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Ask HN: What should we call phones as they stop being used as phones?

by Andrenid on 5/14/18, 4:55 PM with 6 comments

Cell/mobile phones are being used less and less as phones, and more as portable mini always-connected computers. There have been dozens of names thrown around in sci fi and similar, from Pads to Tabs and Decks to Slates.

What's you're favourite/preferred idea for a new for these devices that have taken over our lives?

No goals or motives. Just a thought I had as I realised I barely make/receive more than a few calls a week these days.

  • by FroshKiller on 5/14/18, 5:18 PM

    Personally, I wouldn't bother introducing a word besides "phone," because we shortly won't be carrying one single device like this anymore. May as well just keep saying "phone" for the few years left.

    Gizmodo tried to suggest "com" instead of "smartphone" about 10 years ago: https://gizmodo.com/5061705/smartphone-is-a-dumb-word-we-nee...

  • by mtmail on 5/14/18, 5:10 PM

    How about "Handy"? That's what Germans call mobile phones (Wikipedia says usage started 1992)

  • by kup0 on 5/14/18, 7:34 PM

    Repurpose "PDA"?

  • by drdeca on 5/14/18, 6:15 PM

    Mobiles?

    (As in, "mobile phones")