What I Would like in a Phone - How to Get?

[GreasyJack]

@jasg

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.

Also, with regular old Google Maps, you can pre-cache pretty big map areas when you’re on wifi. I do it all the time when I’m going exploring in some area where I won’t have cell coverage. I’m not sure if you can do that with the equivalent Apple app.

[Colophon]

@astro

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.

Not at all clunky if you use an app like ViewRanger. You can store vast amounts of maps on the phone and scroll through them seamlessly without using any data whatsoever (apart from when you load the maps on, obviously - do it over WiFi).

[ethelbert]

Thanks for all the information. jasg’s idea about using the ATT GoPhone SIM card sounds like a good one.

[RadioWave]

@ethelbert

Thanks for all the information. jasg’s idea about using the ATT GoPhone SIM card sounds like a good one.

I had almost the same requirements that you did and I too ended up with the ATT gophone plan @ $25 per 3 months. I got a $100 ATT Avail with a pretty decent 5MP camera and GPS.

However, I did find that even with precaching, Google maps wouldn’t allow searching for anything unless you had a data connection. For example, if you were sitting in your car and wondering how to get to a specific address, it wouldn’t be able to plan a route for you. CoPilot Live (~$20) does all this plus it has an updatable list of businesses you can search on (for instance, what’s the nearest chinese restaurant…)

[jasg]

@JoelUpchurch

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.

I use a free app called TalkATone which works as a GoogleVoice client over WiFi. I like it better than Skype. Just sign up for GoogleVoice and get a number.

GV has great VMail options as well, I routed my ATT VM to GV - it then sends me a transcript or just a notification via Email and I can listen to VM on my computer. I can also make outgoing calls on my computer with GV. Incoming GV calls can also be forwarded to my home, cell and office phones at the same time.

[JoelUpchurch]

@jasg

I use a free app called TalkATone which works as a GoogleVoice client over WiFi. I like it better than Skype. Just sign up for GoogleVoice and get a number.

That is handy to know. I already have a google voice account. I got one when I could get one in my area code.

[voltaire]

@jasg

I use a free app called TalkATone which works as a GoogleVoice client over WiFi. I like it better than Skype. Just sign up for GoogleVoice and get a number.

GV has great VMail options as well, I routed my ATT VM to GV - it then sends me a transcript or just a notification via Email and I can listen to VM on my computer. I can also make outgoing calls on my computer with GV. Incoming GV calls can also be forwarded to my home, cell and office phones at the same time.

Can you *not *make outgoing calls through your phone with TalkATone? You can with GrooveIP, which is the same basic thing, but for Android.