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That OTA update came just in the nick of time. I pushed it myself after I read about how to do it and still hadn't received the update. I left for Manila on Friday the 12th and have been loving the wifi calling here!! It has been a life saver in terms of paying for international calling. There is zero lag and the call sounds just as good as if I were on the network in the states. I can't really imagine a use for it while in the country since it still takes minutes, but I guess if you are in an area without TMobile but yet still has a wifi connection with a fast enough speed to carry the call, then it could be useful. I just don't know where that place is... All I can tell you is that it has been working amazingly well in the Philippians and I have been able to make and receive calls without interruption all week. My colleagues who have needed to pack an extra phone with international calling abilities have been absolutely green with envy as I'm still able to do business easily in the office without needing to be on a landline or paying extra to use my cell phone in the hotel. What a great innovation!!! Even texting has worked just as if I were still in the states. Everybody I call and text have had a hard time remembering that I'm out of the country since it is still not totally normal to be receiving calls and texts from the same US number even though I'm abroad.
Anyway, I thought I'd share. I tried it while I was in the states, but didn't know if the clarity or quality of the call was influenced by being near the TMobile network anyway. I can tell you for sure that it is a great thing with no downside. You do need more than just a wifi signal though. If the signal isn't strong enough then the phone won't register to the TMobile network and it won't work. Oddly enough, when it says the signal isn't strong enough to make calls, they still come in just fine. Maybe just a couple bugs to work out, but this has definitely made me glad I went with TMobile and not Sprint when I was shopping for a new Android.
Are you sure you're not still paying for international calling? I thought T-Mo was going to charge you.
As for "getting an international phone", the G2 probably could have been unlocked (barring S-OFF issues) to work with the GSM there just fine.
I just took my G1 to Australia after getting the unlock code from T-Mo, and it worked great there, 3G with an Australian SIM.
dancingwombat said:
Are you sure you're not still paying for international calling? I thought T-Mo was going to charge you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember someone on this forum confirming that if you use Wi-Fi calling, your phone is treated as though it's roaming in the states, which makes it extremely useful for those who commute internationally, like the OP.
Does wifi calling/texting count as data charge (becouse if it does, I'll be able to text for free anywhere there is wifi)
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
WiFi Calling feature uses plan minutes and plan txt messages... there are no extra charges unless you go over your limit
I was unaware it used plan minutes. Sounds pointless now unless I have bad signal in the house
greengoldmello said:
I was unaware it used plan minutes. Sounds pointless now unless I have bad signal in the house
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As soon as you turn it on, it says it uses plan minutes.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Yeah, unless you just don't get a good signal in your house, there isn't much point to the wifi calling since it still uses your plan minutes. From here it works just like I'm in my office at home. I can call and text local numbers without having to dial any other weird country codes or anything. And people at home don't even need to know I'm out of the country since they just call my number and my phone rings just like normal.
Typically I have just used skype to call for free computer to computer since using it to call a phone number costs money. But now I can use the wifi and that is so much better! However, my hotel doesn't allow the phone to register with Tmobile, so some servers are going to put the kabosh on using this type of thing. I'm just wondering if it would work from the plane when I'm flying domestically and have the wifi available to me... FCC regulations prohibit using a phone during flight even if you are connected to wifi, so it doesn't really matter I guess.
Delta105RUS said:
Does wifi calling/texting count as data charge (becouse if it does, I'll be able to text for free anywhere there is wifi)
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The texting still counts as texting and not as a data charge. So it basically just uses whatever you already have on your plan. If you are out of text messages or minutes, then you will get charged for going over just like usual. I've got an unlimited plan for all that, so it isn't something I really keep track of.
dancingwombat said:
Are you sure you're not still paying for international calling? I thought T-Mo was going to charge you.
As for "getting an international phone", the G2 probably could have been unlocked (barring S-OFF issues) to work with the GSM there just fine.
I just took my G1 to Australia after getting the unlock code from T-Mo, and it worked great there, 3G with an Australian SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure it could have been, but that is why I'm glad the wifi calling update came when it did. It saved me the trouble of needing to do it. Anytime I've been away from the office where I haven't had a wifi signal to attach to has been times when I don't really want to talk on the phone anyway. Especially here... I really don't want people seeing me with a G2 in my hand when it is a pretty lusted after phone here. Everything is uber cheap here, but I was at a less than legitimate item mall yesterday and they had a G2 in the same case as an iPad. I can get a 32GB ipad for less than a G2 here.
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.
Click to expand...
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!"
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
i would like to know do you guys actually use it as a phone or do you guys have 2 sim card? (one for your phone and one for 7.7)
i am not going to have 2 sims as it is too expensive for me and if i wana switch the sim from my desire hd to 7.7 i will need to switch off my phone which is very inconvenient. Which makes me think that even if i have the phone feature will i actually use it? or should i just get the wifi version and connect to the internet through my phone.
also if i wana insert/remove sim for the 7.7 do i have to switch off the tab?
thank you guys
K999rrl said:
i would like to know do you guys actually use it as a phone or do you guys have 2 sim card? (one for your phone and one for 7.7)
i am not going to have 2 sims as it is too expensive for me and if i wana switch the sim from my desire hd to 7.7 i will need to switch off my phone which is very inconvenient. Which makes me think that even if i have the phone feature will i actually use it? or should i just get the wifi version and connect to the internet through my phone.
also if i wana insert/remove sim for the 7.7 do i have to switch off the tab?
thank you guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Tab will restart by itself when you insert a SIM. You can turn off packet data for your Desire while the SIM is in another device and use it on wifi.
For myself, I've not bothered to use the 7.7 as a daily phone since I like to walk around unencumbered. But, for short weekend trips and the like it is useful to just have one all-purpose device.
burhanistan said:
The Tab will restart by itself when you insert a SIM. You can turn off packet data for your Desire while the SIM is in another device and use it on wifi.
For myself, I've not bothered to use the 7.7 as a daily phone since I like to walk around unencumbered. But, for short weekend trips and the like it is useful to just have one all-purpose device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agreed especially if the phones battery died lol
thanks for your reply
K999rrl said:
i would like to know do you guys actually use it as a phone or do you guys have 2 sim card? (one for your phone and one for 7.7)
i am not going to have 2 sims as it is too expensive for me and if i wana switch the sim from my desire hd to 7.7 i will need to switch off my phone which is very inconvenient. Which makes me think that even if i have the phone feature will i actually use it? or should i just get the wifi version and connect to the internet through my phone.
also if i wana insert/remove sim for the 7.7 do i have to switch off the tab?
thank you guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need for 2 Sims as long as your sim has both data and voice you are good to go.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
adinis78 said:
No need for 2 Sims as long as your sim has both data and voice you are good to go.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the question was more was it worth it to have a data-enabled 7.7 when they already have an Android phone with a data plan and if the phone functionality of the 7.7 was a compelling reason to get it over the 6810 model.
It's really a choice that you'll have to make yourself based on your usage and finances. If you can use your phone as a hotspot for the 7.7 and don't ever plan on using it to make voice calls (you can still use various apps to make calls with your Google Voice account over wifi). But, charges for a separate data plan can add up and may not be worth it. I have a SIM from my work-provided Elevate hotspot so I use that with the 7.7, but if I didn't have that comped I'd probably go without a second plan.
Bottom line, in this case I would probably spend the extra money to get the 6800 over the 6810. The 6800 works fine over wifi without a SIM (although it will have an annoying message on the stock lockscreen about it). Then, you'd have that full functionality when you needed to use it with your phone's SIM.
I still have a phone and this tablet mainly because i don't wanna part with my good sprint sero plan. However for now i do have a tablet data plan for the 7.7 and i have made a call or 2 using a voip client and it worked no problem.
I use my 7.7 as a daily driver because I'm usually just sitting at work most of the time anyway. If I know I'm going to be on the move, I can just as easily swap my SIM into my GS2 or Note instead, and leave the 7.7 at home. It's nice having options!
I am using my 7.7 with a data only sim which I got from my cable/ISP company for free. On my phone I only have a 100 MB/Month data plan (using it only for e-mail and this plan is more than enough) and I am using the tablet for internet browsing and entertainment.
IMHO if you already have a data enabled phone and a good data plan it is not worth to spend extra cash for a 3G enabled 7.7, as u can use the phone as a hotspot
sent from my dz
regius said:
I am using my 7.7 with a data only sim which I got from my cable/ISP company for free. On my phone I only have a 100 MB/Month data plan (using it only for e-mail and this plan is more than enough) and I am using the tablet for internet browsing and entertainment.
IMHO if you already have a data enabled phone and a good data plan it is not worth to spend extra cash for a 3G enabled 7.7, as u can use the phone as a hotspot
sent from my dz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, I wish my ISP would give me a data SIM for free. I need to remind myself that I calibrate my cost/value estimates based on the BS that US carriers require, and not every country is like that.
Tab 7.7 with 3G sim + HTC HD2 Android with 3G sim. My ISP has a neat deal where for an extra $10SGD/mth, I get to use an additional sim that shares the data of my main plan.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
Geez, thanks for all the reminders that US telecoms are complete rip-offs [REDACTED RANT ABOUT CAPITALISM]
I have the Gnote using my ATT sim card (from my previous Atrix).
Im paying for the 2G data plan along with my 700 minutes phone plan.
On weekends, I pull the Note's sim and put it in my 7-7.....
I have no problems as the 7.7 does fit in my pocket about 90%.
All is well!!! I like it this way!
good luck.....
same here
Theory said:
Tab 7.7 with 3G sim + HTC HD2 Android with 3G sim. My ISP has a neat deal where for an extra $10SGD/mth, I get to use an additional sim that shares the data of my main plan.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here exept my provider delever 2 extra 3g simcard for free. If this was not the case i dont think i would buy another plan for the tab
I got a multi sim plan from my provider in Singapore. Basically it's 2 sim card tied to the same mobile number. I put one into my mobile and another one in the tab and from there I share both outgoing voice and data on a single mobile plan. I do need to select one of my device as the primary incoming phone and this can be easily switched by sending a short code through the phone which I want to designate as the primary phone. With this I use my tab as my phone on weekends.
How well does this Tab work for any of you that use it as a daily driver? I'm SERIOUSLY thinking about trading my GSM GNex off for one, and just use it for a daily driver. I thought about the 7.0 Plus, but this is so much better specced, and the size difference is fairly negligible between this Tab and the 7.0 Plus, so why not go with the better version? I figure a set of headphones, like the Klipsch S4a, and I'm in business.
I have one simcard at the moment in the tab, and haven't used my HTC Desire in a week.
But I consider putting the card back in the Desire and get a prepaid dataplan for 14.99 a month with 5GB at 3g speed and unlimmited GPRS.
I would recommend getting the 3g version of the 7.7 because the signal reception is better than a phone because of the increased size. I was on holiday recently and I could not get a reliable high speed Internet connection on my Note where I was staying so tethering was not possible, but I got a good high speed connection on the 7.7. Also, with a 3g version of the 7.7 it can act as a backup phone and allow the 7.7 and phone to use the Internet independently.
Gaugerer said:
I would recommend getting the 3g version of the 7.7 because the signal reception is better than a phone because of the increased size. I was on holiday recently and I could not get a reliable high speed Internet connection on my Note where I was staying so tethering was not possible, but I got a good high speed connection on the 7.7. Also, with a 3g version of the 7.7 it can act as a backup phone and allow the 7.7 and phone to use the Internet independently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a One X, but still considering this. I take it you love the 7.7 for all around use? How awkward was it as a DD?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Hemlocke said:
I bought a One X, but still considering this. I take it you love the 7.7 for all around use? How awkward was it as a DD?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 7.7 is very good for all round use and the screen resolution is a vast improvement over the original P1000 which makes it much better for Web browsing, watching videos etc. It is also very portable because of the 7" format and slim design and can easily be carried in ladies handbags or large pockets.
However, there are certain situations with any Tablet or smart phone where it is not possible to zoom Internet pages making it very difficult to select items using fingers for example when selecting items on financial charts when trading. You can overcome this problem by using a Bluetooth mouse or wired mouse and USB adapter. I would like Samsung to add their S-Pen to the 7.7 like the Note which would solve the problem without the need to carry extra hardware.
Gaugerer said:
The 7.7 is very good for all round use and the screen resolution is a vast improvement over the original P1000 which makes it much better for Web browsing, watching videos etc. It is also very portable because of the 7" format and slim design and can easily be carried in ladies handbags or large pockets.
However, there are certain situations with any Tablet or smart phone where it is not possible to zoom Internet pages making it very difficult to select items using fingers for example when selecting items on financial charts when trading. You can overcome this problem by using a Bluetooth mouse or wired mouse and USB adapter. I would like Samsung to add their S-Pen to the 7.7 like the Note which would solve the problem without the need to carry extra hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah, if Sammy wants to differentiate, S-Pen at 5.3,7.7,and 10.1 makes sense. I would just buy the Note, but kind of curious about this year's model.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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.