By John Hampton | Sports Editor
Having instant access to information, entertainment and social networking makes smartphones attractive to many MHS students. According to a survey completed by 148 MHS students, smartphones are no longer just a national trend; 46 percent of those surveyed use a device considered to be a smartphone.

The most well-known smartphones, which are defined by certain features, including a built-in personal digital assistant (or PDA), Internet browsing and gaming capability, include the iPhone, Android and Blackberry.

Sophomore Juan Caballero uses his iPhone in and out of school for a variety of reasons.

“I think they’re really useful for school,” Caballero said.

Many educational and organizational features come standard for the common smartphone and may be used as tools by students, including a calculator, calendar, alarm, email and notepad.

According to Caballero, the calculator and alarm on his phone are really helpful for school, but he uses his iPhone mostly for communication.

“They’re really cool for keeping in touch,” Caballero said.

Caballero is not alone. According to the survey results, MHS students tend to use their smartphones more for social features, with 83 percent of students surveyed using the device for Facebook and Internet surfing.

Eighth grader William Crombie is among these students.

“I probably use Facebook and texting the most,” Crombie said.

Smartphone features also help keep many user’s lives in order, from their social life to work or school responsibilities.

“My phone is a lifesaver. I honestly don’t know what I would do without it,” freshman Sierra Yunkherr said.

However, the use of smartphones on campus has been criticized by many to be distracting due to the social and gaming features they possess.

“They are useful, but time consuming,” Crombie said.

Many students are candid about how they use their smartphones, admitting their choice has nothing to do with academic work.

“I don’t really use it for school,” Yunkherr said.

Smartphones are used among staff members as well. Spanish teacher Floyd Montiel uses his device for communication but also utilizes features such as the stopwatch, alarm, notepad and Internet.

“Overall, I think smartphones are genius,” Montiel said.

Technological advancements may continue to win over new users. Tablets have been the main competition for smartphones in handheld technology, but they more closely resemble a laptop computer or netbook and lack cellular phone features.

“Unless they find a better tablet, they [smartphones] are the future of cell phones,” Crombie said.

The ease and capabilities of smartphones have changed opinions about the use of them.

“I was a little skeptical about w    the idea at first, but I really became attached to it,” Montiel said.

“I enjoy having all the information in the world at my fingertips.”