I guess I understand both your positions. Yes, there are loads of people who use phones inconsiderately, have them set to ludicrously annoying ringtones, and shout into them. And yes, there are employers who use them to take over their employees' lives.

But this isn't how it has to be; please don't let such things colour your view of the phones themselves. My phone, for example, is set to the most bland, simple ringtone I can find (i.e. it sounds like a phone ringing!), and starts off quiet enough that I've usually answered it before anyone else has heard it. (It helps that I carry it in a trouser pocket, not stashed away inside a handbag or briefcase that takes three minutes to reach!) And the phone is mine, not my employer's: I give the number to all my friends and family -- I've also given it to a few trusted work colleagues, but I don't think they've called it once.

Finally, remember that, like a landline phone, a mobile is your tool, not your master. If it's inconvenient, don't feel you need to answer it! You can always check who rang and call them back if necessary. It's perfectly possible to use one in a way which is a help rather than a curse, and which is considerate to those around you. (Though, like many gadgets, its usefulness is in direct proportion to how often you carry it and have it turned on.)

As for the iPhone, it looks like an amazing bit of kit, and the geek in me would put down money immediately. (Even despite the lack of programmability.) But, in practical terms: it has nowhere near enough storage to replace my 60GB iPod (itself holding only half my music); and it's lacking the infrared modem that would let it replace my existing phone (which I use with my Psion). And I really can't justify an addition to the collection of gadgets I cart around with me... :(