No smartphone or PDA phone out there is perfect. The powerhouses have all the features, but usually frustrate me with sluggish interfaces (this is starting to change thankfully). Basic models stoke my ego by instantly responding to my key presses, but I can't do Wi-Fi, HSDPA, take photos, yada yada yada.

Luckily some of these low-end units are very cheap, especially if they're refurbished. So you'll probably have enough moolah left to get that kickass gadget to maintain your geek street cred. But why should you act like Mr. Moneybags in the first place and carry around two phones?

Commuting is Safer. Even if you live in utopia, your flagship gadget may seem, as we say over here, mainit sa mata (hot on the eyes). Keep the expensive toy in your pocket, and blab or text away with the cheap phone. Snatchers probably won't give it a second look.

Cheaper Phones Ironically Last Longer. With feature sets that force marketers to be creative (see how Nokia packages the 1110i's polyphonic tones as "MP3-grade ring tones"), basic models are also easy on the battery. You'll have the juice you need to get through emergencies.

You're Probably Getting an Unlimited Plan. I love unlimited plans, and you should too. Unfortunately, these kind of services don't have the same reach the normal providers offer. So you still need that usual post-paid plan. And you wouldn't want the hassle--and horrors--of switching SIMs constantly do you? (more on that later)

It makes Roaming Easier. Art Ilano of Mobile Philippines writes about the convenience a second phone offers for jetsetters. And he highlights an interesting point, which is...

You won't wear out your SIM and its tray. By now your probably wondering, can't I just swap SIMs everytime I need to roam/use the unlimited plan? Yes you can. But physics dictate that constant motion wears out stuff. And taking out the battery, pulling out the old SIM, putting in the new one, and replacing the battery is a lot of motion.

That's why I'm going to own two mobiles. I've already bought the 1110i and will sign up for a subsidized E61 this weekend. And if you ever meet me in a dark alley somewhere, you'll know which phone to grab.