Jerry posted here asking if you could do without your cellphone.

CNN has a similar article today but regarding smartphones. Could you do without it for a week, using it only for phone calls and texting. I don't mean doing without it for a week because you happen to be on vacation or something in a remote area that has no service so you have to, but actually be able to resist all the bells and whistles for a week and absorb life going on around you instead of having your face buried in it?

They link to a pic that is pretty good.

I could do it.. I just wouldn't want to.. which begs the question... why ask this question?
Is someone going to complain that i use my phone too much? As opposed to what?
I can use the GPS and find my way much quicker in the metropolitan area...o r i could pull over, spend money on a map, unfold the 3-acre map in my truck and find my way... w/o step by step instructions mind you.
I could carry a notepad and pencil for those things I need to remember...or just make a voice memo and help save a tree.
Those people who have their face buried in the phone and are ignoring you and me... they are communicating on FB with loved ones on the other side of the world.
ETC.

From NPR:

Digital Overload: Your Brain On Gadgets

Because I wanted to. Actually drjohn's link answers that best.Like we used to do? All this reasoning and using sense of direction makes my head hurt.Some kind of resources had to be used to make the phone, that offsets the paper.Some are, most are just BS'ing and just after the instant gratification, and like the article says, it's not asking you to go off the grid, just relegate the FB etc communications to the computer when you can get in front of one. If it's an emergency regarding a family member or something you would get a call probably, not a FB message.

You're addicted.

Some great dramatic writing though. 3 acre map, save a tree.

Truth be told... most of the time I'm using it as a phone. 90-95%.

The truth will set you free.

Truth is after all a moving target
Hairs to split,
And pieces that don't fit
How can anybody be enlightened?
Truth is after all so poorly lit.

Neil Peart
Turn the Page

S'truth.

Guy Nextdoor
Pour the Beer

Here's why I like my iPhone:
I can take pictures/video with it
I can access my email all the time, work email too
I can text my friends/family much quicker than call them


I wish I could give up my iPhone and I would in a heartbeat if I could do those 3 things on an iPad. I don't need 3G, I just need wifi, which I have access to a LOT.

Really what it comes down to is are you using your smartphone smartly? A smartphone can be very liberating or imprisoning. All is what you do with it.

But it all depends on your business. If you are in sales and marketing you can't turn it off. Can your job live turning your smartphone off?

We're all different. End of story. We're all different. What seems to be happening with the dude who is driving me off the road is that he wants to prove that he is smart phoning so much that I do not count.

Go ahead. Just don't kill me. Or my kids.