For some people, I am sure it is a gadget to have fun with. For me, having a smart phone frees me up from a lot of things I would normally carry on trips. Last work trip I went on before I had my smartphone, I took my laptop to access emails from my room. Also, to entertain me while flying. I had epilepsy as a kid, and since then reading in cramped quarters, or a movie vehicle causes me to get nauseous, but watching a movie is OK.
I had to take my GPS for my car because I had never been to L.A. before.
Now, I take my tiny phone, and I can read my book, watch a movie, my GPS is already there, my emails go directly there. Also, I keep my documentation there as well for these trips, and I have made them so that I can fill out forms easily on the phone. I have eliminated one entire bag from my trip.
There is a need for them, and even if not a need, many people are fitting them into their lifestyle, and I do not think that is such a bad thing. As far as texting goes, I am not a fan. Hell, I even put apps on my wife's and my phone so that we can do push to talk, just so I do not have to text her. One of the worst things I saw from the younger generation was a group hanging out at the mall. I heard them say that they should all head home so they can get on AIM. Let me get this straight. You are all together, hanging out and talking, and you feel the need to leave, so you can chat? I might be old, but I thought it would be the other way around, you would be chatting, and decide to get together to talk instead.