Could You Live Without Your Cell Phone? Be Honest.

Most of us live and die by our cell phones. In fact, on days where our cell phones' batteries have died or we left home without them altogether, we find ourselves feeling out of sorts and like our left arm is missing. Sometimes I look back and reflect on the age before cell phones were a common accessory and I find myself wondering what I would do in certain situations if I didn't have a trusty cell phone as my aid. For instance, if my car broke down on the side of the road, would I be able to figure out a way to get help? Or if I were stuck in traffic and going to be late to meet a friend for dinner, how would I be able to give them a heads up?

For me, and I assume many of you, my cell phone has become a life preserve.

Today our office passed around an interesting article that we'd like to share with you. From MediaPost Publications, comes a study about cell phone users. In it are some interesting facts.

The study, which says 87% of Americans have mobile phones, up from 69% in 2006, delineates five different classes of mobile users:

• "Mobirati," 19% of mobile phone owners, are also the first generation to have grown up with mobile phones.

• "Social Connectors", 22% of mobile phone owners are people for whom the mobile phone is essentially a social lubricant, and for whom texting is just as important as a voice call.

• "Pragmatic Adopters" constitute 22% of cell users, and are just getting beyond using mobile phones solely for voice calls. They say that if service quality is disappointing, they will switch to another provider. They also say once they find one they like, they will stick with it.

• "Mobile Professionals," about 17% use smartphones and haven't got a problem with using more complex phones and their variegated features. Experian Simmons says they actually feel that extra features are more important than calling, and are more likely to switch to service providers offering the latest technology.

• "Basic Planners," about one-fifth of users, are interested in basic mobile packages only, and only use cell phones in emergencies, are confused by plans and don't use other features. 

So where do you fall in this mix? We want to know. Leave your comments in the section below.