Hi Friends, I need advice if you can help.

[Paper Roses]

I am a senior and am living of S.S. As you might guess, my funds are very limited.
I have an iPhone 8 that is giving me problems. Also, I still hAVE Windows 10 on my old computer.
Both are giving me problems.
I am going to try and reach a local computer Guru but I want to know if I am stuck, particularly with the iPhone.

On some of the sites I follow give me the message that Safari can't open the page because it could not connect to the server. This includes DU.
Some pages will show only text but no pictures. Some are just blank. I am on "Friends $ Family" plan with my son-in-law. Was told I could.'t do anything without his OK. Don't understand that. Is it possible to buy a used iPhone? I don't need all the fancy stuff, I am a simple user and have very few Apps.


In regard to the computer, all seems to work well but I think I need a professional to make sure everything is OK.
I don't have the $$$ to buy either a new phone or computer. Any guidance you could give me would be appreciated. The service on the phone is AT&T. There is a store near me but I doubt they will tell me much other that I have to buy a new phone. That is a no-go now.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. This iPhone?

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/iphone/specs/apple-iphone-8-att-t-mobile-global-a1905-specs.html

Yeah, it doesn't support the latest iOS.

If you want to stay with Apple, you can get a new, unlocked third-generation iPhone SE from Tracfone for under $200. The big disadvantage for you is the tiny screen size. It does support the latest iOS though. I hear you can them elsewhere for about the same price, and that refurbished ones are available too. You are not locked to Tracfone by buying this phone.

Edited: oh, these might have been discontinued. Tracfone shows four Apple phones. An iPhone 12 is $250, and they go up from there. Good luck dealing with the annoying chatbot.

https://www.tracfone.com/smartphones

Here's the iPhone 12
https://everymac.com/systems/apple/iphone/specs/apple-iphone-12-united-states-a2172-specs.html

Here's the third - generation iPhone SE
https://everymac.com/systems/apple/iphone/specs/apple-iphone-se-3-3rd-gen-2022-united-states-canada-a2595-specs.html

[usonian]

3. I use an iPhone SE third generation. It cost a bit, though I bought it outright, not on a plan.

Yes, the screen is small but I swore I wouldn't use it for things that should be done on a computer. Broke that rule real fast. The phone works nicely when I am on the easy chair.

The BIG DEAL for me is that I am so nearsighted that I can read the phone comfortably by taking my glasses off. One foot or so IS my distant vision. That will change when I ever get new lenses from the eye doctor.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. Tracfone has changed.

With the old Tracfone, the phone you bought from them was locked to Tracfone. That changed. At least with the Apple phones, you buy the phone, and you are free to do whatever you want with it. I think their price is not based on signing up for service with them, but I'm not sure.

And good afternoon.

[usonian]

2. Another senior, but I did tech for a living (and even now)

Phone problems could be (everything here is "could be" ) just old operating system and apps, namely safari.

You can upgrade the operating system only to ios 17. The phone can't support newer ones.

And presuming you are going through ATT only, you might try using wifi (if you have a computer, it's almost certain you have wi-fi. Only I use ethernet any more. I like it, but wi-fi for everything else, including the phone and tablets.

Can't help with the computer. There's just nothing like someone to look at things. I would visit friends and family to do so. It's extremely difficult to do any of this remotely (hence the "could be" ).

Perhaps there's a decent senior center which can give you a lead on someone nearby. Hopefully a friendly neighbor who will work for beer and burgers and not lots of money.

If you are in the CA Sierra foothills, I can drop by (not a windows person).

My family used to hand-down phones and laptops (to Mom, of course). I don't know if you can find decent stuff on Craig's List or other social media that I avoid.

Good luck,
I just wanted to mention some things that might or might not help.

[2naSalit]

4. Possible refurbished phones...

https://www.pcsforpeople.org/

[applegrove]

6. Call cell phone repair places and see if they sell second hand phones.

I once took an old phone in to transfer data to my new one and asked if they could do it for free if I gave them the old phone to sell. They said Yes!!

[SheilaAnn]

7. I don't use my phone for much either and found "Jitterbug" perfect for my needs. n/t

[Sector 001]

8. Do a search on slick deals

https://slickdeals.net/

You can find some really good deals on cell phones, especially if you use T-Mobile.

I bought this phone over a year ago and it's still going strong.