Updated 11/06/2012: I have been looking, but just haven't felt compelled to buy one. I do have an iPad 3, so that may be influencing my lack of interest. It's just that I haven't felt that my life has been lacking to a point where I think, "I really could use that app right about now."  I know I'll eventually have to get one. If you have a suggestion or review on a smartphone, please feel free to leave a comment.

After attending CES recently, I felt out of place somewhat because everyone there was tethered to the latest smartphone available, whereas I was still carrying my old Motorola Flip Phone. To my surprise, I am NOT in the minority.

In a recent survey, 65% of mobile phone users have and will continue to use what they now call a "dumb" phone. Price of data plans and a lack of need for the aforementioned data were some of the reasons quoted for not getting a smartphone. I'll agree with those two assessments and throw in a couple more.

First, I want my smartphone to fully function as a phone (as it is my only phone). If I must trade call quality for expanded features, then that's a deal breaker to me. Second, I want a smartphone battery that lasts longer. All these extra features quickly drain a smartphone's battery. I saw many companies at CES offering battery charging mats, but none offering extended battery life. What good is a mobile smartphone if you can't be mobile?

Now you may think I'm against smartphones, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. I'd like an iPhone, and when they (meaning Verizon) introduce a version that isn't already outdated, then I'll seriously consider it. In the meantime, I'll stick to using a separate device for accessing my Internet, and if prices continue to go up (I'm looking at you Cable Company), it very well may mean that I won't make the switch until 2015 with the rest of the dumb people.

Unfortunately, as a marketing specialist, that means that I still have to develop multiple versions of our marketing message, just like web designers still have to cater to the IE7 audience. Hmmm....when's that new iPhone coming out?