If you had to choose?

Survey shows far too many far too attached to their mobile phones

Four times I've read this sentence from a press release and it makes no more sense the fourth time than the first: "If caught in the rain with a choice of a mobile phone or an umbrella, nearly 37 percent of Americans would choose their mobile phone."

Why? They would place it atop their heads as with a rain hat? Seems woefully unsuited to the task. They would use it to call a cab? One might drown before that works. Or, maybe they're going to check the forecast, see exactly when this downpour will subside.

Me? I'm taking the umbrella and asking you if I might borrow your phone.

The umbrella vs. phone question is but one imaginary dilemma posed to some 1,000 adults by a polling firm hired by Best Buy Mobile. In addition, the survey found: 60 percent would give up booze for a week before their mobile phone; a third would part with television first; and 15% would opt for the dentist before going without you know what.

You can decide whether those numbers seem high or low.

• mobile phones
• smartphones