Are there phones with GPS that aren't Android/iOS/WP7?

[Red Storm]

I've realized that I really only use my data for two things now, email sync and GPS. I could do just fine without an app market, but do these phones exist (outside of the big 3 OSes)?

 

[snikt]

Garmin has the nuvifone phones; not sure how good they are though.

 

[tdawg]

Blackberries have built-in GPS.

 

[Red Storm]

I guess I didn't word the title correctly. I am wondering if there are cheaper alternative phones/plans here in the US that can do email sync as well as location finding on a map. Blackberries still require a data plan comparable to Android and iOS phones AFAIK.

 

[PaNsyBoy8]

you can get a windows mobile 6 phone, they have gps

 

[pm]

A lot of mid-tier Nokia symbian phones, cost less than $100 unlocked/no-contract, can sync email/calendars, have a GPS and don't count as smartphones. I bought my wife a Nokia 3710 for ~$100 no contract/unlocked from Newegg and the GPS works ok. Nokia made the maps free - but check compatibility on phone models to make sure. You have to pay for navigation though - so you can look at the map and see where you are for free, but if you want it to route and do turn-by-turn you need to pay for that.

 

[Tristicus]

My old Titanium Voyager had GPS.

 

[gsaldivar]

Palm Pre?

 

[silverpig]

I think you can get special blackberry plan that is different than the standard data plan.

 

[AstroManLuca]

I guess I didn't word the title correctly. I am wondering if there are cheaper alternative phones/plans here in the US that can do email sync as well as location finding on a map. Blackberries still require a data plan comparable to Android and iOS phones AFAIK.

You will need a data plan no matter what. Smartphones don't come with a bunch of map data already downloaded; the idea is you pull the maps through data networks as you need them. May as well get the best smartphone possible.

The only way around this is to get a dedicated GPS unit. These don't require mobile data since their maps are stored locally, but the issue there is the maps eventually become out of date and they're difficult and/or expensive to update.

 

[gorcorps]

You will need a data plan no matter what. Smartphones don't come with a bunch of map data already downloaded; the idea is you pull the maps through data networks as you need them. May as well get the best smartphone possible.

The only way around this is to get a dedicated GPS unit. These don't require mobile data since their maps are stored locally, but the issue there is the maps eventually become out of date and they're difficult and/or expensive to update.

All of the smartphones have GPS apps that can store the maps on memory. You're not required to use data all the time.

 

[dguy6789]

The problem is most(all?) carriers require you to have a data plan if you have a smartphone. The best option may be to use an Android or iPhone and buy an app that stores the maps locally and only use that for navigation along with the carrier's cheapest data plan.

 

[gsaldivar]

I am wondering if there are cheaper alternative phones/plans here in the US that can do email sync as well as location finding on a map.

If cost is your concern: instead of purchasing an outdated phone, why not just pick up a new prepaid Android phone with Virgin Mobile?

$150 gets you the LG Optimus V.
$300 gets you their top of the line Motorola Triumph.

Both are excellent devices, they require NO contract. And you can get unlimited data/email and 300 mins for $35/month. This is still one of the best deals around...

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phone-plans/beyond-talk-plans.jsp

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Why don't you get a dedicated GPS device?

 

[Red Storm]

I'm not actually looking to buy anything, my work currently pays for my unlimited Verizon plan. I was just curious about what options there were.

That Virgin Mobile deal looks pretty damn good. How's their reception around major cities (DC if anyone knows)?

Edit: Looking at their coverage map I'm not seeing 3G serviced areas anywhere (supposed to be orange on the map)...

 

[gsaldivar]

supposed to be orange on the map

Check the box at the top of the map that says Data Coverage. They use Sprint 3G, so you will get all of Sprint's towers but no roaming privileges.

 

[Red Storm]

Check the box at the top of the map that says Data Coverage. They use Sprint 3G, so you will get all of Sprint's towers but no roaming privileges.

I R Noob. D:

Pretty good coverage, much better than I was expecting.

 

[gsaldivar]

Pretty good coverage, much better than I was expecting.

Any Radio Shack or Best Buy should carry both phones. People always have good and bad things to say about the coverage and speed of any carrier. I suggest trying one out and return within 30 days if you like. No activation fees, no contracts ... all you risk is $35 for 1 month of airtime.