Oh well, when you're in the Gym with your iPod on (a very regular scene these days), it is not likely that you would hear your cell phone when an important call comes in. But with the iPhone, when the call comes in, the music stops and you can hear the phone ring, which gives you the opportunity to take that important call that you have been waiting for, or this unexpected call from the boss who is desperate for your immediate help in a life-or-death situation (or at least a situation that is perceived that way).
But aren't you supposed to be working out and enjoying the moment?
Well it all depends on how you look at it. If you have the luxury of working out and enjoying the moment without the need to stay connected, obviously that would be ideal. But for some, without this ability to stay connected and reachable while working out (or doing whatever else we may want to do), this may mean skipping working out all together (or skipping whatever else we would have chosen to do).
This brings the question of whether "connectivity" means less freedom (being reachable all the time), or more freedom (because you can do what you want, and still be reachable). This is a discussion I tend to have from time to time with our workshop participiants. Some think that a smartphone might make them too "reachable" and is therefore undesirable for them, while others think that their smartphone is their freedom, and instead of being "chained" to their desk, or constantly rushing to get their laptop connected, they can still handle urgencies, stay up-to-date, and be where they need to be and enjoy the moment.