Coming full circle in the age of electronic gadgets

A while back I gave up my so-called smartphone. Yes, it was smarter than I was by a long shot. But it wasn't smart enough to think on its own. That smarty-pants phone used up way too much of my brain power. So I got rid of it.

As I've told you before, my current cellphone only makes phone calls. No texting, friending or tweeting. It makes decent phone calls. That's what a phone should do.

But here's the plain truth: I'm a guy. I like gadgets. I especially like electronic gadgets.

When Apple came out with the iPad, I wanted one. But I didn't need it. So we got one for our younger son. He loves it.

In the meantime, my wife got a Kindle to read books. She loves it.

Here they were with electronic gadgets and finding ways to enjoy them.

I felt left out.

That's ended this week when younger son came home for a visit. He brought me an iPad. The new version. How did he know I had been hankering for a toy?

For several days now we've been downloading apps. Free apps. Like the one I'm using to write this column. It's slick.

I'm also keeping track of the weather radar.

And listening to music.

Am I in the 21st century, or what?

And guess what? My new iPad lets me make phone calls -- and see the person I'm talking to.

So now I've come full circle. I really don't need a cellphone, do I?

Many of you will be getting or giving similar devices as presents this month. If you get one, you're in for a lot of fun. Free.

Oh. I still do not text, friend or tweet.

Just in case you were thinking about being my buddy.

Joe Sullivan is the retired editor of the Southeast Missourian.