Please tell me it's worth the cost to get a smartphone!

[emily_in_nc]

Still a Luddite....
Don't play music, don't use GPS, don't need or want to check email when I am out and about, don't text. Take pictures with a camera (a nice one), but I have no idea how those pictures get into the computer...
I'm not being sarcastic, really, but I can't really think of any reason I would get a Smart Phone. Perhaps it's because in my field, we don't and sometimes can't (because of confidentiality) use technology much in our work.
I keep asking myself why so many people feel the need to be in touch all of the time. I often watch people on the train and count how many are using some kind of electronic device. It's just interesting, to contrast that with how many are reading, not on an I Pad or Kindle.
Just a comment and casting no judgments on anyone.

I'm pretty much like you. I do have an old-timey (first generation and not made by Apple) MP3 player, which I listen to at the gym (only way I can tolerate the treadmill!), but aside from that, I just have a simple cellphone. I have taken only a handful of photos on it in the 2 years I've had it. Like 5 photos. I don't use the internet on it, and have only sent about 5 texts.

When I take the bus to/from work, I read a newspaper or paperback. I am in the minority as most are on their smartphones or Kindles/Nooks. I am on the laptop so much while at home (and online all day at work), it's actually a nice break not to be tempted to go online every minute. I don't care to be "always on".

Editing to add: I am a techie - a software engineer, and I still don't want technology taking over every part of my life. In some ways, I think it's gone too far in our lives. I have seen so many of my friends get practically addicted to their Smartphones after never even knowing they "needed" one before.