Right now I use a TracFone and I am reasonably happy with it, mostly because it is so cheap. However there are a few things I would like and don’t have;
My ideal phone would be an Iphone that uses TracFone for calls & text, however, none of the tracfones provide WiFi capability (they are in the business of selling you minutes).
So what is the least expensive method of getting what I want (the GPS is optional)?
I believe, and I hope someone corrects me if I’m wrong, but an unlocked iPhone should be able to do that (minus the GPS, I believe). An unlocked phone should be able to get a contract on a different network, and if you go for just a voice plan (no data), you’ll still be able to use apps via wifi. And like I said, I believe that GPS is tied to the data plan, so that’s probably out.
No, just the Maps themselves are.
The GPS itself will work just fine, and AFAIK, you can use the Maps app via Wifi.
Why don’t you sign up for Net10? They have some Android phones. If you don’t like any phones they have, then you can sign up for a SIM card plan and buy your own phone.
http://www.net10.com/phones.jsp?nextPage=&task=&phoneNum=0&hasflash=YES&b=n
You can buy maps on Google Play from Sygic. If you only need local maps you can cache maps on Google maps. If you do much cross country driving, then buying the maps is probably a good idea anyway.
The Net 10’s would work but data use/net access under their plans is retricted to your home zip code(s). The plans do not offer data /net service while roaming.
I have all that but I have a Verizon “dumb” phone, an iPod Touch and a Garmin GPS.
ETA you can also GPS-ify a Touch http://gps.about.com/od/mobilephonegps/a/iPod-Touch-GPS.htm
Since the OP specifically doesn’t want a data plan, this is irrelevant.
A more relevant point is what is the least sucky camera he can tolerate.
Well, if you want an actual iPhone (which wouldn’t be my recommendation if you want the most bang for your buck) I would highly recommend waiting until after Sept. 21, which is when the new iPhone 5 is supposedly going on sale. You should be able to pick up a used phone from ebay at a better price when everybody that simply must always have the newest model is looking to sell theirs.
And, if you go iPhone, I’d recommend looking for an AT&T model, which would work perfectly for your purposes on the Tmobile network. Usually, the only drawback to doing that is that an AT&T iPhone would not get the benefit of Tmobile’s 4g data speeds, but since you don’t even want a data plan, that wouldn’t be an issue at all.
You’ll pay the same amount for a used iPhone 4 or 4s as you would for getting the subsidized iPhone 5. An iPhone 4 may drop down to under $200, though, if you keep an eye out. (Craigslist may be a better bet.)
That should read *unlocked *AT&T model.
A subsidized iPhone 5 would require a contract with a mandatory data plan, which isn’t what the OP is looking for. That would definitely cost MUCH more!
And yeah, like I said previously, the OP would probably get much better value by buying an Android. iPhones are expensive and hold their value (read: cost) more than Androids.
Not to mention that the Android will generally have greater versatility and capability. Another issue for a used phone is the battery - you can easily replace the battery in an Android, and replacements/spares are available cheaply. Same deal with increasing the memory.
tmobile’s 30/month plan.
Assuming you rarely actually talk on the phone.
100 minutes, unlimited texts, 5 gb of 4g data (unlimted data @ 2g).
you buy an unlocked android phone which will run on tmobile’s network. (Galaxy Nexus is probably best bet for a higher end phone, direct from google for 350).
also, consider republicwireless.com
I don’t know if they’re out of beta yet. I tried them when they were in beta. the service works as advertised, but the phone had terrible battery life (I hear it’s been fixed).
edit: I see they are offering a much better phone now than when I tried it.
True enough but since he wants GPS functionality I think that requires a data connection to provide continuously updated maps to scroll over. You can try and load up pre-cached maps but that’s a real clunky and unreliable workaround. If he just wants GPS in his zip code then he’s set, outside that area is more problematic.
Note that using an unlocked AT&T iPhone on the T-Mobile network will probably prevent you from accessing 3G also. Even without data coverage, you may notice the difference in call quality. The audio is much better on a UMTS connection, compared to good 'ol GSM.
-D/a
I do exactly what you want with a standard (no jailbreak/unlock) 3G iPhone and a GoPhone SIM card from ATT. I buy $25 cards every 3 months (that gives 250 minutes, I don’t call a lot).
I bought the iPhone used from a buddy - will switch to an iPhone 4 when he upgrades to a 5.
That is incorrect. You can install Sygic and buy and install the maps locally. You are going to need a micro-sd card if you want the whole US.
GPS works without data on my data-less iPhone. However, for navigation you need an app with built-in maps since you can’t download them.
The Sygic app I mentioned above has an iPhone version also.
You might want to buy the maps on a state by state basis, instead of buying the whole US, since you might not want to tie up that much memory.
I just remember reading a rumor that Apple will be discontinuing the 3gs this week. We might be able to buy them off Craigslist for less than $50. If you have access to wifi, then you can make unlimited Skype calls for 3 dollars a month. If nothing else, also it would be a lot cheaper than buying an ipod touch.