<p>Is a basic cell phone with texting adequate, or is a smart phone with e-mail capability "needed"? </p>
<p>If a smart phone, what's "better" - iPhone, Blackberry, other? .....and why?</p>
<p>You don’t NEED a smartphone. You may want one, but it’s not needed. </p>
<p>If you do look into smartphones, check out the HTC Incredible.</p>
<p>For an average student, smartphones are not necessary at all. If anything, it will distract you from your academics. </p>
<p>As you go into your Junior/Senior year, one could argue that you might need one for any internship/job-related responsibilities but even then, you will have more than enough time to manage things as long as you’re checking your email one or twice a day.</p>