My blackberry is essential for many things. my occupation requires me to be available 24-7 and it is also a courtesy for the people I love and the ones that love me. It is my music source, Internet, clock, phone, GPS, and it is also my backup modem for my systems when they go down. I think a great deal has to do with your lifestyle & the world does operate through technology and communication is the key to make things operate smoothly. For me the answer is very simple, Yes it is essential for me to have my Blackberry with me at all times because a great deal of people depend on me to make choices and decisions. If your lifestyle puts you in the role of leadership then you have no choice but to embrace technology and communication otherwise you will fail. I have let employees go for not keeping there phones that I pay for on at all times even when they are off the clock. In the world we live in today communication plays a vital role