Remember just a few years ago when folding phones were all the rage, and everyone had a Motorola Razr phone? Times sure have changed, and much of that can be credited to one person: Steve Jobs.

Whether you’re an iPhone aficionado or not, you can’t disagree that his little index card-sized gadget has changed the mobile phone landscape. It seems like even those who are anti-Apple are picking up Android OS smartphones these days.

Up until last week, I had a nice little kinda-smart phone: the Palm Pre. Its little keyboard let you thumb-type with ease, and I really loved the smooth curve on the phone.

However, between getting enamored with my iPod Touch and finding myself exceedingly frustrated at apps that weren’t being maintained on the Pre, we finally made the big jump; we changed carriers, and picked up Verizon iPhones.

So far, so good. I’ve been able to transfer my iTouch apps, and am greatly enjoying the ability to stay easily connected with others.

The bottom line though, is that these gadgets (whether an iOS or Android device) can redefine the words “traveling light.” It’s not just that you don’t have to carry as much stuff. For a lot of people, they can leave their laptops and travel guides at home. The type on those pages might require reading glasses, and you might not be able to do everything quite as easily without your laptop, but for a lot of people wanting to travel as lightly as they can, these phones are a great option.

But it’s not just the things you don’t have to take with you. The other benefit is all of the things you can take with you that you ordinary wouldn’t, and that’s where apps come in.

Replace your GPS with a GPS app. No need for big fold-out maps if you can view the maps on your phone (with a caveat that you will need cell phone access to view the maps; something that might get rough if you’re going into the backwoods on a long road trip).

Things you might not normally travel with because you’re a light-traveler (thermometer, CD player, DVD player, flashlight, paperback books, magazines), you can take with you, all on your smartphone.

If you’ve been holding out on getting a smartphone because your current phone works fine, perhaps I can talk you into reconsidering.

About the only thing they won’t do is windows. Heh.

PS: This was composed on my iPhone, using the WordPress app and a bluetooth folding keyboard.