Ten years ago you were considered an important Capitol hill staffer if you had a blackberry. Today you’re part of the in crowd if you’re rocking a government issued iPad. [Toys.gov]

Lawmakers are increasingly using taxpayer funds to buy their congressional staff iPads, the Apple-made electronic tablets that cost hundreds of dollars apiece.

As to why this shouldn’t be considered questionable government spending?

The tablets help roll back the extensive printing and paper costs that can be racked up on Capitol Hill at a time when lawmakers are searching for ways to limit federal spending. Staffers on both sides of the aisle also say the tablets allow them to work more efficiently during often-chaotic debates.

If you’ve ever sat through a committee hearing without a mobile device or crossword puzzle, you’ll appreciate the need for an iPad.

Related: Running the U.S. House with an iPad