I purchased a new Samsung phone for my second oldest daughter (2/4) for her 11th birthday. Like computers - but even more so IMO - they really change tremendously in as little as 12 months. When I was in Korea a year ago the LG engineer I talked to said the "flip" (not churn) rate in Korea was every six months.

which is leading many to see...

The comeback of the mobile Internet Here's some totally obvious facts about cell phones, as a refresher:

1. They consume little power these days (digital networks) and will stay charged all day
2. Compared to all other neworks, they are by far the most pervasive 2-way voice and data networks
3. the device fits in your pocket
4. They are the cheapest mobile network devices (compared with PDA/laptop)

both of my cell-phone equipped older daughters are on Verizon, and love using the "get it now" feature (aka BREW)