I didn't have one and initially rejected the idea of getting one until the end of freshmen year in high school. I got a job and my license soon after, and it was nice to have. My parents call and ask where I am, I tell them and if there's anything wrong, I can call them for a hand. It's a convenience, not a necessity. I could do just as well without one. I agree with what you said. Once you can pay for it, you can get it. I only got one because my dad got a nice family plan with free phones and a discount from cingular. I do help pay a portion, but it's not too much with rollover and free nights and weekends, the only time I really use it.