hi i am thinking about getting a Motorola Xoom 3g but need a bit of advice please. i dont want contract so it possible to have pay as you go sim in it. if not i will go for wifi only version
Motorola Xoom 3g
1 of 2
Originally Posted by spursgalea:
“hi i am thinking about getting a Motorola Xoom 3g but need a bit of advice please. i dont want contract so it possible to have pay as you go sim in it. if not i will go for wifi only version”
“hi i am thinking about getting a Motorola Xoom 3g but need a bit of advice please. i dont want contract so it possible to have pay as you go sim in it. if not i will go for wifi only version”
Snap!! I am in the same position with respect to getting one for my sister, with 3g. It seems that the Three network is the only network offering a decent a range of data only SIMs for tablets.
Originally Posted by HHGTTG:
“Snap!! I am in the same position with respect to getting one for my sister, with 3g. It seems that the Three network is the only network offering a decent a range of data only SIMs for tablets.”
“Snap!! I am in the same position with respect to getting one for my sister, with 3g. It seems that the Three network is the only network offering a decent a range of data only SIMs for tablets.”
Thanks the reply. I am thinking I am going to for wifi only as i would take out of my home. The only reason I was going for the 3G is when go away. Its silly go for contract when the 3G part would only be used when I am away on holiday.
Originally Posted by spursgalea:
“hi i am thinking about getting a Motorola Xoom 3g but need a bit of advice please. i dont want contract so it possible to have pay as you go sim in it. if not i will go for wifi only version”
“hi i am thinking about getting a Motorola Xoom 3g but need a bit of advice please. i dont want contract so it possible to have pay as you go sim in it. if not i will go for wifi only version”
The networks expect you to take out a tablet specific monthly data contract so go for the wifi version if you're worried out costs. Most tablets seem to rarely leave the home anyway from what I've read.
I wish that they manufactured a simple tablet just for basically internet and email use (and I don't mean a Datawind Ubisurfer!!).
My sister, if I bought her one, wouldn't use 99% of the features on them. And despite my interest they are basically a larger smartphone without a phone's capability, aren't they? Just yet another toy, useful though it may be but it still has to be hawked around in a satchel or case.
Still wonder whether a £200/£300 netbook would be more useful and with better connectivity, possibly.
My sister, if I bought her one, wouldn't use 99% of the features on them. And despite my interest they are basically a larger smartphone without a phone's capability, aren't they? Just yet another toy, useful though it may be but it still has to be hawked around in a satchel or case.
Still wonder whether a £200/£300 netbook would be more useful and with better connectivity, possibly.
Originally Posted by Mandark:
“The networks expect you to take out a tablet specific monthly data contract so go for the wifi version if you're worried out costs. Most tablets seem to rarely leave the home anyway from what I've read.”
“The networks expect you to take out a tablet specific monthly data contract so go for the wifi version if you're worried out costs. Most tablets seem to rarely leave the home anyway from what I've read.”
3 are happy for you to tether using your phone data plan, no extra charge. So if either spursgalea or HHGTTG are already on 3 and have a phone capable of tethering, its a no brainer, get the wifi only Xoom.
As for leaving home, your right the vast majority who own tablets never take them out.
If it's for only occasional use out and about I would still advise buying the wifi only Xoom and thether (assuming a tether capable phone is handy), no matter who the network is.
Originally Posted by HHGTTG:
“I wish that they manufactured a simple tablet just for basically internet and email use (and I don't mean a Datawind Ubisurfer!!).
My sister, if I bought her one, wouldn't use 99% of the features on them. And despite my interest they are basically a larger smartphone without a phone's capability, aren't they? Just yet another toy, useful though it may be but it still has to be hawked around in a satchel or case.
Still wonder whether a £200/£300 netbook would be more useful and with better connectivity, possibly.”
“I wish that they manufactured a simple tablet just for basically internet and email use (and I don't mean a Datawind Ubisurfer!!).
My sister, if I bought her one, wouldn't use 99% of the features on them. And despite my interest they are basically a larger smartphone without a phone's capability, aren't they? Just yet another toy, useful though it may be but it still has to be hawked around in a satchel or case.
Still wonder whether a £200/£300 netbook would be more useful and with better connectivity, possibly.”
The most basic tablets are just a large smartphone, but when you get the likes of the Xoom, Galaxy Tab, Asus Transformer or iPad they are far more capable than a smartphone as I have found out with my Xoom in everyday use.
Originally Posted by Padre:
“3 are happy for you to tether using your phone data plan, no extra charge. So if either spursgalea or HHGTTG are already on 3 and have a phone capable of tethering, its a no brainer, get the wifi only Xoom.
As for leaving home, your right the vast majority who own tablets never take them out.
If it's for only occasional use out and about I would still advise buying the wifi only Xoom and thether (assuming a tether capable phone is handy), no matter who the network is.
The most basic tablets are just a large smartphone, but when you get the likes of the Xoom, Galaxy Tab, Asus Transformer or iPad they are far more capable than a smartphone as I have found out with my Xoom in everyday use.”
“3 are happy for you to tether using your phone data plan, no extra charge. So if either spursgalea or HHGTTG are already on 3 and have a phone capable of tethering, its a no brainer, get the wifi only Xoom.
As for leaving home, your right the vast majority who own tablets never take them out.
If it's for only occasional use out and about I would still advise buying the wifi only Xoom and thether (assuming a tether capable phone is handy), no matter who the network is.
The most basic tablets are just a large smartphone, but when you get the likes of the Xoom, Galaxy Tab, Asus Transformer or iPad they are far more capable than a smartphone as I have found out with my Xoom in everyday use.”
Well, I have an Android phone anyway - an HTC Desire S and am familiar with the software although it's not me who is the problem here. I already top up that phone on a monthly PAYG basis and also top up my Broadband Internet dongle similarly and so don't really want yet a third nework with whom to top up each month.
Obviously if I had WLAN at home then I might have had a tablet many months ago now.
Originally Posted by Padre:
“they are far more capable than a smartphone as I have found out with my Xoom in everyday use.”
“they are far more capable than a smartphone as I have found out with my Xoom in everyday use.”
I've never been sure about this, (though I'm looking to buy a tablet). Can you give some examples of stuff you can do on your Xoom that you can't do an a smartphone - other than the odd tablet specific-app that just hasn't been written for a smartphone screen yet?
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“I've never been sure about this, (though I'm looking to buy a tablet). Can you give some examples of stuff you can do on your Xoom that you can't do an a smartphone - other than the odd tablet specific-app that just hasn't been written for a smartphone screen yet?”
“I've never been sure about this, (though I'm looking to buy a tablet). Can you give some examples of stuff you can do on your Xoom that you can't do an a smartphone - other than the odd tablet specific-app that just hasn't been written for a smartphone screen yet?”
You can see what you're doing for a start.
Working on any spreadsheet os proper document is a nightmare on a phone, compared. As is using the internet. Phone is capable for sure, but no where near as good as a tablet.
Originally Posted by John_Elway:
“You can see what you're doing for a start. Working on any spreadsheet os proper document is a nightmare on a phone, compared. As is using the internet. Phone is capable for sure, but no where near as good as a tablet.”
“You can see what you're doing for a start.
Working on any spreadsheet os proper document is a nightmare on a phone, compared. As is using the internet. Phone is capable for sure, but no where near as good as a tablet.”
so a smartphone with a bigger screen then, like people say
Originally Posted by John_Elway:
“You can see what you're doing for a start. Working on any spreadsheet os proper document is a nightmare on a phone, compared. As is using the internet. Phone is capable for sure, but no where near as good as a tablet.”
“You can see what you're doing for a start.
Working on any spreadsheet os proper document is a nightmare on a phone, compared. As is using the internet. Phone is capable for sure, but no where near as good as a tablet.”
Yes, a Smartphone's screen is far too small for serious browsing (as you'd expect) and is a PITA. However perfectly OK for answering the odd question or query that you or someone else may throw at you.
Yes a tablet is really only a large smartphone without the ability of making a call - too many different toys really. Take your phone with you and a neat little netbook perhaps.
I'd never risk my life taking a smartphone on serious hikes or outlandish holidays but would also take my candybar phones which seldom need topping up with juice.
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“so a smartphone with a bigger screen then, like people say”
“so a smartphone with a bigger screen then, like people say
”
A tablet may just be a "smartphone with a bigger screen", but that bigger screen makes it a hell of a lot better than a smartphone for various things. Watching videos, web browsing, playing games, etc. are all a lot better on a tablet than a smartphone.
The question is then, why do we buy smartphones? Keep our reliable more basic ones and buy a tablet for serious work.
Sent from my HTC
Sent from my HTC
Originally Posted by Matt D:
“A tablet may just be a "smartphone with a bigger screen", but that bigger screen makes it a hell of a lot better than a smartphone for various things. Watching videos, web browsing, playing games, etc. are all a lot better on a tablet than a smartphone.”
“A tablet may just be a "smartphone with a bigger screen", but that bigger screen makes it a hell of a lot better than a smartphone for various things. Watching videos, web browsing, playing games, etc. are all a lot better on a tablet than a smartphone.”
they're also better on a 4.5" screen rather than a 4" screen, or a 4" screen over a 3.5" screen. Doesn't make the larger screened device something fundamentally different. It might be more convenient for some tasks, but it does what a smartphone does, and claims that tablets can do stuff smartphones can't are incorrect.
(I browse 'regular' web pages and watch video just fine on my Galaxy S2)
Originally Posted by HHGTTG:
“The question is then, why do we buy smartphones? Keep our reliable more basic ones and buy a tablet for serious work. ”
“The question is then, why do we buy smartphones? Keep our reliable more basic ones and buy a tablet for serious work. ”
Well I'd want to stick to 2 portable devices on the move I think; a 7" tablet seems pretty pointless if you've got a decent 4.5" smartphone;conversely you'll probably not want to lug an ipad or similar with you everywhere - I've yet to go to a gig where someone checks FB from their tablet in the middle of the crowd
So yeah, maybe simple phone+ 7" tablet, or smartphone + large tablet (or laptop).
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“they're also better on a 4.5" screen rather than a 4" screen, or a 4" screen over a 3.5" screen. Doesn't make the larger screened device something fundamentally different. It might be more convenient for some tasks, but it does what a smartphone does, and claims that tablets can do stuff smartphones can't are incorrect.
(I browse 'regular' web pages and watch video just fine on my Galaxy S2)”
“they're also better on a 4.5" screen rather than a 4" screen, or a 4" screen over a 3.5" screen. Doesn't make the larger screened device something fundamentally different. It might be more convenient for some tasks, but it does what a smartphone does, and claims that tablets can do stuff smartphones can't are incorrect.
(I browse 'regular' web pages and watch video just fine on my Galaxy S2)”
I'm not claiming they can do stuff smartphones can't or that it's "fundamentally different" - I'm saying that a larger screen is quite simply a lot better for a lot of things.
Sure, you can watch videos on a 3.5"/4"/4.5" screen, but wouldn't 10" be better? Ditto for web browsing and playing games.
There are of course times when a smartphone's small & pocketable size makes it more convenient than a tablet, but if where I am or what I'm doing isn't inconvenient for a tablet, then it's tablet all the way for me.
Wifey watching Strictly and controlling the HDTV in the lounge? I'd rather watch TV/videos or surf or play a game on my tablet than my smartphone.
Travelling by train, plane, etc.? Away somewhere? I'd rather use a tablet rather than a smartphone if I want to surf/watch/play.
etc. etc.
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“Well I'd want to stick to 2 portable devices on the move I think; a 7" tablet seems pretty pointless if you've got a decent 4.5" smartphone;conversely you'll probably not want to lug an ipad or similar with you everywhere - I've yet to go to a gig where someone checks FB from their tablet in the middle of the crowd
So yeah, maybe simple phone+ 7" tablet, or smartphone + large tablet (or laptop).”
“Well I'd want to stick to 2 portable devices on the move I think; a 7" tablet seems pretty pointless if you've got a decent 4.5" smartphone;conversely you'll probably not want to lug an ipad or similar with you everywhere - I've yet to go to a gig where someone checks FB from their tablet in the middle of the crowd
So yeah, maybe simple phone+ 7" tablet, or smartphone + large tablet (or laptop).”
On the move, the Achilles Heel of all smartphones is their appalling battery life, surely?
Continuing on this theme or perhaps the subject of another thread, I have noticed that Amazon sell 1GB/3GB 'Ready to Go' data SIMs for 3g mobile devices and these, apparently can be just plugged into any unlocked mobile device and they'll work without any registration etc.
They are with the Three network and yet all thE actual networks, including Three, don't seem to sell these unless on a process of continual topping up or contract.
The Amazon ones expire in 30 days or 3mths depending on which one you buy. Has anyone tried these and are they a solution to someone who wants a Tablet operating on a 3g network rather than just WiFi?
They are with the Three network and yet all thE actual networks, including Three, don't seem to sell these unless on a process of continual topping up or contract.
The Amazon ones expire in 30 days or 3mths depending on which one you buy. Has anyone tried these and are they a solution to someone who wants a Tablet operating on a 3g network rather than just WiFi?
It might be worth mentioning that if BTOpenzone/BTFON is available in your area you can internet via that (£3 a day I think).
Originally Posted by freeview_user:
“It might be worth mentioning that if BTOpenzone/BTFON is available in your area you can internet via that (£3 a day I think).”
“It might be worth mentioning that if BTOpenzone/BTFON is available in your area you can internet via that (£3 a day I think).”
I have used BT FON in the past and I paid that or maybe £5 for an hour's use. Anyway £3/day would be v expensive compared with my suggestions.
Originally Posted by HHGTTG:
“On the move, the Achilles Heel of all smartphones is their appalling battery life, surely?”
“On the move, the Achilles Heel of all smartphones is their appalling battery life, surely?”
spare batteries ftw.
But yes, I agree, its the thing missing from a lot of phones, mine inc...
I was under the same impression of most people here. I have a smartphone and a notebook, why would I need a tablet. However having purchased one, I can say that I use it more than the notebook. Things that I would have done on the phone, like surf, use app - I now do with the tablet. Bigger screen is massive plus. When at home, my wife never used my phone to surf, watch youtube, check emails etc, she used the notebook. Now she uses the tablet. I dont think the notebook gets used anymore.
The other point that hasnt been mentioned is that when I am out the phone is with me, and the tablet at home. So if you have a partner/kids they can use the tablet. A phone is primarily used by one person. A tablet is used by everyone.
I dont regret buy my tablet. Although it has made my notebook somewhat redundant.
I wouldnt purchase a 3g tablet, if I took it out the house, I would teather it to my phone.
The other point that hasnt been mentioned is that when I am out the phone is with me, and the tablet at home. So if you have a partner/kids they can use the tablet. A phone is primarily used by one person. A tablet is used by everyone.
I dont regret buy my tablet. Although it has made my notebook somewhat redundant.
I wouldnt purchase a 3g tablet, if I took it out the house, I would teather it to my phone.
Well, I made the move and have just ordered from good old Amazon the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 16GB 3G+WiFi model in white as that one can be delivered tomorrow by Express delivery.
I have also ordered a 'Three' 3GB data SIM/90 days to use in it. Only hope I have got reception here in S.London - should have according to their coverage map (if that can be believed)
I have also ordered a 'Three' 3GB data SIM/90 days to use in it. Only hope I have got reception here in S.London - should have according to their coverage map (if that can be believed)
You may be surprised how many places have open (free) WiFi accessible. A pub I was in last night for example, and my hotel on a recent holiday in Tunisia.
In fact, I keep my 3G connection on my Android phone turned off to avoid data charges and just use WiFi when I can get it (which is most of the time).
Also if you have BT broadband and opt in to BTFON, then you can access unlimited free OpenZone/BTFON when away. Bit annoying though when you come home and your phone re-connects to "your" OpenZone instead of your router!
(I have a Xoom WiFi only, BTW, and well pleased with it).
In fact, I keep my 3G connection on my Android phone turned off to avoid data charges and just use WiFi when I can get it (which is most of the time).
Also if you have BT broadband and opt in to BTFON, then you can access unlimited free OpenZone/BTFON when away. Bit annoying though when you come home and your phone re-connects to "your" OpenZone instead of your router!
(I have a Xoom WiFi only, BTW, and well pleased with it).
Originally Posted by JeffG1:
“You may be surprised how many places have open (free) WiFi accessible. A pub I was in last night for example, and my hotel on a recent holiday in Tunisia.
In fact, I keep my 3G connection on my Android phone turned off to avoid data charges and just use WiFi when I can get it (which is most of the time).
Also if you have BT broadband and opt in to BTFON, then you can access unlimited free OpenZone/BTFON when away. Bit annoying though when you come home and your phone re-connects to "your" OpenZone instead of your router!
(I have a Xoom WiFi only, BTW, and well pleased with it).”
“You may be surprised how many places have open (free) WiFi accessible. A pub I was in last night for example, and my hotel on a recent holiday in Tunisia.
In fact, I keep my 3G connection on my Android phone turned off to avoid data charges and just use WiFi when I can get it (which is most of the time).
Also if you have BT broadband and opt in to BTFON, then you can access unlimited free OpenZone/BTFON when away. Bit annoying though when you come home and your phone re-connects to "your" OpenZone instead of your router!
(I have a Xoom WiFi only, BTW, and well pleased with it).”
Now I'm old and don't travel 'abroad' so much now this won't apply although there was fast free WiFi in the auditorium of Fairfield Halls in Croydon and at a chain pub I visit in Chiddingstone Kent but I am hardly likely to have my tablet with me on those occcasions - my HTC phone, yes.
1 of 2
