Author has two main problems with smartphones:<p>(1) they don't like that smartphones do convenient things (take pictures, play games, read email, show spreadsheets, replace credit cards). Their proposed solution is to don't use that functionality: use phone only for calls (they are unclear if text messages are OK), carry separate gaming console, carry separate eBook (or paper book), lug laptop for email/spreadsheets, get real camera, carry pen & paper for notes. Basically replace that phone in your pocket with a backpack full of stuff.<p>(2) they don't like that smartphones are _required_ sometimes. Examples given are train tickets, "identity card replacement app", and app required for "professional bank account".<p>I very much sympathize with problem 2, and I don't think smartphones should ever be required for service. Even if someone likes smartphones, they still run out of battery or break - you don't want to be stuck at the train station because you forgot to change your phone.<p>I don't really care about problem 1 - if it's a good tool, I'll use it. If you like pen & paper - use it, if you keep loosing your notebooks, switch to cellphone notes app instead.