The time is always NOW for Punkt
Article by Geoff Cline
I was elated to be chosen to participate in the Punkt Digital Balance Challenge.
For many years, I have struggled with what we call “digital balance” and with my complicated love-hate relationship with technology.
On the one hand, I am fascinated by the creative possibilities of computers, applications, and so-called “smart devices.” I was an early adopter of Apple products and have always been excited by the way technology can empower creativity and communication.
On the other hand, I have grown increasingly concerned about the darker side of the digital world.
I dislike the massive collection of personal data, the profound negative impact social media can have on society and culture, and the overwhelming dominance of companies such as Google and Meta — just to name a couple among many.
These companies often abuse their market power, sell personal data, use their economic influence to push harmful legislation in countries around the world, and blatantly infringe on the copyrights of millions of people to train AI models — releasing them into the world without adequate safeguards.
20 August — Entry 1 (continued)
My interest in the Punkt phones began on a trip to London and a visit to the gadget department at Selfridges. What a wonderous space! While browning I notice the MP02 and asked the very attentive sales associate what it was. I was intrigues by his description of the company and its purpose and i made a note to check it out online. I did visit the website and much of the content resonated with me. When I learned about the “Digital Balance Challenge” I thought “let’s try it.” Et voila!! (as they say around here).
My “vision” was to use the MP02 for all calling and texting AND use my iPhone (model 15 Pro) for photography (with the Leica LUX app) and other apps (music, guitar tuner, WhatsApp (an absolute necessity in the EU), etc. I immediately fell in love with the MP02 form factor (size and design)... great feel in the hand and easily pocketable. After some quick research, I believed I would be able to have my existing phone number (which I have had since moving to France seven years ago and which is my sole telephone number) operating on both the MP02 and iPhone (which uses an e-SIM). So, I drive to Angouleme to set up the MP02 at the Free Mobile boutique.
Damn. Free no longer allows “my dream” to be realized. One cannot have the same number operating on two devices!! Apparently, other companies that provide cellular services allow this (including the “evil” Orange that I left to sign up with free 4 yeah ago). My only option was to obtain a “new SECOND number” to use with the MP02.
My dream had quickly become a nightmare. The thought of contactiing all my friends and business contacts to advise them of the new phone number and the reasons for it, together with the need to purchase a second phone/data plan for the MP02 that would make it worth the time and effort seemed “out of balance”...to put it mildly.
I was bummed. I still am. But then I thought the dream IS NOT NECESSARILY OVER...it’s just delayed....until we move to Portugal! AND WE ARE GOING TO MOVE TO PORTUGAL...as soon as our house sells and we close on a new project. We are trying to do this ASAP...and believe it could/should happen before the end of 2025.
Then, I will sign up with a new Portuguese service provider...one that will allow two devices to share a single Portuguese phone number. AND, hopefully, then I can actually use my devices in a balanced way...and descirbe in detail how it actually works.
30 October — Entry 2
It’s Getting Better All the Time
I am sitting in a restaurant in Lisbon, awaiting French toast. In less than 60 days I will be living in Portugal. In the Algarve. Near the sea.
My Punkt phone now has the same phone number as my iPhone. But the MP02 is easier to carry. Smaller and with a form that I find more comfortable. And beautiful.
My wife and I are in the end stages of packing our possessions for another international move. This time it will be be land (cars and a moving van). We sold our house fully furnished, so only a few antiques will go with us, together with art, clothes, art supplies, musical instruments and, most importantly, two dogs.
The only people that have my MP02 phone number are my son and his wife, my wife and our friends who are helping us move. I know all of their phone numbers. And so I know when my Punkt phone rings if it is a call I want or need to take.
This is incredibly calming during a very stressful time.
AND, I can use my phone to call anyone, any business any where. I can use my small journal to write phone numbers in that I might need during my day. I am not keeping information that I don’t need for the long term on my phone. This is HUGE change for me and my behaviors.
My Punkt phone is a tangible reminder of my commitment to be more deliberate and consciously aware of what “media” I consume and support. I look forward to carrying it to the United States in February to visit my new grandchild...and to not be subject to invasive surveillance!
The présence of the MP02 on my desk forces me to think about whether I really need to carry a “smart phone” day to day. I’ve been reading Reddit posts about “dumb phones.” But I reject the idea of the MP02 being a “dumb phone.” I prefer “simple phone” (maybe even “brilliant phone”).
Because the device is more than its functions and purpose; it is about design; it is about intention. And, at almost 70 years of age, I know with certainty that design and intention matters in all things. A lot.
p.s. About texting
I have tried texting with MP02...and I’m only going to use it only if necessary. Partly it is generational...I’m just not a text guy. Partly is some hiccups/crashes with Pigeon/Signal.
So, I am glad that the MP02 has the capability (and am hopeful that in time the app will improve)...but its not a prime driver for me.
That said, the MP02 fils perfectly in my mindfulness attitude toward life in the 21st century. It is a tangible reminder of my active resistance to the negative changes and activities that are happening around the world.
Finally, the MP02 is a conversation starter at times.
“Excuse me, what kind of phone is that?”
And, “why would you choose to use that kind of phone?”
Why indeed?!
Plant the seeds of an idea...perhaps they will grow.
Geoff Cline is a retired musician and attorney
