Cell phones are such a precious commodity these days. If you don't have one, people look at you as if you're malformed. And if you do have a cell phone but don't have it with you, it feels as if a piece of you is missing - at least that's how it feels to me.
But can cell phones now even be known as just a phone anymore?
Most phones can now do a variety of extra goodies. Users can do fun things like surf the Web, check email, update Facebook or Twitter, listen to music or play games. You can even play Farmville on the iPhone now!
With all these extra features being packed in on each brand new handset, people are starting to make their decision to buy a new cellular device based solely on these features. Not if it can perform its primary role - making a phone call - correctly or not.
As a big tech head, I'm all for the advancement of technology. I want my cellular device to be so packed with features it wants to explode - not literally, of course (although that has happened in the past).
While phone companies keep trying to outdo each other with the release of each new handset, upgrading to these smartphones comes with a hefty price tag.
Most cell phone providers require users to add on a data plan - which allows for a capped amount or unlimited Web surfing and data streaming - that can run about $20-30 per month. Of course this is on top of the $200-300 asking price for the device itself, which is also on top of the existing talk/text rate on your bill.
Yeah, it adds up.
I recently upgraded from my rinky-dink phone to the HTC Incredible and I love it! Yet, as a poor, college student it does hurt a little every time my bill comes in and I see all those added on charges. However, I do find it worth it because of all the things I can do with my new phone.
However, not all people share my enthusiasm.
Some people might not want a phone that can do everything besides get you a glass of water - although I'm pretty sure there will be an app for that soon - or maybe they can't afford or don't want to pay for the ridiculously high priced data plan.
And that, my friends, is where we run into a problem.
For some people, cell phones are advancing too fast for their own good. I've spoken with a lot of people who say they just want something capable of making phone calls. And while there isn't anything wrong with that from a consumer standpoint, there is something wrong with it from a manufacturer's standpoint.
With phone manufacturers trying to one-up each other when it comes to smartphones, many are neglecting those who want a basic phone. It's difficult to find a phone worth owning that doesn't require some type of mandatory data plan.
That's a little ridiculous.
But who am I to have an opinion on the matter? I'm just a 21-year-old college student. Who's going to listen to me? Well, I'm not the only one with a voice on the matter.
A couple months ago, the father of cell phones, Martin Cooper, spoke with CNN about the state of his babies today. Shockingly, he isn't a big fan.
Cooper was surprised at how large the cell phone market has erupted since his invention back in 1973. "We knew that someday everybody would have a [cell] phone, but it was hard to imagine that that would happen in my lifetime," Cooper told CNN. Cooper also went on to say how "phones have gotten so complicated, so hard to use, that you wonder if this is designed for real people or for engineers."
Those are some big words from the man who has allowed me to watch Justin Bieber get hit in the head with a water bottle over and over again on YouTube from my phone.
However, I do agree with what Cooper has to say.
Phones have become so deep, so complex, some users feel frustrated and a little inferior at not being able to use them. It's not for a lack of trying, it can just become overwhelming and eventually start to feel as if this new investment isn't working.
I still feel I haven't even cracked the surface of all the neat things my phone can do. And like all technology, with new handsets being released left and right, I feel my shiny, new phone is already outdated and obsolete.
The way smartphones have evolved in the mere three years since the iPhone's debut - thus sparking the smartphone revolution - has been overwhelmingly successful. However these same manufacturing conglomerates shouldn't become so enthralled in this battle for supremacy they exclude those unable to keep up.