Nearly two-thirds of American's have used mobile devices for things other than talking, according to a new study on mobile data usage by the Pew Internet Project. The Pew report found that 58% of U.S. adults have used cell phones or PDA's for text messaging, taking a picture, looking for directions or surfing the web. The study released in March 2008 marks the first time the Pew organization has examined mobile data access. It also showed for the first time that the cell phone would be the hardest communications technology for people to give up. More than half (51%) said it would be very hard to give up their cell phone, compared to only 38% in 2002. "Even in 2006, the landline phone was still the most difficult device for people to do without," said John Horrigan, associate director of research for the Pew Internet Project. Underscoring the premium placed on mobility, the cell phone now also trumps the internet, TV, and e-mail.
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