Cheapest/oldest iphone to use as toddler tracker?

[slackerinabox]

This sounds pretty paranoid, but a relative stranger will be picking up our kid after pre-k and.. Well.. Call me paranoid! I like apples "find my iPhone" feature a lot - it works far better than 'find my android' ever did on my s6 (android phones are flaky radio wise while in sleep, maybe?).

Cheapest option? iphone 3 do the job, or did the gps/radio work differently then?

 

[TheStu]

It may still need a SIM and plan to work properly, but I suppose you could always get a super cheap low data pre-paid plan or something.

I have no recommendations for devices, but per Apple's site on Find my iPhone, you need at least iOS 5 to track the device, and then higher than that to lock it or put it into Lost Mode.

 

[quikah]

I have had good experiences with Windowsphone find my phone feature. You can pick up a new winphone cheap (T-Mobile Lumia 530 is $20 at BB right now). Bonus is that no one would want to steal it.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Bonus is that no one would want to steal it.

This is a good point. You put ANY iPhone with a kid and you make that kid a target for theft. Even Best Buy employees treat Windows Phones like they are alien artifacts, you would be safer going that route.

 

[slackerinabox]

I have had good experiences with Windowsphone find my phone feature. You can pick up a new winphone cheap (T-Mobile Lumia 530 is $20 at BB right now). Bonus is that no one would want to steal it.

Great idea - is it semi real time and reliable? The find droid feature on my s6 edge always seems to be a step behind and easily obstructed (under couch cushions). My iPhone would work in our underground garage somehow, I think by hopping on open WiFi intelligently, or maybe the cell radio is more robust.

 

[quikah]

Great idea - is it semi real time and reliable? The find droid feature on my s6 edge always seems to be a step behind and easily obstructed (under couch cushions). My iPhone would work in our underground garage somehow, I think by hopping on open WiFi intelligently, or maybe the cell radio is more robust.

I only use it occasionally, but every time I have there have been no issues. It will be dependent on the phones ability to stay connected. Perhaps the iPhone will have an advantage here, but as long as the provider you choose has good service in your area it shouldn't be that big of an issue.