping track of your schedule. In fact, you'll get many more features and customization methods right from your smartphone's built-in calendar app alone, or you can always download one that's more suited to your style.
13. Dictionaries
Got a word you don't know? Well, instead of bringing along a hefty pocket dictionary in your bag, you can just look it up on your phone. And if the language is one you're unfamiliar with, smartphones give you immediate access to proper pronunciations and translations, too.
14. Travel Phrasebooks
Building on the previous point, if you're learning a second language, you no longer need to pack small phrasebooks whenever you travel. Translation apps can now handle everything from photographed text to spoken conversations, meaning you won't struggle as much communicating in other countries. In saying that, they aren't perfect substitutes for learning the language, of course!
15. Printed Boarding Passes
Uh-oh—you dropped your boarding pass. Now what? Well, as long as you've got your flight details saved on your phone, you can easily pull up a backup ticket or QR code. Heck, you can even skip the printed copy altogether if you know you're clumsy!
16. Loyalty Cards
Tired of storing 20 different store loyalty cards in your wallet? While you once had no choice, retailer apps and digital wallet services can now offer a simple solution: store them right on your phone instead. That way, if you ever forget to bring them, you can always pull them up on your device.
17. Tickets
It's not just your boarding pass or rewards cards—you can save your concert, movie, or transit tickets directly on your phone. When it's time to enter, just display the required barcode. That said, physical tickets still make pretty nice keepsakes.
18. Credit and Debit Cards
You're no longer strapped for cash if you forget to bring your physical payment cards. If you have them saved on a digital payment app, you can access your credit or debit cards right from your phone. For any stores that still prefer paper money, though, you might still find yourself in a pickle.
19. Magnifying Glasses
Having trouble reading tiny text? Don't squint—just pull out your phone! In fact, you might not even need to download a dedicated app; many smartphones offer built-in magnifier features that use the camera and digital zoom to enlarge whatever you're looking at.
The Lazy Artist Gallery on Pexels
20. Business Cards
For anyone you're meeting in person, it's probably still best to hand them a printed business card. But if you mainly conduct your business online, you can send your contact information straight through QR codes, messaging apps, or email. A digital version is also far easier to alter than a stack of physical cards.
