[John Jorsett]

How did we survive before cell phones? Have they made us more productive? Other things like microwave ovens, permanent press clothes, food processors and such have made our lives easier but a cell phone just complicates things more.

It's certainly made me more productive. Many's the time I had to cool my heels waiting for someone to show up for an appointment. Now they can call me to tell me they're going to be late or need to reschedule, or I can call them to ask when they'll be arriving. The only time I think modern communications are detrimental is when your work can contact you whenever they want (like vacations, dinner, at a movie, etc.), as opposed to what used to be "office hours." Luckily, that sort of thing isn't an issue for me.

[Unassuaged]

Me too.

I suppose someone with a 9-5 office type job may never need one, but people that work on-site and travel; not having a cell phone is unthinkable, Blakberry preferred.
P.S. Good luck finding a pay phone when you need it.
P.P.S. Stupid Blackberry!