The Smallest Phones with GPS

• Some very small GPS-equipped cellphones can help parents know where their children are. girl and cell phone image by Michael Drager from Fotolia.com

  Advances in technology have brought about many devices of convenience. Among them are cellphones with GPS (Global Positioning System) capability. GPS is a navigation system that uses satellites to determine the location on Earth of a GPS receiver. GPS devices can use that information to provide maps and directions to specified locations. Cellphones with GPS capability include some that are very small.

Wherifone

• The Wherify Wherifone G560 is the smallest GPS locator cellphone in the world, according to CBS Interactive. The Wherifone is a little less than 2 inches by about a half-inch, and weighs a mere 1.6 oz. With only two buttons, it is easy for children, teens and senior adults to operate. One button connects to 911 and allows for a conversation between emergency services and the caller. The other button contacts the programmed phone number of a parent or family member. The location of the device (and thus the person carrying it) can be determined in about a minute via the Internet, making it easy to keep track of children or parents with dementia or Alzheimer's.

Gemtek

• The Gemtek PT-300 is also compact, at 3.5 inches by a little less than 2 inches, and weighs about 6 oz. This phone also can be tracked via the Internet. It features Autotrack, which can automatically send periodic updates about the phone's location. An "SOS" button sends notifications to one or more contacts in case of an emergency. Geofence is a feature that provides an alert if the phone leaves a specified area. This phone allows three programmable phone numbers for outgoing calls, which prevents high phone bills. The device also can be used by companies to track vehicles, people and valuable assets.

Palm Pixi

• Hewlett Packard's Palm Pixi is smaller than most smartphones. It is approximately 4.5 inches by a little more than 2 inches and weighs 3.26 oz. It offers more features than the Wherifone and Gemtek. It includes a touchscreen and 8 gigabytes of storage. In addition to its built-in GPS, it provides Internet access, e-mail and messaging capabilities, Bluetooth technology and a 2-megapixel camera. This phone is designed for people who need GPS plus other bells and whistles. Sprint is the carrier for the Palm Pixi.