The cell phone is a relatively young technology, but one of many that has completely changed the way the world works. At first, just a novel way to allow communication anywhere at any time, it has now worked its way into the every day lives of just about everyone. What was once an expensive communication device is now in the pockets of teenagers.

And the new "smartphones" – the iPhone, Pre, Droid, etc. – allow for 24/7 access to the web, email, twitter, facebook… they put the world of information – the information of the world – within grasp no matter where you are.

But what about the smaller effects? An observation I just made today: years ago I had my pants pockets divided as such – the left pocket was for money (small bills) and loose change, and the right pocket was for my keys. For years now, in order to protect my lifeline to the world from scratches and wear, my change and keys pockets have been combined. Now when I take out my car keys, I have to make sure that a $1 or $5 bill doesn't sneak out with them, just to keep my mobile device in pristine condition.

The cell phone is such an amazing and powerful piece of technology that it has even changed how I use my pants. Incredible!

I'm not entirely convinced of the health risks that people claim cell phones pose. Like everything else, I think there's a bias by the groups reporting negative findings and a tendency to exaggerate. That being said, I still don't think my body really expects to have a radio transceiver broadcasting all day from my pocket.

Lately, I've changed my habit from walking around all day with a phone in my pocket to only carrying it when I'm on the move. If I'm at work it now sits on my desk (plugged in and maintaining a full charge on my employer's dime). If I'm at home it sits in my room plugged in. When I'm driving it tends to be put in my cup-holder (once again plugged in and charging).

Changing my phone habits has two main effects: 1) keeping my battery almost constantly at a full charge and 2) reducing the physical contact with my phone from probably 10-12 hours per day to an average of maybe 2 hours per day. Some may say that 2 hours a day is still too much, but it's still a time reduction of about 80%. And to me, that seems like a good thing.