HD2 + AT&T + MIFI = HD2 Bliss? - HD2 General

I wanted to start a new thread for those users that currently own a UK HD2, talking on US AT&T Edge, and surfing via Verizon mifi. This is the route I'm considering since I was in the Verizon store and saw for myself how compact the mifi really is.
So if this is your set-up, then please share your experience. Thanks guys.

It works for me and it works great.
It is not a cheap solution, but it works. and with the MiFi you can always get any new Smartphone and enjoy 3g without waiting 6+ months for the phone to come to the US and be butchered by the carriers here.
The MiFi will be give you about 4 hours of light usage and 8 usage os "idle" time (with Wifi on but no usage).
You might want to look for an extended battery if need more power.
The HD2 also has super low power consumption when using WiFi (unlike older models), which is great.

It's a catch-22 the way I see it. Yea it's faster internet and you dont have to wait for however many months for a US version to come, but the downside of that would be you pay a little bit more for a separate plan, carry the mifi with you, and it drains your battery faster than 3G/edge. If you're in this predicament, you're probably thinking, "well, I'm not a heavy user so I probably wont use the data that much." I used to be in this group but then i think to myself, if i dont use it that much, chances are I can get by with just using EDGE.

I'm currently doing this as well - works fantastic so far. The mifi is small enough to carry in my pocket and i haven't had any problems with battery life on both the mifi and the phone (has always lasted me at least a day of moderate use). As was already mentioned, it doesn't come cheap (I'm paying $100/mo for at&t+mifi), but it works very well.

Me too
Yes I went this route. I just set it up in my car. I made a special USB cable with a switch. Now it charges in the glove box via usb and I turn off the charger, now the WIFI broadcasts. I take it on business trips too!
I love the HD2!

WIFI => Mobile => VOIP calls to any phones
Oh one more thing!
I am considering reducing the basket of minutes on my AT&T plan to 300. This saves me $40.00 a month over my current plan.
I have been using the $2.95 a month plan with Skype. (WIFI => Mobile => VOIP calls to any phones)

Thanks for all the responses to this thread. Does anybody have any idea yet on bandwidth usage with their HD2 to help determine which of the two plans to get? I'm not a big bandwidth hog when it comes to my phone. Just casual surfing and the HD2 weather home screen (I assume there is some trickle internet usage with that) and the like.

Well, I am happy to say my HD2 arrived today and I am extremely pleased. Internet is far faster than my HTC Advantage and that was on 3G. I have better signal now, as well, even a little in my house now (boonies). I don't think I'll need mifi after all.

Related

[AT&T but all opinions welcome] 250MB/mo. direct 3G vs. Wifi to my phone

So I've been using my Tab connected to my ad-hoc wireless router generated by my Tilt 2. My Tilt 2 has an unlimited data plan, and I've been using it like that with my netbook for most of this year now. The Tab works fine like that, but it's still a hassle to set it up every time.
So I've been contemplating the practicality of a direct connection to the 3G network, but the biggest plan is 250 MB for around $15 USD.
My thoughts are this: Just how fast can someone blow through 250 MB, surfing and chatting on instant messengers? Web sites are getting more and more graphics-intensive, and some of them even auto-update icons on the pages.
Give me your opinions on this please. I especially am interested in what you AT&T people think, but I'm sure that anyone on this site can debate the points of direct vs. to-the-phone data sources for the Tab.
Please correct me if I am wrong, but you said that the biggest plan is 250mb for $15 a month. AT&T also offers a 2gb plan for $25 a month, however. I would be able to eat up 250mb pretty fast because I travel a lot and watch youtube, so if I could afford two data plans, I would opt for the higher data allowance.
If I were in the same situation as you, I would just flash a European firmware onto the tab (there are some great guides on this forum) and pop the sim card back and forth whenever needed. This might not be as practical for you if you have to take the battery out of the phone to get to the sim card (I have an iPhone and can hot-swap sims) but at least this way, you aren't wasting your Tilt 2's battery.
Hmm I dunno if 2GB is even enough! I wish I had a handy program to track my data useage regardless of whether I was on wifi or not, that way I could get a beetter sense of how much I use in a month's time, or even a week or a day.
Why not just use your Tilt 2 sim in the Tab exclusively? You'd need to flash a few FWs to enable voice functionality, but the you'd get an all-in-one device with unlimited data

Can't decide: 3G or not?

I can't decide if I want a 3g or just wifi. The difference in price is quite substantial £579 vs £479 I believe. I wonder if it will be possible to use a dongle or mobile phone as a hot spot. Any comments?
I tried out the Mobile WiFi Hotspot app on my HTC this evening and the WiFi Tab connected to it easily, I was on a reasonably quick 3G connection at the time and everything worked really well. I was sat in my car (waiting) and I suppose the downside to this is that I was draining battery on 2 devices at the same time.
If you're indoors then you could have one or both devices on charge and battery would'nt be an issue.
Lot of 3G users feel there is no love for them on the forums since most dev's create Wifi only ROMs. Wifi only Tabs are more common here in the US and have been out a lot longer, so development happens more frequently.
I went for wifi only because everywhere I go, generally has free wifi available. I tether with my Captivate if I can not find a wifi signal.
3G IMO.
Tethering just ends up draining the battery on two devices at the same time and a lot of networks charge extra for it (thankfully I have it included in my tariff).
Also, the 3G Tab has a memory card slot whereas the wi-fi only model does not.
If you do go for the 3G Tab, Three have a SIM-only data tariff aimed at iPads which gives you 10GB for £15 on a 30-day rolling contract.
One of the best value data tariffs in the UK and better yet no fixed term.
You have an SD card slot on your Tab?
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium
No but I have the wi-fi only version.
they removed the SD card slot even in the 3G version.
Step666 said:
Also, the 3G Tab has a memory card slot whereas the wi-fi only model does not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure about that? Last i heard the 3G model doesnt have a microSD slot.
If you do go for the 3G Tab, Three have a SIM-only data tariff aimed at iPads which gives you 10GB for £15 on a 30-day rolling contract.
One of the best value data tariffs in the UK and better yet no fixed term.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A regular Three PAYG SIM has unlimited data for £15 - no need for an iPad "plan"!
Regards,
Dave
simple_punk said:
they removed the SD card slot even in the 3G version.
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Click to collapse
In which case my apologies, everything I'd read so far (even on here) said otherwise.
That's really pretty criminal of Samsung, it's not like the issue of, say, a full-sized HDMI port which wouldn't fit onto a device like the Tab, there's no good reason for them not to have included a microSD slot.
foxmeister said:
A regular Three PAYG SIM has unlimited data for £15 - no need for an iPad "plan"!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except, doing that is expressly forbidden:
Three said:
When using data, tethering a phone to a laptop for internet use, using the SIM in a Mobile Broadband Device or using hotspot functionality is not included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know of it's possible to use a USB dongle with it?
Sent from my HTC Hero using xda premium
You couldn't run a dongle directly from the Tab, you wouldn't have the necessary drivers.
You could use one of the mi-fi devices but then you're back to tethering and having to charge two devices etc.
I've got the 3G version and there's definitely no SD card slot...
3G is the way to go if you plan on using it outside, I'm nearly 3 hours a day in the bus and it's really handy
I was thinking about getting WiFi-only version and tether with my HTC Desire, but it's a huge battery drainage for the phone and i'm on public transport 2hrs/day, so i ended up with 3G version (anyway it's pretty hard to get 7510 here in Russia, they are not yet officially distributing it, we have 16Gb 7500 only). As for ROM situation, don't worry Stock ROM is pretty smooth with V6 supercharger script + OC 1.4Ghz Kernel.
TLR version: ask yourself "Do I have free WiFi everywhere i go?", because tethering everyday with your phone is not cool.
I pretty much echo the other 3G users, when I bought my iPad last year, I got all the way to the check out with the wifi version, then changed my mind at the last minute and got the 3G version, it was the best thing I did, so when it came to getting the Tab, I wasn't going for any other version than the 3G version.
In my opinion, it's an accompanying mobile device, if I have to go and find somewhere that had wifi each time I needed access to the net, it wouldn't be very mobile? I just get my SIM cards of Ebay, 3GB of data to use in 3 months, cheap as chips.
So in short "3G version, every time!"
RavenY2K3 said:
I pretty much echo the other 3G users, when I bought my iPad last year, I got all the way to the check out with the wifi version, then changed my mind at the last minute and got the 3G version, it was the best thing I did, so when it came to getting the Tab, I wasn't going for any other version than the 3G version.
In my opinion, it's an accompanying mobile device, if I have to go and find somewhere that had wifi each time I needed access to the net, it wouldn't be very mobile? I just get my SIM cards of Ebay, 3GB of data to use in 3 months, cheap as chips.
So in short "3G version, every time!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the same ! The tablet like ipad, galaxy tab are nothing without 3G , it will become just a Toy . 3G all the way!
RavenY2K3 said:
I pretty much echo the other 3G users, when I bought my iPad last year, I got all the way to the check out with the wifi version, then changed my mind at the last minute and got the 3G version, it was the best thing I did, so when it came to getting the Tab, I wasn't going for any other version than the 3G version.
In my opinion, it's an accompanying mobile device, if I have to go and find somewhere that had wifi each time I needed access to the net, it wouldn't be very mobile? I just get my SIM cards of Ebay, 3GB of data to use in 3 months, cheap as chips.
So in short "3G version, every time!"
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Click to collapse
Great post!
Thanks a lot guys! Very helpful. I think that
32GB 3G is what I want. Have to wait until it's available in the UK.
Sent from my HTC Hero using xda premium
i always carry my phone with me..and given thats android i can tether to my tablet whilst commuting to and from work.
so really no need for a 3G tablet...dont like paying twice for my data
nandihno said:
...dont like paying twice for my data
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Click to collapse
That presumes your network doesn't charge extra for tethering.
In the UK, only one network offers tethering by default on all tariffs but you still get better value paying for one of their mobile broadband tariffs.
nandihno said:
i always carry my phone with me..and given thats android i can tether to my tablet whilst commuting to and from work.
so really no need for a 3G tablet...dont like paying twice for my data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know which country are you living but why you have to pay twice for your data ? In my country we pay for what we use. Your tablet don't have 3G you still have to pay 3G fee for your phone, your tablet have 3G you don't have to pay 3G for your phone and pay for tablet only.
By the way, 3G tablet was the best choice if you can buy it.

Anyone on Tmobile

Hello everyone. I have a dell streak aws version. I am interested in getting a galaxy note. I want to know how many have one on the US T-Mobile network. I understand that I am not going to get 3g or 4g speed but is everything else work like text and edge..
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Currently using the Note on T-mobile. Previously, I had the 5GB smartphone plan on the HTC Sensation and kept it when I switched over to the Galaxy Note, but found the Edge speeds slow (100-200kbps download). Things like email, text messaging, weather updating, and the XDA app worked OK, but MMS messaging and more complex web sites were simply too slow to load and the wait time was too annoying. So, following the suggestion from another XDA member, I purchased the tmobile Sonic hotspot- size of a small flip phone- and paired it with the Note via wifi. So far have been getting between 3-5mbps around Miami and have been happy with the results as things load pretty quickly. Even with wifi on for most of the day, my Note lasts me all day and the battery life on the sonic hotspot gives me about 4hrs of continuous internet access, which is enough for when I'm out during the day. I thought about getting the smaller and thinner tmobile 4g hotspot, but ended up choosing the Sonic due to the fact that it has the N wireless band and can download up to speeds of 42.2mbps (highest I ever got was 9 mbps in Providence). After a few weeks of carrying the hotspot in my pocket, I sometimes forget that it's there except on the few occasions when it gets warm after long-use.
If you're going to use the Note for web browsing, streaming or receive and send a lot of MMS, I definitely recommend that you consider this option as Edge is simply too slow for this. If you're going to use the Note for occasional browsing, simple texting, and to check email, I guess that Edge is fine. I got the Sonic hotspot device for free via wirefly and the monthly charge is $39.99 for a 5GB plan (I reduced my smartphone plan to the $10.00 200mb plan) so in the end I ended up paying about $20.00 more a month than before. I travel a lot so I can justify the hotspot purchase as it enables me to connect to my IPAD and notebook when I'm on the road.
Hope this helps.
Thanks that helps alot. I really am considering this device. I love my dell streak but the note is calling me.....
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Interesting. Wasn't there a slower hotspot for like $20 a month with like a 2GB speed cap?
I've been contemplating going for the free mobile hotspot as well but I'm just thinking how bad it would be to have yet ANOTHER electronic device with a battery that I have to worry about. Lawl.
mambomn said:
Currently using the Note on T-mobile. Previously, I had the 5GB smartphone plan on the HTC Sensation and kept it when I switched over to the Galaxy Note, but found the Edge speeds slow (100-200kbps download). Things like email, text messaging, weather updating, and the XDA app worked OK, but MMS messaging and more complex web sites were simply too slow to load and the wait time was too annoying. So, following the suggestion from another XDA member, I purchased the tmobile Sonic hotspot- size of a small flip phone- and paired it with the Note via wifi. So far have been getting between 3-5mbps around Miami and have been happy with the results as things load pretty quickly. Even with wifi on for most of the day, my Note lasts me all day and the battery life on the sonic hotspot gives me about 4hrs of continuous internet access, which is enough for when I'm out during the day. I thought about getting the smaller and thinner tmobile 4g hotspot, but ended up choosing the Sonic due to the fact that it has the N wireless band and can download up to speeds of 42.2mbps (highest I ever got was 9 mbps in Providence). After a few weeks of carrying the hotspot in my pocket, I sometimes forget that it's there except on the few occasions when it gets warm after long-use.
If you're going to use the Note for web browsing, streaming or receive and send a lot of MMS, I definitely recommend that you consider this option as Edge is simply too slow for this. If you're going to use the Note for occasional browsing, simple texting, and to check email, I guess that Edge is fine. I got the Sonic hotspot device for free via wirefly and the monthly charge is $39.99 for a 5GB plan (I reduced my smartphone plan to the $10.00 200mb plan) so in the end I ended up paying about $20.00 more a month than before. I travel a lot so I can justify the hotspot purchase as it enables me to connect to my IPAD and notebook when I'm on the road.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also get the AT&T Elevate hotspot as well and take advantage of LTE at $50 a month too (pay-as-you-go), if that's your thing.
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
You could also get the AT&T Elevate hotspot as well and take advantage of LTE at $50 a month too (pay-as-you-go), if that's your thing.
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Click to collapse
Lawl. $50 a month PLUS the cost of the phone? Screw that crap. Lawl. That's 600 PLUS taxes in 12 months PLUS the original 650 for the phone.
I also use a Sonic hotspot with my Note, and T-Mo is pretty fast around most of NYC. The battery life is also pretty good (approaches 8 hours). I usually don't carry it to work, but it's small and easy to throw into a pocket.
The edge speeds are pretty awful and vary wildly, as you can see below. But it works for basic tasks and checking email. But my Sonic is usually for long-connect and streaming, and I use the LTE hotspot on my Stratosphere, and VZ's LTE is pretty excellent in our market.
Hopefully the bounty efforts to open the 1700-band will be fruitful. Sections in the pic are VZ LTE hotspot, then TMO hotspot, and then G-Note all by its lonesome.
___________
XXLA1
I have tmobile too on my galaxy note and i too get edge speeds but there was a post on tmobile support that we may be able to use 4g by rooting and flashing. Can anyone confirm this?
Tmo really needs to release gnote. Would be my dream to have the gnote on $30 monthly4G!
I have t mobile. Getting about 800Kb/s download. Thinking about switching to att GoPhone plan; it's $50 unlimited everything with 2-5 mb/s speeds.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
I have tmobile. It's fine for me since I'm on wifi 90% of the time and use pre downloaded GPs maps.
From the giant: Galaxy Note

Which nexus 7 do you prefer WiFi or data

And why do you prefer that one
I prefer wifi since nowadays you can connect to wifi pretty much anywhere but if there's ever a time where I can't connect then I tether with my phone. And that's another reason too. For me I really only need one device with mobile data and that will always be my phone.
bolo808 said:
I prefer wifi since nowadays you can connect to wifi pretty much anywhere but if there's ever a time where I can't connect then I tether with my phone. And that's another reason too. For me I really only need one device with mobile data and that will always be my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, tethering is a pain in the ass. haha I'll turn tethering on, then put my phone back in my pocket and forget about it. Then 3 hours later I pull my phone out of my pocket and oh, hey, look at that...my battery is at 5%. Whoops! hahaha
LTE tablets are very useful for me because a) you have instant connectivity anywhere and b) they have bigger antennas than phones do, which means they can pick up signals places where phones can't. If you take a lot of road trips like I do, that comes in handy more than you'd think it would.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 4
oldblue910 said:
For me, tethering is a pain in the ass. haha I'll turn tethering on, then put my phone back in my pocket and forget about it. Then 3 hours later I pull my phone out of my pocket and oh, hey, look at that...my battery is at 5%. Whoops! hahaha
LTE tablets are very useful for me because a) you have instant connectivity anywhere and b) they have bigger antennas than phones do, which means they can pick up signals places where phones can't. If you take a lot of road trips like I do, that comes in handy more than you'd think it would.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you. That's why for me a portable charger is a must haha. But I do agree with you on LTE tablets. It would be much more convenient if I could connect anywhere without worrying about being in range to a wifi hotspot. If only data on tablets were free
bolo808 said:
I hear you. That's why for me a portable charger is a must haha. But I do agree with you on LTE tablets. It would be much more convenient if I could connect anywhere without worrying about being in range to a wifi hotspot. If only data on tablets were free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Thankfully for me, it only costs me $10/month to add my tablet onto my existing smartphone data plan, so it's pretty cheap.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 4
Totally Data enabled version. And I'll tell you more if it wasn't for a wait I would of gotten one, but because it's still available I had to get 32GB version. Reason behind is this. Right now I have my i337 and this. If N7 had a sim I would of just dump my i337 and got my money back on N7 and then some. N7 can do whatever you want really, spec wise it's amazing for work or playing game or watching movies. Right now my phone is on thether at all times and I am using N7 mostly for everything. I even using Talkafone to make calls now. I don't know that sim slot make N7 a complete device I feel WiFi is everywhere now but Cellular service is everywhere'er. So WiFi<Data for me. And yes whatever you do. don't get 16GB version because you'll have like 9GB usable space and with 32 you get like 26GB .....remember no SDcard get 32GB
oldblue910 said:
For me, tethering is a pain in the ass. haha I'll turn tethering on, then put my phone back in my pocket and forget about it. Then 3 hours later I pull my phone out of my pocket and oh, hey, look at that...my battery is at 5%. Whoops! hahaha
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have this issue with my GS3 (thanks to my Samsung 3000mah extended battery)
I can tether to my N7 almost all the day
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
Matrix_19 said:
I don't have this issue with my GS3 (thanks to my Samsung 3000mah extended battery)
I can tether almost all the day to my N7
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My GS4 gets great battery life too.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8.0 using Tapatalk 4
oldblue910 said:
For me, tethering is a pain in the ass. haha I'll turn tethering on, then put my phone back in my pocket and forget about it. Then 3 hours later I pull my phone out of my pocket and oh, hey, look at that...my battery is at 5%. Whoops! hahaha
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same with wifi tethering whereas with Bluetooth both devices (S3 and Nexus 7) last almost the day, maybe give it a try if you did not yet.
@topic: Hence wifi is enough for me.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
chrismast said:
I had the same with wifi tethering whereas with Bluetooth both devices (S3 and Nexus 7) last almost the day, maybe give it a try if you did not yet.
@topic: Hence wifi is enough for me.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have, and is definitely more battery efficient, but honestly, $10/month is worth it to me as a convenience fee to just be able to have the tablet connected whenever I need it, without needing a 2nd device to make it work when I'm out. haha
If I had to pay for a completely separate data plan, that might be a deal breaker. But $10/month is an easy pill to swallow.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8.0 using Tapatalk 4
oldblue910 said:
I have, and is definitely more battery efficient, but honestly, $10/month is worth it to me as a convenience fee to just be able to have the tablet connected whenever I need it, without needing a 2nd device to make it work when I'm out. haha
If I had to pay for a completely separate data plan, that might be a deal breaker. But $10/month is an easy pill to swallow.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 8.0 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pretty much agree with everything you mention in this thread.
Also, I can not wait until all the data devices actually run 4G/LTE. In addition to the convenience, battery life, etc., the ability to get super fast data - as fast or faster than many wifi sites - will be a winning combination.
I use two tablets. One on data for everything similar to a phone, etc. The second is stock wifi for the latest OTA updates and development only.
I am a luddite. I want my phone to make calls. I want my taboft to do Wi-Fi. Cellular data is WAY too expensive for way too little data to be useful for me for anything. The only time I am out of range of Wi-Fi is when I am in the car. Then I am only using GPS or media, both which don't need data.
Long way around to say it's Wi-Fi for me.
I just sold my N7 3G 2012 and upgraded to this 2013 version.
On the 2012 I had a data plan for 12 GBP a month, which I don't consider expensive but as I had a Nexus 1 and it´s quite slow to browse and limited in some aspects. But now I bought the N4 so I prefer to have the data plan on my phone and have the N7 with wifi only.
I have more battery (way more, I don´t know if it´s because of the radios or the version) and I am saving that money. I use my tablet at home/transport but I use offline content when I am away, like movies, news, books...etc.
For me, as I have the N4 now, I can use any app that I have on the N7 on my phone, so there's no point to have data on both devices. However, a I have a offline GPS on the N7, just in case, and I can tether for any emergency.
For me Data version, I can share my current data plan for just 2 €, yes 2€.
I was debating with myself if I should get LTE or not, but having my Nexus 4 to talk, whatsapp, and have almost 2 days battery on it it's important. With tethering I could not get more than 9 hours battery life.
Also the WiFi and Data signal is so much strong on the tablet than on my phone, and that means that I will use less battery overall as well, not to mention that if I lose my device, I can always locate it thanks for the always on internet and google device manager service.
I got the wifi and I tether it when needed. /shrug, At some point I think I'll stop having a phone altogether and just go data tablet. I don't like to talk on a phone and don't. I don't remember the last time I used my N4 as a phone. I texted and browse and GPS. Altho I will answer when connected via bluetooth in the challenger. /shrug
PJ Clifford said:
I am a luddite. I want my phone to make calls. I want my taboft to do Wi-Fi. Cellular data is WAY too expensive for way too little data to be useful for me for anything. The only time I am out of range of Wi-Fi is when I am in the car. Then I am only using GPS or media, both which don't need data.
Long way around to say it's Wi-Fi for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny. I feel like I'm the opposite of you.
Here is why:
"I am a techie (not luddite). I want my tablet (not phone) to make calls. I want my second tablet to do Wi-Fi. Smartphone cellular (not prepaid $30/30 day tablet) data is WAY too expensive for way too little data to be useful for me for anything. I am never out of range on my tablet (and tablet phone) but I get poor quality using tablet data for calls in the car. Then I can always use GPS or media (not am only using GPS or media, both which don't need data).
Long way around to say it's tablet data (not Wi-Fi) for me".
So, I fired Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with my expensive "smart" phone plans. The "smart" is now entirely a marketing term in my opinion. Now, its either $30/month data and calls on T-Mobile or AT&T for me. If I need serious quality on a phone for a month or two I get a prepaid SIM ($45 - $50/month on T-Mobile or AT&T) for one of my spare phones.
There are some tricks to successfully making tablet calls. In a vehicle moving between towers, data is a problem. On short drives, with background vehicle noise, I recommend a bluetooth headset like Parrot. Normally, in the home or office I recommend a bluetooth headset like Sony SBH20. If you "talk to the tablet" you have to use echo cancellation with about 10% quality reduction. So I only recommend a tablet phone if you are a techie.
Bob Smith42 said:
Funny. I feel like I'm the opposite of you.
Here is why:
"I am a techie (not luddite). I want my tablet (not phone) to make calls. I want my second tablet to do Wi-Fi. Smartphone cellular (not prepaid $30/30 day tablet) data is WAY too expensive for way too little data to be useful for me for anything. I am never out of range on my tablet (and tablet phone) but I get poor quality using tablet data for calls in the car. Then I can always use GPS or media (not am only using GPS or media, both which don't need data).
Long way around to say it's tablet data (not Wi-Fi) for me".
So, I fired Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with my expensive "smart" phone plans. The "smart" is now entirely a marketing term in my opinion. Now, its either $30/month data and calls on T-Mobile or AT&T for me. If I need serious quality on a phone for a month or two I get a prepaid SIM ($45 - $50/month on T-Mobile or AT&T) for one of my spare phones.
There are some tricks to successfully making tablet calls. In a vehicle moving between towers, data is a problem. On short drives, with background vehicle noise, I recommend a bluetooth headset like Parrot. Normally, in the home or office I recommend a bluetooth headset like Sony SBH20. If you "talk to the tablet" you have to use echo cancellation with about 10% quality reduction. So I only recommend a tablet phone if you are a techie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just don't need data in the car. I am either using off-line GPS or playing audio from the SD card. I just think $30/month for 2GB data is ridiculous. I hear you about 3rd party cellular vendors, but I am in a kind of backwater area and if you want service that is really reliable, it is Verizon. Every thing else is spotty.
I AM in the IT industry, so I am not techno-adverse. However I have always liked discrete functions. A phone should be a phone and a data device should be a data. NOW, if the cell companies get reasonable or the traditional ISPs get smart and start adding cellular service as an extension of their wired service, that might be a whole different ball game.
PJ Clifford said:
...
I AM in the IT industry, so I am not techno-adverse. However I have always liked discrete functions. A phone should be a phone and a data device should be a data. NOW, if the cell companies get reasonable or the traditional ISPs get smart and start adding cellular service as an extension of their wired service, that might be a whole different ball game.
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Yep. I get that.
Hopefully, Verizon will get widespread 4G/LTE soon (1-2 years), devices will get more universal band support, and device dependency on vendor technology (CDMA/LTE/other) won't lock you in. I'm with you on advancing ISP services to compete with cell providers. I'm told someone will license balloon antennas for wide range wifi, etc.
android1063 said:
And why do you prefer that one
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Wifi. Cheaper and I can tether to my phone easily (a Motorola Razr M). So a LTE N7 would be a wasted monthly expense for me.
WiFi, as stated it's cheaper and I get unlimited tethering from my phone plan so no need for the data version. Plus I'll be getting free upgrade to 4g soon so all good.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Does it really matter if its wifi or Lte

Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
It depends on what you want.. If you travel a lot or go to places that doesn't have wifi and want to use the tablet.. Then get the lte.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk now Free
Exactly, it all depends on what you are going to use it for, im mostly ever going to use it whilst im in my home with WiFi, so i went went that model.
You can easilly tether you smartphone with the tablet, via BT or WiFi. I prefer BT because it's battery efficient and more discreet, so for me LTE version is just a waste of money.
Spyr0s said:
You can easilly tether you smartphone with the tablet, via BT or WiFi. I prefer BT because it's battery efficient and more discreet, so for me LTE version is just a waste of money.
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+1
If you live in the UK, it will be long time before LTE is countrywide, so far it's only the big city's. I agree with the above posts, waste of money buying any LTE at the moment.
I also own a Wifi only Tablet and don´t miss the 3G option. I bet most of you guys already own a decent smartphone and use it for tethering purposes On the other hand, if you intend to use your Tablet most the time with eg. google Maps as a navigation device, a built in SIM might be more comfortable instead of having to use your smartphone for tethering
Spyr0s said:
You can easilly tether you smartphone with the tablet, via BT or WiFi. I prefer BT because it's battery efficient and more discreet, so for me LTE version is just a waste of money.
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Sure you can easily tether with your smartphone, but that sucks battery out of your phone pretty fast, if you use that feature often. So it all comes down to the usage pattern. I travel a lot and as a result I use my Nexus 7 long periods without WiFi access, so the LTE version offers me the freedom to be online without sucking precious juice from my phone. It`s like always a matter of usage and preference. What`s a waste of money for some is freedom and comfort for other`s.
he_stheone64 said:
Sure you can easily tether with your smartphone, but that sucks battery out of your phone pretty fast, if you use that feature often. So it all comes down to the usage pattern. I travel a lot and as a result I use my Nexus 7 long periods without WiFi access, so the LTE version offers me the freedom to be online without sucking precious juice from my phone. It`s like always a matter of usage and preference. What`s a waste of money for some is freedom and comfort for other`s.
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Same here I use my nexus for everything now I've only been using my s4 for emails and calls. I like the bigger screen anyway for videos and games and even reading articles and browsing
Sent from my LTE Nexus 7
Yeah - my ONE turned from silver to green, since it`s jealous
he_stheone64 said:
Yeah - my ONE turned from silver to green, since it`s jealous
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hahaha, same as my S4
No more Games on my S3
I have one LTE and one wifi version of the tablet.
If you can afford the LTE I think you should get it. Practically, the other features of the tablet are the same so you can only benefit with LTE over wifi. The only reason I would get only wifi is if you can get it very cheap and your mobile (e.g. LTE) needs are 100% met by something else (like smartphone). If you have a big discount coupon or similar you may get the wifi version very cheap. I got $60 off my wifi version, and you might get an even better deal.
The LTE version has lots of flexibility, even if you do not use LTE now you may in another year. The LTE bands covered by the tablet are very good. If you have this version you can get a prepaid account for 30 days or longer, and stop paying if no longer needed. You can get 2GB to 4GB prepaid data plan for about $25 to $40 a month if you have no other plan sharing. With plan sharing you might add it for as little as $10 a month.
I use the LTE version for maps, quick email reading and response, and web browser search. There is no time wasted on tether configuration, management, and setup. Also, I limit LTE data over-use with airplane mode, by allowing wifi to download large files.
My wifi only tablet is best used at home where I have constant wifi available. Configuring wifi tethering while mobile is not convenient for me.
If you typically upgrade in a few years, then when selling the tablet later you will recover a higher price for the LTE version, so that offsets some initial price too.
Good luck
I love my LTE N7. Tethering drains my battery and the connection isn't stable for me either. Love having instant LTE wherever I go without having to do anything.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I will also chime in and say my phone stays in my pocket more when I commute to school. I love having LTE. Like others have said you can tether.. But you're killing the battery on two devices. You phone and your tablet while you use it. My phone's battery is thanking me greatly.. Lol I also now use my nexus 7 for reading, surfing, games and media and with mysms I don't even have to pull my phone out when I get a text
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
4G LTE phone are quite cheap these days example Lumia 625 or iPhone 5/5c on contract, as one needs a phone always, and share the data connection with your tablet over WIFi tether. Save yourself from two separate connection plans! Saved money, buying a 16GB wifi model (32GB aren't available here yet), plus the wifi version is equipped with GPS unlike ipads
That's not cutting it for me I need my mobility. Some times I just take my nexus 7 and leave my phone home. With GV and Skype or some other SUDO VoIP app I receive all my communications (Email, SMS, IM) and am able to work (DroidEdit Pro), (Junos Pulse), (RSA Secure ID), (PocketCloud). Without LTE this wouldn't be possible..
Sent from another unlocked T-Mobile iPhone 5, Because they haven't released the Nexus 5..!
he_stheone64 said:
Sure you can easily tether with your smartphone, but that sucks battery out of your phone pretty fast, if you use that feature often. So it all comes down to the usage pattern. I travel a lot and as a result I use my Nexus 7 long periods without WiFi access, so the LTE version offers me the freedom to be online without sucking precious juice from my phone. It`s like always a matter of usage and preference. What`s a waste of money for some is freedom and comfort for other`s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a 2000mAh battery my old friend, so in the end all depends clearly on personal usage and preference as you say.
I bought the lte version, just because I could but in hindsight maybe one of the most attractive points of the n7 is the price and the lte versions almost cost twice as much. Maybe I should have just bought the wifi version....
I got LTE because I had the previous 3G model and a second sim card.
Even though, I wish the ROM support would be better. I still wait for the official CM 10.2.

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