Cheap enough cellphone + data just for car use

[debian0001]

Hello,

I am contemplating the idea of getting a cellphone + data and keeping it in a car, similar to how people use GPS.

I use my current cellphone for Google Voice and music (Rdio). I would prefer having a cellphone that just stays in the car. I am starting to look into seeing if I can get a cheap enough subscription.

Does anyone here do it?

 

[paperwastage]

Get a cheap Nokia lumia smartphone (<$100) or a moto e/g. Get Nokia HERE offline maps (on both windowsphone and android)

http://thenextweb.com/apps/2014/09/30/nokias-offline-mapping-platform-lands-android-go-hands/

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here_(Nokia)#Windows_Phone_8

Get a PAYG sim. Typically something like $10 top up every 90 days, 2 cents to 5 cents per minute, data something like 10 cents per MB (h2o wireless, lycamobile )

Otherwise,monthly subscription starts at like $20(just voice) or $30(voice and data)

 

[lopri]

T-Mobile's $30 Unlimited (5 GB at 4G/LTE, 2G after that) is still the plan to beat as long as it has adequate coverage in your habitat. ^^

RedPocket has $5/$10 data-only plans (T-Mo network) if you want more flexible options, but they end up being more expensive if you use more data you bought.

Straight Talk offers both AT&T and T-Mo SIMs, and according to this thread there is currently a discount offered. ~$30 for unlimited data (3 GB @4G/LTE)

 

[isekii]

Is rdio covered under free music streaming through t-mobile?

 

[paperwastage]

Is rdio covered under free music streaming through t-mobile?

yes

free music streaming is (unofficially) included in the $30 100-min 5GB plan, and the normal SImple Choice postpaid plans

 

[debian0001]

Thanks guys!

 

[paperwastage]

Thanks guys!

Whoops.. Forgot to mention that offline GPS takes a lot of space(so you want one with microsd storage)

Nokia here android takes 8.5GB for continental USA. Could also cherry pick the states you want for smaller sizes, or use another source(think some paid versions using navteq/teleatlas could be under 4GB)