Which phone is comfortable for bad hands?

[Deleted User]

Hi all,

I know this might be a bit silly, but I thought it won't hurt to ask

My old mobile phone just broke down and I started looking around for a new one. I thought I ask you guys which phones you find comfortable to use.
My hands are not in a great shape due to RA, and I want to pick a phone that won't be too hard on them. I can't keep my hands too long in the same position as they become painful, I have a bad grip and trigger fingers in both hands.
There seem to be 2 groups of phones in shops: blackberries and similar or touch screen phones. I am thinking of a blackberry because of the buttons; but never having one before, I am not sure whether it will be any good for me. Are they comfortable? What about the touch screen ones? I tried my husband's for a day and texting was a real struggle...

I would appreciate any thoughts and tips.

Thanks!

stickywicket

It's not a silly question at all, nesia, but I'm not sure it's one that anyone else can answer for you as, although many of us have problem hands, they're not all problematic in the same way.

I struggle with ordinary phones let alone mobiles. It's only by holding them and having a go at texting etc that you can tell how easy or difficult each one would be for you personally. All I can suggest is that you go to a store where you can try before you buy.

salamander

I switched to a touch screen as I found the buttons really painful on my thumb joint and wrist. Also, some of the touch screens can be quite large which makes them easier to hold. Most phones have a speakerphone facility so you don't have to hold it up to your ear and mine also can be voice activated to save any typing at all.

I would suggest you go and try some out before you buy but you may also have a two week return period depending on your contract and supplier. So you could try one at home.

succotash

Personally I would steer clear of the blackberry phone, it has really small buttons that are close together. My kids have them and I struggle to use them.
I have a samsung touch screen phone, its easy to use and you dont have to have too much flexibility in your fingers to use it. If you can get to grips with swyping it makes it even easier for stiff fingers.

LignumVitae

I have a touch screen, I ended up wanting to execute my fiddly blackberry for reminding me of my limitations! I love that when my hands are really rubbish I can zoom the screen so that anything I need to press can be REALLY BIG! Plus touching and not pressing is really a lot easier. One thing I would suggest is a nice rubbery cover because the glass outer case on my phone is slippy so on bad grip days it takes tumbles resulting in scratches to the screen...however, I can also report that iPhones are very strong and withstand lots and lots of dropping on e road, stone kitchen floor, down the stairs...the list is constantly being updated! LV xx

[Deleted User]

Sorry it took me so long (busy week), but here I am, reading with interest all your replies. It's strange, because I had that idea that a blackberry with its buttons would be more comfortable than fiddly touch screen. It looks like I was wrong. I tried a touch screen phone for a day once and hated it! Oh dear... I wish I could borrow someone's blackberry too . Just to test it of course . As for now, I'm still using my ancient nokia, that demands to be charged all the time and refuses to connect me with voice mail .
Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me.
Have a painless day!

Soretoe2

Hi Nesia, I have a Doro phone. It is designed for people with various disabilities. I have had mine for about 5 years so it's not so modern looking as their latest designs.
Most people are intrigued by it and think it's quirky and realise some people just can't manage ordinary phones.
Just google Doro and up'll come the selection.
They also have a non slip coating on them that makes it easer to hold on to them and large number pads for arthritic fingers.
It may not be quite what you had in mind but worth a look. There also might be another manufacturer that may come up in the search engine.
I call mine Dolly, which usually raises a smile.
Hope you get sorted with something soon.

[Deleted User]

Hi Soretoe2,
Thank you. I will definitely check them out. Maybe I can find them in a shop to have a look at. I appreciate your reply.

dachshund

Hello Nesia
i have a nokia touch screen it has a stylus to do the texing
i have not got a problem with my hands but i like the phone
i hope you find the one you want.
joan xx

[Deleted User]

Hello Joan,
Thank you for your post. Right now I think I'm leaning towards touch screen phone but I think I'd rather use my finger than a stylus because holding it would cause pain in my hand ( i know that after playing Nintendo DS). I just treated myself to a kitchenaid mixer so the phone will have to wait a bit . But I must admit that I really need one as my 7 year old Nokia is not doing too well and it would be nice to access the forum from my phone .
Take care,