exactly!
If you buy a dslr and don't know aperture (f-stop), Shutter speed, ISO and how they all relate, or even how to properly use it in manual mode then fuck off and use your cellphone.
Hahaha, freaking true though.
PDaddy, what exactly are the applications and expectations you have for the camera?
Do you need reach? Is picture quality a top priority?
There are some point and shoots that offer quality above that of a cell phone, but the typical P&S is a POS.
What's your budget? What about size? Is size a determining factor? Mirrorless cameras offer small size and good image quality.
When I started into photography, I was freaking clueless. I bought an P&S, albeit an expensive one, and I was continually disappointed with the results in terms of sharpness, color depth and noise. I went and bought a DSLR and never looked back. There is no comparison. Then I used an FF (dslr with 35mm sensor) with top of the line lenses and the results are nothing short of amazing. Baller!
If you have the latest smart phone, 90% of P&S are worthless. An iPhone or a Galaxy S3 or S4 will do the job just as well.