This is a non-sequitur - He said nothing about being glued to it, or using it in lieu of normal conversation. He simply stated that it's extremely useful in situations where access to a searchable map that gives directions could save you time money and frustration. Also, if you're a big music fan, having to carry an mp3 player and these Nokias everyone brags about is just extra weight. Also, having access to email is a huge thing, especially if you have a job that communicates primarily by email (in other words, any corporation or consultant) These things are not "distracting you from normal conversation". I realize that we did without these things for years, but we have them now, and we shouldn't be demonizing them. They do as much good as you allow them, but they also give you enough rope to hang yourself as well.

This shouldn't be about your phones causing you to waste all your time and lower your quality of life. It's simply a lack of self control, whether people want to admit it or not.