# If you have one of those robotic-ear cellphones, you're a douchebag! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 31, 2005, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807 "2005-10-31T22:19:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/61 "2005-11-01T12:43:12Z")
**VC03** , I must say this is the strangest rant I’ve read in a long time. If I understand correctly, you’re peeved with the way these devices _look_? Or that they exist at all? What are you, some sort of cyber-Amish who believes anything invented after 1995 is the work of Satan? ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/62 "2005-11-01T12:59:48Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > Wait, so you wear that thing on your ear all day, where ever you go? Is it really that hard to pick up your phone? What does that have to do with the price of bacon? This could be used as an argument against _any_ form of convenience; is it really that hard to wind down your car windows manually, or walk to the post office to mail a letter, or make your own sandwiches? I’m not a fan of bluetooth headsets at all; I agree they make people look stupid, but arguing that they are only just a little bit easier than picking up a phone is just silly. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/63 "2005-11-01T13:07:04Z")
> [@VCO3](#): > > You’re kidding, right? Can you, with a straight face, sit here and tell me that [this](http://comt.en.alibaba.com/product/50071090/50331672/Bluetooth_Headsets/Bluetooth_Headsets_and_Mouse.html) is not entirely, wholly, and completely contrived to look “hi-tech,” “cyber,” “.com,” or otherwise like a prop from _The Matrix?_ I’ve not seen one of these fucking things that doesn’t _intentionally_ look like it was designed by H.R. Giger teaming up with David Cronenberg to make props for a new _Star Trek vs. The Matrix_ limited series! Yes, with a straight face, I’m sitting here and telling you that it is designed primarily to the criterion of _fitting onto a human ear_. It has to be an odd shape because, well… I mean, who designed [this](http://marathon.csee.usf.edu/HumanID/kwb_ear.jpg) monstrosity? ---
**Author:** ![Jurph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/50afbb/32.png) [@Jurph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jurph)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/64 "2005-11-01T14:54:32Z")
I think the height of cool would be to have an Army enlisted guy follow me around all the time with one of [these](http://www.olive-drab.com/images/anprc10_02_375.jpg). Whenever I needed to make a call, we’d both stoop down into a trench or a crater and I’d yell for a little into the handset and point at a map that the guy on the other end couldn’t see. Then I’d call in lots of artillery. Especially if I was in the grocery store and asking my wife about which butter to get. ---
**Author:** ![VenusProbe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/e495f1/32.png) [@VenusProbe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VenusProbe)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/65 "2005-11-01T15:16:27Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > Wait, so you wear that thing on your ear all day, where ever you go? Is it really that hard to pick up your phone? It is when I’m typing on the computer or carrying stuff or when I have my laptop with me or when I go out for a smoke with my coffee cup. I don’t have it in all the time but if I get a call while I’m driving from one location to the next and I stop for coffee I usually don’t take it out. It’s really handy when I’m riding my bike. I’m on call pretty much 24/7, but I haven’t had a call on the weekend or past about 6:00pm so it’s pretty much habit to put it in when I get in the car in the morning and every so often I forget to take it off when I get into bed. I do think I look kinda dorky, but not because of of my headset. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/66 "2005-11-01T15:27:23Z")
> [@VCO3](#): > > Awesome! I don’t mind you walking around with a cell phone - **misanthropic asshole-is-the-new-norm** society has made sure that that’s acceptable - but do you really have to strap on the ol’ Robot Ear and walk around like a LARP’er at a _Matrix_ convention? Really? In other news a race riot broke out in the kitchen cupboard today when racial slurs were exchanged between pots and kettles. ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/67 "2005-11-01T15:43:32Z")
I know of three people who have them, and the only correlary is that they are all pompous douchebags. Now, I am smart enough to recognize the utility of the device, and suspect that they soon will become part of the norm. It just seems to me in this case, that the early adapters have the company of douchebags. You see, we’ve become accustomed with technological early adapters being the IT professionals with the emo glasses. Not the IROC drivers. It’s just off putting. That said, I’ll be owning one within 3 years I suspect. I hope they tone down the style. A simple sleek black would be nice. As they look now, they accesorize well with Zubas. ---
**Author:** ![Purd\_Werfect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47c2d/32.png) [@Purd\_Werfect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Purd_Werfect)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/68 "2005-11-01T16:03:16Z")
> [@andros](#): > > No one needs a phone in their car. Much as I enjoy disagreeing with VC03, this sentence is more often true than false. ---
**Author:** ![Balduran](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/cc9497/32.png) [@Balduran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balduran)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/69 "2005-11-01T16:35:52Z")
What a suprise, **VCO3** starting yet another thread critisizing others for the choices they make in life. If you’re older than 25, it’s high time you drop the outraged by society schtick. ---
**Author:** ![Cemetery\_Savior](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Cemetery\_Savior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cemetery_Savior)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/70 "2005-11-01T16:41:36Z")
> [@Purd Werfect](#): > > Much as I enjoy disagreeing with VC03, this sentence is more often true than false. Ugh so NOT true. I want one of these Bluetooth headsets (my phone is compatible, but didn’t come with one) badly. I’m on the road fairly often, and the handsfree I have now makes it nice and easy to check VM from the road without causing mayhem (both hands on the wheel = good deal!). I also have to make calls to clients to do follow-up, and check back with the office folks to make sure things are being done. Not having a cord to strangle me would be even better. For that matter, driving with the phone to your ear in IL (interstates) is illegal. Hand-free are a necessity. If there are people wearing these to attract the ladies…they should be re-educated. -Cem ---
**Author:** ![Binarydrone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3da27b/32.png) [@Binarydrone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Binarydrone)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/71 "2005-11-01T16:53:28Z")
My god, you people are acting like these things are the new SUV. Was this voted in as a sacred cow at some point, and I just missed it? Get a grip folks. ---
**Author:** ![Purd\_Werfect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47c2d/32.png) [@Purd\_Werfect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Purd_Werfect)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/72 "2005-11-01T17:44:47Z")
> [@Cemetery Savior](#): > > Ugh so NOT true. I want one of these Bluetooth headsets (my phone is compatible, but didn’t come with one) badly. > > I’m on the road fairly often, and the handsfree I have now makes it nice and easy to check VM from the road without causing mayhem (both hands on the wheel = good deal!). I also have to make calls to clients to do follow-up, and check back with the office folks to make sure things are being done. > > Not having a cord to strangle me would be even better. For that matter, driving with the phone to your ear in IL (interstates) is illegal. Hand-free are a necessity. > > If there are people wearing these to attract the ladies…they should be re-educated. > > -Cem We’ll have to agree to disagree on this matter. Even hands-free, cell phones make people worse drivers. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/73 "2005-11-01T18:06:32Z")
What about those people who wear thos things in their ears that are purely decorative. I don’t know what they are called but sometimes they are tiny little sparkly things and some times they are big hoop type things and sometimes they are dangly things, usually encrusted with gems or stones or something like that. They are often glittery and scream “Look at me! Aren’t I fashionable and attractive!” Why can’t people just wear simple neutral colors, be unadorned, stand quietly and stare straight ahead. Sheesh! ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/74 "2005-11-01T20:50:59Z")
> [@VCO3](#): > > Yep, you! Mr. business casual riding the train with your douchebag earpiece cellphone dickbrain hanging off of your head. What an asshole! I’m talking about [these things](http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/bluetooth-headset.html), you ugly, retarded subhuman. … > > … you just look like Robocop… I’d buy that for a dollar! ---
**Author:** ![Encinitas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@Encinitas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Encinitas)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/75 "2005-11-01T21:09:40Z")
I want one of these handy [gizmos](http://www.gulker.com/netfm/graphics/uhura.jpg) . 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/76 "2005-11-01T21:13:43Z")
> [@andros](#): > > I bet **VCO3** was the guy whining about that asshole in his IROC with his fancy-shmancy “car phone” back in 1985. I rather doubt that. Odds are, in 1985, it was still another five to ten years before **VCO3** would be born. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/77 "2005-11-01T21:14:29Z")
SWMBO has one. It came with the cellphone provided by her company. It does come in handy for her to use, but we are always joking about how it makes her look as if she has been assimilated by the Borg Collective. ---
**Author:** ![BraheSilver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@BraheSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BraheSilver)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/78 "2005-11-01T21:47:24Z")
So I’m guessing nobody’s a big fan of [this](http://www.starwars.com/episode-v/explore/classic/2002/02/classic20020208.html) guy? ---
**Author:** ![TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/51bf81/32.png) [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/79 "2005-11-01T22:29:08Z")
> [@BraheSilver](#): > > So I’m guessing nobody’s a big fan of [this](http://www.starwars.com/episode-v/explore/classic/2002/02/classic20020208.html) guy? Damn it! I’ve been wanting to invoke Lobot through this entire thread, but I couldn’t remember his name and google searches for “empire strikes back guy with head thing” were unsuccessful. ---
**Author:** ![Rodd\_Hill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3ab097/32.png) [@Rodd\_Hill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodd_Hill)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2005, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807/80 "2005-11-01T22:31:48Z")
> [@](#): > > Why would a Brazilian child prostitute want to hear about server outages? “Hey, é seus vinte dólares, senhor.” Maybe, **VCO3** , you should just consider re-wording your concerns. Perhaps “ **How is it Legal For The Stupid Little Cunt Behind the Counter at the Movie Theatre to Not Tip Their Barista While Being All Futuristic in a Barbarella Sort of Way and Looking Like a Douchebag Wearing One of those Robotic-Ear Fellphones?** ” would be a better title for the thread. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-have-one-of-those-robotic-ear-cellphones-youre-a-douchebag/328807.md?page=5)