Everyone, thanks for the comments -- wasn't expecting this degree of vindication... have long felt kind of 'noid like some sort of freak for not being into phones... with phones incredibly popular now, to the point where they are complex computers... and I resisted even getting a cell 'til last year. I even asked for a "dumbphone" I didn't want a smartphone with all the bells/whistles I'd never use... but AT&T's basic model is still loaded with crap. Had them dismantle text & data service cuz they kept charging odd amounts for those and I never used them!