4 things to know when buying a camera phone

Kim Komando writes about workplace technology and security issues. She's the host of the nation's largest talk-radio show about computers and the Internet, and writes a syndicated column for more than 100 Gannett newspapers and for USA Today. Find Kim's show on the radio station nearest you, and send an e-mail to subscribe to her free weekly e-mail newsletter.

By Kim Komando

If you believe that camera cell phones are just a fad and will go the way of the hula hoop and leisure suit, well, I believe you are wrong.

I'm not the only one that loves these gadgets. In 2003, more than 80 million camera cell phones (also known as cell phone cameras) were sold worldwide. According to InfoTrends/CAP Ventures, a tech research group, the number sold is expected to hit 150 million in 2004 and 380 million by 2006.

It's easy to dismiss camera phones as a mere novelty. You might think they're only good for capturing spur of the moment events — like when you see Little Richard at the bowling alley, or your girlfriend's new beau making a slob of himself at the diner.

Don't be fooled. Camera phones have real-world business applications, too.

Real-estate agents are using camera phones to give them an edge on the competition. In booming markets, houses can be snatched up in less than a day. Using camera phones, agents can quickly send pictures of a house to their clients.

Customers can take pictures of busted fixtures or broken equipment and send them to a repair specialist, ensuring the correct parts are brought along. Likewise, a repairperson can snap a picture of a part to his or her supplier to see if it's in stock.

There is endless potential for this new technology. There's no question that camera phones don't rival stand-alone units. However, they make up for it by instantly sharing a photograph without using a computer.

If you're considering purchasing a camera cell phone for your business, there are four things to know.

1. Versatility is a big key.

Downloading pictures from a digital camera can be limiting. Basically, you have to connect the camera directly to a computer or printer to view or print your photographs.

Camera cell phones give you a wider range of options. You can e-mail the pictures, upload them to a Web site or send them to other phones.

Let's look at how a real-estate agent might use the different options.

After visiting a house, the agent could e-mail pictures to a potential buyer. Since this is an e-mail, the agent can incorporate text, explaining some of the pictures. This is useful to point out striking features in the house.

The agent also can use the camera phone to directly upload pictures to a Web site. Potential buyers could check the Web site daily for any updates. Some wireless carriers give customers free Web space; others use third parties.

If a client uses the same wireless carrier and has a camera phone, the agent can send pictures directly to client's phone. This is the ultimate in expediency. The agent can then call the client to see if there is interest.

Pictures can't be sent between camera phones with different carriers. For example, a Verizon customer can't send a picture to an AT&T Wireless phone. The different wireless networks are working on this and hope to have a solution soon.

2. Yes, taking pictures comes with a cost.

Once you've snapped your picture, it'll cost you to get it off your phone. Some carriers offer multiple plans that accommodate both low and heavy users. These fees are in addition to the base plan.

Here's a look at plans from three major carriers:

There is a way around paying these fees. Some camera cell phones allow you to download pictures directly to your computer using infrared or Bluetooth technologies. However, this defeats the convenience of being in the field and instantly sending pictures.

3. The picture quality is adequate for most business uses (but likely to get better).

Although the pictures aren't as clear as a 5-megapixel camera with 10X optical zoom, camera cell phone pictures are more than adequate for most uses.

For example, an insurance investigator could easily snap some shots of a damaged car and send it off to get appraisals from various body shops.

Most phones on the U.S. market have a 0.3-megapixel camera. That should change soon; manufacturers are expected to release 1-megapixel cameras shortly. Overseas, 3-megapixel cameras are expected to hit the market before year's end.

4. Don't forget its main use: It's a cell phone first.

Remember that you want a cell phone that takes pictures, not a camera that makes phone calls. It's a subtle but important difference.

If you are switching providers, shop for the best service and not the cheapest. Although you want to find a plan that will give you a great rate, don't forget about coverage and customer service.

Remember that you can now take your phone number along with you. The cell companies have worked most of the kinks out of that process, at least in the 100 metropolitan areas where the switch became possible in November 2003.

Although most wireless services offer nationwide plans, service can be spotty. Be sure to look at the coverage maps.

Also, be sure and check out J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports for service ratings. J.D. Power offers free information, while Consumer Reports charges a subscription fee.