A parking app makes a smartphone worthwhile

sir – At the age of 74 I have been converted to using apps on my smartphone (Letters, November 9), a parking app being my most recent discovery.

Not only do I pay for parking easily while watching others scrabble for coins or curse broken machines, but I have found that it can be cheaper if you use the time-extension facility.

Chris Yates

Peasedown St John, Somerset

sir – I was initially resistant to owning a smartphone, but have discovered that they can be invaluable.

In hospital they allow patients to remain in touch with their family and to give regular updates on their condition. They can also listen to music, watch films and read the news.

Indeed, I am composing this letter from my hospital bed.

Martin Offer

Bognor Regis, West Sussex

sir – David Willatts (Letters, November 9) says that as 90 per cent of the population own a smartphone, it is natural that many transactions are now by this method only. The assumption might carry weight if the system functioned perfectly, but it does not.

I own a smartphone but have no signal in my house, so giving my number out to anyone is virtually useless. When I complain to my provider, I am told that my postcode has a “very strong signal” and the matter seems to end there.

Alan Stockwell

Smarden, Kent

sir – Our elderly neighbour, who has no internet, rang the council to report her missed bin collection, only to hear a message saying it was busy and she should report it online.

I applaud systems going digital to improve efficiency and productivity, but we must not forget those who cannot comply.

Tim Bloomfield

Ellen’s Green, Surrey

sir – Like Eileen Batchelor (Letters, November 9), I do not want a smartphone, and to expect people to spend unnecessary money on one is a form of bullying, whatever age you are.

Such bullying in the classroom, where less wealthy children are forced to keep up with their peers, leads to untold worry, pain and angst.

Penny Russell-grant

West Mersea, Essex

sir – I am surprised they are still called smartphones – the last thing they are used for is phoning anyone. Margaret Platts

Harrogate, North Yorkshire