I want a smartphone for everything BUT talk/text/data

[Joel Hamby]

I've never owned a smartphone before but I find myself needing electronic devices that usually come with/can be added to smartphones. For instance, a camera, digital voice recorder, music player, etc. I was thinking I could save a bundle by buying a cheap phone that does it all.

I have a cheap 'dumb' phone that works for my budget/usage and I don't need a $50 a month unlimited plan w/ a $500 phone I'll be paying payments on for the next 2 years. I don't need to surf on-the-go as I do enough surfing at home/work.

I'd like to find a phone in the $50-100 range that has all the functionality of a modern smartphone minus the sim card and the network(I was thinking I could plug it into my PC and DL apps/updates thru that, correct me if I'm wrong). I'm flexible on the price(up to say, $150) but would really like to keep it under $100. Screen size is not an issue nor are color/style points(very flexible in this category). Just looking for functionality.

One caveat: It would be nice if in the future I decide I want to sign up w a smaller carrier(one that has an 'only pay for what you use' pay structure(Ting's plans come to mind.), the recommended phone would be able to do so. This is not a requirement but simply an extra bonus.

If a phone isn't really what I need and there's another device out there that would be more suitable to my needs(a tablet, for instance) please let me know. I'm open to ALL possibilities. This would negate the previously mentioned caveat bonus but I'm sure I'll get over it.

Any suggestions would be helpful and links would be double good.

Thanks!

 

[kanewolf]

Most phones will work on WIFI without a SIM card. Find a Samsung S2 or S3 and use it WIFI only. I recommend Samsung because you can purchase a new battery easily.

 

[Kaitlin Kaschak]

Most phones will work on WIFI without a SIM card. Find a Samsung S2 or S3 and use it WIFI only. I recommend Samsung because you can purchase a new battery easily.

i agree samsung phones are good as for me i use an old android phone i got off ebay minus a sim card i just use my wifi at home since it still allows me access to the google play store but if android is not your thing u can always go the route of an ipod touh but deff look for a phone with a user removable battery

 

[Math Geek]

an ipod touch is basically what you are thinking of on apple's side. i wanted a cheap phone for a second line and ended up with an LG volt which i paid $40 for. i am very pleased with it considering the price. has a huge battery and sd slot for up to 128 gb of space. using wifi only is no biggie for any of them to get to the stores and internet browser.

i am on boost mobile for this phone since it needs little data but only cheap unlimited minutes. the samsung phones are nice if you can get one cheap enough.