Following on from an earlier posting… http://www.iphonewzealand.co.n…..app/#p4473

… I am interested to hear from iPhone users about the issue of "availability for communication" that is created by owning an iPhone.

I have been debating whether to purchase an iPhone for some time but have thus far been resisting that temptation because I have a concern that once I have one this will create the perception and expectation that I am available at all times.

I simply refuse to be part of Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and any of those "social media thingees" – I simply have no interest whatsoever.

To be honest I like the current situation.  I like being in control of when I respond to communication requests.

From the outset I will add this qualification to the discussion.  I do have a cellphone (an aging Nokia N70) but in terms of reality I can somewhat discount cellphone calls from this discussion – the reason being that cellphone calls are expensive and are therefore not initiated as a means of contact by overseas family and (apparently) poor offspring!

I feel reasonably well in control relating to text messaging.  I can choose to look at it when I hear (and feel the vibration) the notification – or, if I am busy, choose to put that off a bit.  I can also choose to reply to it now, or later.

What concerns me is that if (most) of the regular communicators know I have an iPhone and that potentially I am only a Skype/Facetime etc away from their computer as well as their own phone this will create the perception of hanging the open sign on the door.  Already I have certain (younger mainly!) family members pestering me to "get modern" and buy an iPhone (or Android dare I say) and join the social media revolution.

I will add also that apart from relatives overseas the closest family members (ie kids and parents of both my wife and myself) do live within the same city and are seen in person reasonably offen!

So…

Is there an issue of "availability for communication" created by owning an iPhone – or am I just getting old and ornery?

Should I bite the bullet and "get modern" or should I carry on my fight to retain some privacy from constant pestering?

Is the availability of video calling a novelty – will it wear off?

In summary, I guess the real question I am asking is…

How have people coped with a wider range of communication technologies on their person which have traditionally resided on their PC/MAC at home?

Any discussion would be greatly appreciated!

You are only as available as you let yourself be. No matter what technology you carry. If you switch to silent during important meetings, then phone calls, facetime calls, texts, skype messages, etc need not bother you. Reply when you are available. The skype app requires you to fire it up and sign yourself in and signs you out after an allotted space of time, so only then is it like hanging a sign out that you are available

Thanks for all the replies – it has been really helpful reading through them.  The message I am getting is basically that it is up to the user of the phone to retain control of when and how they are available.

Nikki said:

So OK I'm nosey might you be getting the iphone any time soon?

If the decision were solely mine then, yes, I probably would get one right away.  However my wife (probably rightly so!) points out that while a boys gotta have his toys…

(1) A new iPhone 4 is a rather expensive toy!

(2) there's nothing wrong with my Nokia N70 for making calls/txt's etc

(3) we have 2 iPads in the household – one of which being an iPad 2 is more than capable of Skype / Facetime etc.

My birthday is in September though and I am thinking that by then there might be news of the next generation iPhone so my plan is to have that as the birthday wishlist!