Expert: DebiN - 9/12/2009

Question
Hi Debi

I have never owned a cell phone and would like advice on which to buy.

The phone part is probably least important and I'll probably go with a pay-as-you-go plan.  Just need it for trips.

What's more important is that I can use it for navigation.  Is there a phone that has a built-in GPS unit?  Or would I get that capability on the internet.  Can you even read a Google map on the tiny screen?

Also, I would like to phone to have a decent camera.

Any advice is much appreciated!

Thanks.

Pete

Answer
There are many phones today that GPS capability. It's not exactly like the GPS devices like TomTom or other ones you have seen in a store unless you get a SmartPhone and navigation application from the carrier. With a navigation application like VZNavigator from Verizon or Telenav from Sprint or AT&T Navigator, you can use the Navigation application for maps, etc. and don't need Google maps. Many devices have decent cameras. They are not as good as digital cameras, but are not that bad for a phone.

Before you decide on a phone, you need to decide on the carrier. Find out which carrier offers the best service in your area. They all have prepaid plans and most carriers (the major ones) have similiar pricing structures. Some of the regional carriers offer lower cost prices for plans including prepaid and unlimited. Sprint, if they have good coverage where you live, has a large selection of phones with GPS and Verizon has their own branded GPS which is lower cost than some (you don't have to pay extra for a data plan). GPS is typically $9.99 a month and with Verizon, you don't need a data plan. With AT&T and Sprint, you do. That's another $8 to $10 a month. GPS and prepaid typically don't go together, it's usually something that goes more with post-paid.

Let me know what carrier you are considering and I can give you some more ideas. Thanks. DebiN