I'm typing this on a 925, and I'll use it for as long as it works. I've come to see the ecosystem problem as a blessing in disguise. The promise of windows phone in the early adverts was that you would get in and out quickly, and not waste time that could be spent socialising, or with family. They delivered on that, though not the way they intended. The lack of apps means I don't waste time on my phone. The latest games aren't there. Major apps are unavailable. No pinterest. No ebay app. Crappy youtube experience. These are all good things. The temptation to install timesinks is far less, because even when they are available, they're generally quite poor quality compared to the IOS or android alternatives

I have more free time because I'm on windows phone, and that's worth a lot

Why even get a smartphone if all you want is the basics? Might as well get a feature phone and enjoy the extra battery life.

I browse HN, take a lot of photos and make notes on OneNote. But to be honest I've often been tempted. The camera is probably the thing I'd most miss - I take a lot of photos of my kids and a feature phone camera won't cut the mustard

You can get a feature phone for $20; that leaves quite a bit for a decent point-and-shoot.

yes, but then you have to carry two things in your pocket, and you still can't browse HN or take notes on OneNote with either of them.

Microsoft rebooted the platform so many times there was no opportunity to grow the ecosystem. The only way to build an ecosystem is slow and steady but Microsoft was too impatient for that. When they didn't immediately get success they just threw everything out and started again... twice!

Somewhat agree, I have a 950 and a lit of android/ios apps are here just not all. Last time I checked out of the top 20 on android windows phone has 17/20.

I find most games pointless battery life on all phones already sucks.