Get ready, the smart phone might just be the next "Must Have" tech device. Don't laugh, this may be more true than many of us realize or would like to believe.

Why?

Mainly because the smart phone fulfills our ever increasing need for a mobile device that gives us all the features of a laptop/internet/phone in one small package. We want it all and we want it small. Go figure!

For regardless of the size of our brain cells, we all need a small communication device that keeps us constantly connected no matter where we are. Connected to friends, family or business via a phone and the Internet. Totally connected to our lives and our sense of "self".

So will you pass the smart test when it comes to smart phones? Or are you still scratching your head, wondering why you would need another techno gizmo cluttering up your life?

If you're still wondering, here are seven reasons or factors why it would be smart for you to consider getting a smart phone.

1. PDA and Cell Phone Combo

A smart phone is really a combination of a cell phone and a pda. You get the best of both worlds: a cell phone and the functions of a pda in one simple small device. Smart phones can come in different designs: candy-bar, clamshell, slider and flipper.

A smart phone offers many pda-like features but keep in mind it is still more like a mobile phone than a dedicated PDA, which offers larger screens and more applications. A PDA is more like a small computer or laptop than a cell phone.

As technology becomes faster and smaller one can expect smart phones to become more like a dedicated PDA, offering more applications and more functions of a conventional handheld in a smaller package.

2. Mobile Convenience

Perhaps the greatest advantage of having a smart phone is the mobility it gives you. You can stay in constant contact with all your friends, family or your work. For mobile professionals it can be a very convenient and practical way to stay in contact with your work.

3. Laptop Mini-Me

The smart phone and especially the Pda phone can be a simple laptop that you can take anywhere. This device can take the place of a small laptop keeping you connected via phone and the Internet to all the information you need. Extremely useful for students and in-the-field professionals such as real-estate agents, builders, architects...

Although they are slightly different creatures, the line between a Pda Phone and a Smart Phone is blurring real fast. Smart phones are usually smaller and offer less features than a Pda phone which is more related to a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a Handheld PC.

4. Entertain Me

Increasingly, these smart and pda phones come equipped with countless games, MP3, camera, video... all to entertain you. Important on those long plane or car trips with unexpected stop-overs. Also great to keep any complaining off-spring totally enthralled and completely oblivious to their surroundings for hours at a time. Save big on your headache meds by getting a smart phone for little junior or little miss!

5. The Lost Factor

Just admit it, we have all been lost at some time in our lives. Now you don't have to be; many of these smart pda phones come with a GPS system to keep you in touch with your location at all times. Become totally grounded with a smart phone!

6. The Cool Factor

There has to be something said about style - these smart phones are sleek and stylist. Fashion should not be a reason to buy a smart phone but sadly it will be a major factor for many who do buy one.

7. The iPhone Factor

You can expect the "Cool" factor to leap-jump when the iPhone hits the market. The iPhone may do for smart phones what the iPod did for MP3 players. Hey, there is nothing cooler than an Apple anything!

Besides the cool factor, the iPhone will probably revolutionize how we perceive and look at smart phones. It will elevate the smart phone to unheard of heights and place it center stage in our lives.

Most of us will be smart enough to quickly grab one of these techno marvels. How about you? Will you be smart enough to get a smart phone or will you take the opposite route?

While you're making up your mind, just remember you don't have to be an Einstein to appreciate the smart phone. Nor does being a prime candidate for the next Jackass video necessarily rule you out - everyone can benefit from having a smart phone.