A friend asked recently, “Who uses the telephone directory anymore, now that we have online search?”

I am afraid I had to answer, “Me.”

I realize that when it comes to technology, I am sometimes slow to change. It is not that I don’t appreciate the advancements, but I must see for myself that it really is advancement.

I keep a copy of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory and the Yellow Pages in my desk drawer.

If I know exactly whom or what business I am looking for, and I know they are chamber members, I use my Chamber Directory.

If I am unsure of a business with the product or service I need, I usually refer to the Yellow Pages.

My wife, on the other hand, uses her iPhone. I do not have a “smart phone” because I have not yet been convinced it would make my life simpler or better.

My SwiMP3 is a great example of a technological breakthrough that makes my life better. All my favorite songs are downloaded from iTunes so I can listen to them as I swim laps.

But so far, I have resisted a smart phone for one reason: My fingers are faster.

On several occasions I have grabbed the phone book as my wife begins to type a search into her iPhone. I have yet to be beaten. I find it faster by letting my fingers do the walking.

Perhaps if her service provider had third-generation wireless technology in this area it would be different. But that is a story for another day.

I have to admit that when we travel, the iPhone is great. My wife is able to pull up phone numbers, addresses and directions very quickly. (Yes, I do ask for directions.)

As search engines improve and our gadgets operate faster, I am sure there will come a day when the Yellow Pages will be made obsolete, and I will become a slave to my smart phone. But not today.

Gary Adkisson is the Four Rivers Business Journal's general manager.