AboutDebiN Expertise I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM (AT&T (formerly Cingular) and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel (iDEN)). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.
Experience Over 15 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500)
Education/Credentials Master's in Telecommunications
Question QUESTION: I'm using a friends email because I am totally"lost"on anything remotely involving digital technology,but I figured it was time to invest in a cell or iphone.Not interested into texting,GPS,web-surfing or any other "bells and whistles"that the new dexices can perform,except I'm only interested in a phone that can take a photo/picture and send it to an email account,and if so,the cheapest,but functional, without getting trapped into any type of contract or having to take a computer course,.....I warn you,I am so tech phobic that I can't even operate a simple digital camera to post a pic on-line,........any suggestions?
ANSWER: So here's the problem with what you are wanting to do: Taking a picture and sending it from the phone to an email account requires a data plan and the ability to use MMS messaging. There aren't too many prepaid plans out there (no contract) that will give you MMS messaging for a reasonable charge. If at all possible, I would strongly recommend getting a post-paid contract. It's less expensive and much more practical. You will get the device for little or no cost and there's nothing difficult about using what you want to use. It has nothing to do with computer and it is as simple as going to the camera, taking a picture, chooosing the option to send it via MMS and then choosing the address and sending the photo. There's nothing, I promise you, to be techno-phobic about. Truthfully, if all you want to do is to take and send pictures, I wouldn't even bother with using a cell phone for that. Why don't you just use a digital camera and your computer? There's no cell phone that takes as good pictures as a digital camera. But if you really want a cell phone that takes pictures, then if you have AT&T service and you want an iPhone, it's not a bad idea. The way you take pictures and send them is a piece of cake. The folks at the store could show you in two minutes. But keep in mind, you will have to get it with a 2 year agreement and not only will you have to pay a minimum of $39.99 for 450 voice minutes, but an additional $30.00 for a data plan. Whether you need it to or not, it comes with GPS and the ability to use the internet. With an iPhone, it couldn't be easier. The whole Apple/MAC mentality is very easy and it's all a touchscreen that is super simple to use. You could listen to music on the device, access th internet, use applications to do everything from finding a restaurant to playing a game, to making phone calls to taking pictures and sending them to an email address. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN
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QUESTION: Dear DebiN,.....I no longer have my own computer,I got rid of one I had about 9 years ago,....I had to!!!I was too frustrated with FATAL OCURRANCE windows popping up.I can't seem to understand"computereze".Computers and the people who program them,don't use terms that realistically apply to tech problems,....Example:By the computer flashing FATAL OCCURANCE,I equate that to medical terms,such as FATAL meaning DEAD!!!!Funny,I can rewire electric lines without no problems,or fix a heating unit in an older toaster,but when it comes to typing or operrating anything digital,I'm a basket-case,and as sure as hell would of thrown my former computer,out the window,...Now,In your previous answer it appears that a cell phone and an iphone are completely differant devices?,...I didn't know this.See,I can buy on ebay with a free yahoo email address,and since I can't freely access a computer,except by using a friend's computer,but mostly only use the local library's computer I cannot sell on ebay,...the instructions/computer lingo baffels me.I originally sent you my first question,because I can't rely on a home-phone/land-line,and I NEED to keep my same telephone number,and since I'll be going for a moble/cell phone I figured I'd go the extra mile and get one that can take pictures,that could send them directly to my email,so I can post it on ebay and start selling.I'm not looking for one of those Blue or Blackberries.It would be "launched"within a few frustration-filled days.Trust me,I tried the digital camera route,but without a digital/computerese-interpiter I'm lost,.....I Need the simplest,non-down-loading,worry-free cell that can take decent pictures,that can be sent to my email,without costing me an arm,and a leg.,.....thanks in advance Tom.
Answer I'm not sure what you are confused about. If you want to send me another question, I am happy to help you. I thought that I had, so I'm not sure what is confusing you. It is not a simple thing to just take pictures and send them to a site. You have to have the right phone and plan to do this.
What I had mentioned in my original response still holds true, the minimum cost is $39.99 for voice plus $30.00 for data (with any PDA type of device). If that price works for you, then a iPhone would be a very good choice. It's very simple to take pictures, very simple to send and has tons of cool and easy to use applications and will work like a mini-computer for you. Since you don't have a computer anymore, this would probably be a great choice for you. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN
