Pros and Cons

It's somewhat difficult to remember what is was like before we had cell phones, mobile phones or just portable handsets. Back then, which is only what 10 - 12 years ago, we had to wait until we got home to make that call. Or if it was an emergency, you had to keep your eyes peeled for a functioning pay phone that wasn't being used and you had to be sure you had the correct change. At this point, I think the only individuals who use them are visitors from other countries and Superman.

In the cell world our lives have changed and not always for the better. A few pros and cons follow to prove my point:

PROS

• You have the ability to have a phone at your fingertips at all times
• They are relatively inexpensive depending on your consumption rate
• They can be stylish
• They can be multi-purpose, i.e. iPhone, Blackberry, etc.
• They are light-weight; they fit in the palm of your hand
• They don't require you to dial additional digits for long distance calls
• They have pretty exhaustive networks
• Each family member can have their own at a very low cost.
• You can make the call when you need to instead of having to wait to get to a phone
• The fact that you have it with you in an emergency can save your life, a
• as with climbers, bike riders, burglary victims, etc.

CONS

• I have actually taken calls in the bathroom and that's sick
  
• It's very easy to over-consume your minutes and blow your budget
• Because they are so small and lightweight, they are easy to drop and break
  
• The more they do the more indispensable they become; nothing is more irritating than sitting in a meeting with someone who can't stop looking at theirs and texting messages while you're trying to have a discussion
• People talk on their phones while they are driving, which can quickly convert their vehicle to a death machine for them and/or someone else
• If you lose it, the phone can provide the finder with a disturbing amount of information about you, your family, friends, etc.
• You begin to become obsessed with your "missed calls" or picking up your messages

So, what's the answer? Since people haven't been smart enough to figure out for themselves to stay off the phone while they're driving, I suppose a law will have to be imposed upon them and they already have in some states. As to the whole meeting etiquette thing, hopefully once the newness wears off, people will settle down and focus on the here and now. Until then, they'll continue to get dirty looks from me. Scary.