Communication technology surrounds us — at home, on the road, in stores — literally everywhere. But is the ability to connect at all times necessary or is it a necessity that we have created?

My name is Elle A. and as the newest Intern here at Getloaded, I want to help answer that and many other questions surrounding the recent, never-ending surge in communication technology.

I’ll begin by focusing on what I like to call “the cell phone craze.” In just a few years, cell phones have gone from a luxury to a tool for keeping in touch wherever you are to small computers that send emails, schedule meetings, access the internet and provide GPS.

See something crazy on the road? You can shoot a video, upload it to YouTube and then tweet to tell your followers its there.

Cool, yes.

But I have to ask, is it really necessary to be “connected” at all times?

Perhaps I’m biased, because my current phone is far from the newest technology. Unlike most mobile phones these days, mine is simply designed to make and receive calls. It does not have a touch screen, Internet access, or even a keyboard. I may be a part of Generation Y, but I have a hard time understanding the constant need to be connected. If you have texting you need a keyboard and if you have a keyboard you need the Internet and if you have internet it should be wireless and if it’s wireless, why not an iPhone 4G? Maybe I’m old fashioned or just not busy enough, but sometimes it seems like technology is getting out of hand. Keeping up with the constant changes and upgrades is exhausting. 

My phone and I are stuck in a 2006 world in 2010; however, I see how new mobile developments can make life easier, too.

Looking for a good place to eat on the road? Just Google your location and the cuisine you crave.

Need to find a load so you avoid deadheading? Download iGetloaded and find the freight you need.

I might resist the urge to be connected and communicating at all times, but I am also interested in moving forward with new technology. And a new phone seems like the perfect place to start.

Between the BlackBerry, iPhone, Droid, Palm Pre and an assortment of other options that seem to be released every day, how do I know which will be the easiest to use? Offer the most sophisticated options without confusing me?

What phone have you chosen? Do you use it for personal, business or both? Let me know your thoughts and look for next week’s when we will take a look at Twitter and Facebook.