Wireless Phone Cameras

With wireless phone cameras you can capture and store instant memories as snap-shots, download them to your computer, or email them to family and friends. Prices range from $50 to $400, but big rebates are common. Wireless phone cameras have a basic non-zoom lens and use the phone's display as the viewfinder. Display size ranges from 1 1/2 inches on the Sony Ericsson to a just over 2 inches on the Nokia and Panasonic. Because images are comprised of only a few hundred thousand pixels (not the millions used in digital cameras) they look fine on the phone's color display, but may be fuzzy if enlarged. (Higher-resolution camera phones are due to hit the U.S. market next year.) You pay for photo mail service in addition to your monthly phone plan. Prices range from $3 a month for a basic plan with T-Mobile to as much as the $15 Sprint plan which includes internet photo-storage space.

According to About.com's phone expert, Eric Bernatchez, the three best wireless phone cameras are the Samsung sgh-V205, the Sanyo SCP-5300, and the Motorola T720i with camera extension sold by T-mobile. Consumer Reports says Sprint has done the best job of integrating phone and camera service, and recommends the Sanyo phone used with Sprint's PCS Vision service. Keep an eye out for Consumer Reports' upcoming report on wireless camera phone performance, slated for February 2004.

Wireless Phone Plans

Picking the service plan for you: Determine when, where and who will be using your cell phone most to select a plan that's just right for you. Pre-paid Plans are a good option if don't like long-term contracts and want to limit your phone expenses. The increasingly popular Family Plan (local, regional, or national in scope) gives parents peace-of-mind and ready access to on-the-go kids. Shared Plans function like Family Plans, giving you the freedom to define the group's members. No Contract Plans offer simplicity and convenience linked to your credit card. However, most wireless phone plans require you to sign a one- or two-year contract and charge a steep penalty if you cancel before the contract expires.