Do you need a smartphone?

CNET has an article today asking just that question, do you really need that smartphone? They make their case by justifiably pointing out that in order to get the most from your new device, a data plan is required.  Depending on your carrier, this can range anywhere from $25 to $50 per month.  When compared to the $10 or $15 per month that the same phone carriers charge for a feature phone data plan, it seems like a no-brainer to spend less.  Right?  Wrong.  All four major cell phone companies charge more than $150 for their top of the line feature phones, and if you go that route, your options for customization and adding applications are severely limited.  Whether your needs are best suited by a Blackberry, iPhone, Windows Mobile, or Android Smartphone, you aren’t stuck with the same default applications for the life of your phone.  It becomes your smartphone, instead of the cookie cutter experience you get from a feature phone.  On top of that, with a smartphone you can realize up to an extra hour of productivity every day when compared to your peers.  And they can be downright fun to use.