I WAS talking to a neighbour on land behind his home when his mobile phone went.

I couldn't believe it was his wife ringing from the house, not 20 yards away. He was only outside the back gate.

That's when the usage of the things annoys me. However, I'll not knock them again after hearing some of the heartbreaking messages sent to loved ones from hostages who knew they were going to die on September 11 in the hi-jacked planes. That's when they came into their own for me -- but I've still resisted the urge to have one.