[brolewis]

The only purpose of a business card isn't to get scanned into a system and stored away in a CRM. Another purpose of a business card is to extend the brief encounter that started the process. A catchy and well designed business card should jump out and be remembered so when the recipient is going through the people he recently met, that card serves as a reminder and hopefully elevates your name above the others.

[jamesbritt]

They're also good for writing notes for people, such as a web site to visit or a map or some book title or whatever. And now the recipient has something with your name on it so they can recall where they got some useful info.

I always make sure my cards have plenty of white space and no gloss to impede writing.

[InclinedPlane]

These reasons seem more than a little bit outdated in the modern age of ubiquitous cell phones, blackberries, and smart phones.

[jamesbritt]

I and probably most people I deal with have smart phones, etc., and yet I still find a need to be jotting down something quick.

And the situation is quite different when I am looking to do business with a non-tech person. Things are not always so ubiquitous in different groups of people, "modern age" not withstanding.

And even if you could get the same results using a device, there are business/social reasons to hand someone a note written on your business card.

Some inefficiencies have value. Don't be blind to them.