Need some clarification, re: OS/GPS questions

[third_wise_man]

First, I am a strong advocate of all forums and have always found that when I need help that a focused group of knowledgeable 'vets' will ultimately steer me in the right direction. Secondly, this is my first post, I wish I could contribute more before I find an answer- hopefully I will be able to later (I know how this rude seems to some members).

I don't want to pay for a data plan, don't want to subscribe to telenav/googlemaps/etc, or incur any additional monthly charges other than my minutes. I do not need multimedia support. GPS can be internal, external or wireless.

To my understanding, as long as I purchase a phone with an OS that has third party support from a navigation software supplier and the necessary GPS hardware it should be an easy decision. Am I correct? This sounds like the best solution for me, but getting an honest answer out of these in store reps is hard work.

I'd like to avoid moving anything other than my paperwork, wallet, and phone to and from transportation - I'm in and out of 5-15 cars a day and don't want to lose anything. Is a TomTom/etc really a better solution to my problem?

Thanks

Edit: I can afford a mid priced phone, $250-$400ish

 

[tracieisland]

GPS is no good without the map and the map uses data, lots of data.

 

[John Murdock]

Aren't the maps stored on an sd card? id est Copilot/iguidance/etc.

Dub - Are you Telling me that even if I load my own software, get a gps 'puck' I still have to pay for the data plan from my provider?

 

[CLK]

If you load your own software, which the OS supports (TomTom/iGuidance and etc), you don't need data plan.

I would go with a portable GPS device + a separate cell phone.

 

[elnino_9]

Thanks for the quick replies.

bach - Thats the answer I was looking for about the software/data plan, I appreciate it.