Have we traded simplicity for bigger spending?

As you all know, we are in a new time of electronic gadgets that can do pretty much anything. We've seen the Iphone, Itouch, Blackerry, Droid, Palm, and now, the Nexus One. People are dishing out tons of money (in an economic recession) on these "status-boosting" gadgets. That is, phones that make people seem wealthier, or cooler,than those people without the high-tech gadgets.

Here's my issue: Is there nothing better to invest our money into than phones that can do more than...make a call? Is there a need for a phone that can search the web, check email, pay your bills, and set your DVR, all while waiting in the drive-thru line at Mcd's? These amenities are great and I totally see the allure; but the question needs to be asked--why make life any more complex than it already is? Why have we established routines that make it sound absurd to say, "Can't you just check your email at home?"

It just seems ignorant to pay for a smart phone and a data plan (so that you can enjoy the "intelligence" of the smart phone) when there are far better places to spend the money.

Will I get one of these phones someday? Maybe. But, it won't be until the phones are much cheaper, and by then, there will be a new wave of "cool" phones and the Iphone will be far outdated.. I guess, I have never had the need to be seen with the gadgets that "wealthy" folks have.