Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

When I read about the NSA tracking mobile phones worldwide, I decided to put my mobile "phone" in flight mode - permanently.

It's a PDA now. All you need to do is tell your people to call you on your landline. Like we did a few years back. (Reminder: it was actually possible to live like that - plus, you're not on an electronic leash anymore, it feels really good.)



I now use this: https://offpocket.com/

It has much the same effect. You can leave the phone powered on, but whenever it is in the case it is effectively in flight mode but without requiring me to do anything.

It feels quite liberating to be in control of communication like this and to consume when you want to. A form of zero-distraction for life.


OTOH, when you just turn off the link to cell towers, you gain huge amounts of battery time - quite nice.


Nobody I know under 30 even has a landline. It was possible to live without computers at all but that doesn't mean I would choose to do it now.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: