One of the most popular features of new cell phones is the embedded camera. These are tiny cameras that can take low-resolution pictures. The convenience factor is nice, as you never know when a picture is needed. I've known friends to send pictures to their spouse while shopping. "Honey, is this the game the kids wanted?" Don't laugh as these pictures have their advantages.

The flip side is these cameras can pose security and privacy problems. Several large companies forbid employees to be on the premises with these cameras. The concern is someone will take a picture of a prototype or product and send it to a competitor. Health clubs have also started to ban the camera phones for fear that someone will snap a picture in the locker room. In fact, camera phones are totally banned in Saudi Arabia.

So, if you're thinking about buying a camera phone, make sure you can use it. A cell phone is of no use if it gets confiscated. In the meantime, camera phone manufacturers are trying to cope with this situation. Some are contemplating optional software to turn off the camera. Others are thinking of including a loud shutter sound when a picture is taken.

Remember when shopping for any cell phone, the network is still important factor. After all, the primary focus of a cell phone is still voice communications. You should also ask if there are other charges for sending pictures using your cell phone.

Additional Info:

• Reiter's Camera Phone Report
• Cell-phone camera snoop ban advances in Congress
• Thieves are using camera cell phones to capture credit card information.