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Phone vs Laptop... where to draw the line?

I'm sure a lot of you have thought this over so i wanted to get your opinions.
The other day I was telling a friend about a phone with a 5+ inch screen and got to thinking (I love big screens, cant stand less than 3")... At what point should a person just buy a netbook with a 3g card and use VOIP on a bluetooth headset? I mean, my wife has a MSI Wind and honestly It is small enough I could carry it almost everywhere with me. It also cost less than my phone!!!!. The Wind isn't even one of the smaller ones. It has a 10.2 screen. Look at this one though http://gizmodo.com/5084147/umids-mini-netbook-makes-eees-look-massive (they should have made the screen wider but I guess they were trying to use off the shelf parts to keep it cheap).
I think the lines are definitely blurring and I honestly cant decide what to do for my next phone. A netbook with a 3g router is sounding very tempting. What thoughts do you guys have? or do you plan to just buy both lol.

I'd draw the line where you'd feel like a tit holding a netbook against your head tbh. Phones are for making phonecalls remember
Smartphone's are going to die out soon. Why do I need a Touch HD AND a netbook? I don't, I need a littlebitty Nokia that only phones and texts - discuss...

pocket
it´s true that you can carry them, but even little notebooks can´t be put inside your pants pockets...yet....

It's about convergence, having one device that does it all.
I still see idiots carrying a cellphone, an ipod, and a notebook. And they use the phone to go online with their notebooks via 3G.
I just have my i780 and the extra battery pack (i780s come with an extra batt with a stand alone charger case).. and oh yeah.. I also use it for GPS navigation.
Go for one device that can do it all. Though your need for a big screen will be the deciding factor.

Personally i have all three and carry two, Trinity and iPod, on a regular basis as the battery in my Trinity struggles to last all day sometimes when i am reading and replying to mail let alone trying to listen to music as well. Also my iPod is big enough to hold my entire library so there's no "wish i had that with me today" moments. The notebook is for computing somewhere at a desk/table that isn't my own, usually my parents or friends, and as such usually hooks to their WiFi.

You don't stick the netbook to your ear you use a bluetooth headset. Also some of these netbooks are getting small enough to stick in your pocket! Look at the one I linked.
Battery life would be an issue though. My wifes Wind lasts about 45 mins on battery. Those reviews that claim 2.5 hours are BS. Maybe if you turn the screen on super dim, wifi / bluetooth off, switch on econo-mode and read an ebook. In an even smaller netbook with about the same guts I bet battery life would be horrid.

For me this is the limit line between lap top and phone

I still think we might see a movement away from big phones, or people using two devices but not concurrently. For business use a decent netbook with 3G and bluetooth headset would be ideal, providing someone can actually one day make a battery that lasts a whole day yet doesn't have to be on wheels.
However, as useful as that'd be in work, it's not really a solution for how do I phone my missus to tell her I need to come home from the pub?
So I think a big device (with 3G or similar) for work and a small/tiny device (with radio and nothing else) for play/always. Aren't we at the point of a Bluetooth sized headset that has a phone in it? Or a comedy sized watch - aren't LG launching one soon?

The laptop would need to remain on (idling) the whole time, and they're just not designed for that today. In the end, having a laptop with 3G inside and a bluetooth "phone" or having a basic 3G phone and a laptop is not so different... you always need both parts.
I'm also using both a trinity and a Gigabeat F40. I just don't have the same response quickness, autonomy and storage on my trinity. So unless we get a pdaphone with a real battery life (something like 10 hours under heavy use), with 64GB of storage (it should arrive soon enough) and that doesn't struggle to playback a mp3 while surfing the net, I won't leave my loyal mp3 player at home.
I guess that 1 year from now I may find an appropriate device on the market.

[Q] New Device Suggestions please!

Both my partner and I have Touch Pro 2's that have just become unbearable..
Even after hard resets and pretty much nothing on them - they are very slow, internet tethering is extremely painful (often says check USB connection when the USB is fine), send/receive is fickle (works when it likes), connecting to Internet Explorer takes about 30 seconds even to load Google home page (even if 4 bars of reception)... The camera takes up to 30 secs to take a pic even in good light and loads of free memory..
Meanwhile my partners TP2 is locked and the screen is unresponsive.. lets you type the pin and hit unlock but then nothing happens... so he cant even get into it. Have tried many options for this but have given up as all the software I find requires you to connect with Activesync which he can't do as it comes up locked!
and so we are both in the market for a new phone.. !!!!!!
I am set on Android as I haven't been able to use Activesync on my laptop for well over a year, due to Windows updates (that I have turned off - yet continue to install)..
Whenever I Activesync it deletes all my contacts and calendar and then stops working.. after much research its a known issue and there is no resolution (sighs)... which has pretty much immobilised my phone backup... and i am so over it.
We have recently gone back to our Tytn II's in the mean time - just until we can decide... and have noticed all the features that we loved when we first got our Tytn's.. Everything happens fast! copy and paste on first click (no need to Make selection)! customisable! no Telstra bloatware.. true GPS with Copilot.. direct contact access.. not that stupid interface where you have to click on "more" to add all the contact info.. etc etc.
Phone must be 850Mhz capable as due to our location we have to be with Telstra to get any reception.
Am looking forward to your suggestions please!
Required is at least 5mp camera with flash (and pref lense cover). GPS and mapping software (true GPS preferred not internet dependent).
Thanks in advance

New Device Suggestions
well, if you are looking for android..Samsung Galaxy S will be quite good, and the price have been slightly lower now..

If you go Galaxy S (which I really don't recommend), avoid Verizon's Fascinate at all costs.

galbsadi said:
If you go Galaxy S (which I really don't recommend), avoid Verizon's Fascinate at all costs.
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Em, why did you did not recommend Galaxy S??Its quite a good phone actually, although its been quite old...of course new devices are becoming better and better(for a higher price tag of course), but i do think the device is still worth by its recent cost...

But the Galaxy S doesn't have a flash
Next phone must have a flash! Tired of carrying an Olympus around for low-light shots!
Thanks for the suggestion though..
I just wish the Desire Z would work on the Next G network here in Australia (sighs)...

Samsung galaxy nexus

Could YOU go back to a Nokia E71?

Just having a look on my phone and I relise that all the things I use and rely on are available on my previous Symbian Nokia E71 and that in fact if I still had my E55 I'd be able to almost everything I do now but with 5 days battery life for camping trips instead of 1.
The Nokia E71 was released in 2008. We're now looking to 2013. This makes me want to take stock and say are we really achieving anything with smartphones these days?
Yes, there is massive improvement in an entertainment way and to be honest it's the tweaking and hacking that I love...
and indeed they are getting easier to use...
But my E55 used to be readable in bright sunlight, had global maps coverage, no wakelock problems and loads more battery life. I don't think any of that is possible with a Galaxy Note?
When I look at my frequently used, useful apps I see the following that is available on Symbian:
- VoIP via Fring
- Opera Mini... that fills in many gaps for the lack of apps
- various encryption apps, but... is this with a better security model than permissions that have been broken and sdcards that can be read?
- Gmail
- Global sat nav maps precachable
The only thing don't see that I use regularly is the HDRCam app but do I really need amazing photos?
What about you? Do you find the ebay or Eggdrop apps essential? What about QR codes?
Could you go back to a Nokia E71?

The best features of S60 was battery life I have a 6120c and I had a E72 both phones last 2 - 3 days easily and Copy/paste text Remember iOS before 2009?

What would stop me more from going back to these phones is that non touch devices blow at browsing the web, and also the fact that on Symbian you can't turn 3g connection off, which will most likely kill your battery if you have something like whatsapp installed. I could even be fine with everything else, looking at how I use my phone right now. You're kinda right, most of the mobile innovations of the latest years actually have to do more with entertainment than with anything else. Basic functions actually got better but there's actually nothing spectacular going on with that, apart from internet speeds being bumped up.
Sent from my Lumia 800 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

vnvman said:
What would stop me more from going back to these phones is that non touch devices blow at browsing the web, and also the fact that on Symbian you can't turn 3g connection off, which will most likely kill your battery if you have something like whatsapp installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can change 3G only to dual mode or 2G only in settings -> phone -> network or something like that.

I have an E71 that I got for testing purposes with our mail system. The stock interface is awful compared to the latest smartphones.
That said, I took it when travelling internationally last year. As a phone and a device to get mail, it worked fantastic. It easily kept a charge all day long, often through 12+ hour work days.
I'm not going to use it as my everyday phone, but I am going to keep this bad boy and use it when I travel or when I what i need most is a phone that will stay charged longer.

I used to own an e71...until someone stole it while I was sleeping by my bedside. Lol. Easiest robbery ever I think.
Anyway...yeah it was a very good handset for its time. Loved it to bits. Battery was very good and the keyboard was a particular favorite. Last phone I had with any physical keyboard actually.
I could not see myself go back to it however. Just be a big step backwards in terms of apps and general performance. Everything except for battery life is so much better on the modern smart phones of nowadays.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Not exactly the same but: I miss my e90 :-( It was the best phone ever! I just wish it had US 3G. No other phone keyboard I have ever used measured up to that phone... I wonder if I could use it as a bluetooth keyboard....

Well, I have been forced into going back to my E71 while my Galaxy SII is under going warranty repair (it refused to connect to the mobile network one day after running it's battery flat).
What I miss most is my calendar syncing, and a decent imap email client that doesn't bomb when you have a few emails in the inbox. As others have said the smartphones are way better for web browsing. The E71's user interface seems just awkward and somewhat counter intuitive. I actually like the physical keyboard better then the touch screen keyboard (doesn't take up screen real estate) but accessing the extended maps is a bit of a pain. I reacon the shift key is in the wrong place and should be in the bottom outside corner as it's used more. But then it's only been a few days and I'll no doubt get used to it again.
I'd really love to make it run android and might give it a crack once I've got my SGSII back.

yeah I could. I have a Nokia e5 as a back up and it does all of the essentials and is way better to type on than my current touch screen phone is. I would miss the syncing abilities of android, and the entertainment possibilities of the nice big screen.... and apps...but I'd definitely survive.

I still can a spare copy of my sim that goes in my Nokia E71 as I use it all the time when I go on camping trips and long distance when I would be away from my charger for a extended period of time. It is hardy phone and the battery life is legendary.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 beta
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[Q] Need help choosing a dumbphone with WiFi

Hi Guys.
Just wondering if any one of you knows of a dumbphone with WiFi sharing capability? A good battery, rugged, and preferably flip-top would be nice. Fed up with lugging my smartphone with crap battery around to use as a hotspot with my 7.7 when on 3G/HSDPA - I just don't really see the point in having a smartphone anymore as i have my tab. They all use too much battery, have to plugged in every night etc... I recently went to Ireland on holiday, and only had to charge my mates 8yr old phone up ONCE in a week -and that was to turn it on after 2 years. And i used it a lot too. So, what about it - anybody know of one?
Thanks kindly,
Mark.

marbor2 said:
Hi Guys.
Just wondering if any one of you knows of a dumbphone with WiFi sharing capability? A good battery, rugged, and preferably flip-top would be nice. Fed up with lugging my smartphone with crap battery around to use as a hotspot with my 7.7 when on 3G/HSDPA - I just don't really see the point in having a smartphone anymore as i have my tab. They all use too much battery, have to plugged in every night etc... I recently went to Ireland on holiday, and only had to charge my mates 8yr old phone up ONCE in a week -and that was to turn it on after 2 years. And i used it a lot too. So, what about it - anybody know of one?
Thanks kindly,
Mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interestingly, I had a similar dilemma when I owned my galaxy tab 2 and smart phone.
Then I had an idea, why not just get one device!
I hit eBay with both items and bought aP6800
This is now my sole device and has a better battery than anything I've ever owned. It doubles as my phone, yes my phone (mainly use headphones for talking but I have been known to put it to my ear... I don't care, ice got a device that's slimmer than almost every smartphone out there, has a far better battery and has a stunning screen!
My advice would be to sell both and get the P6800

Question Samsung Z Flip 3 as Dedicated Hotspot

With the prices on Z Flip 3 lately, I was considering snagging one to use as a dedicated hotspot. I’d love some advice.
iPhone user who can’t stand the built-in hotspot that doesn’t broadcast all the time. It works great for Apple devices that have same AppleID…not so much for others. I just want something that I can keep in my backpack and it’s just ready. Considering the Nighthawk 5G is $400…might as well get this.
Would prefer to use a widget to control the hotspot from the outside display and not have to flip open to use. I see there are some options there. Any tips or cool widgets to be aware of?
My wireless plans have 40-50GB of hotspot included, but I’d rather mask the hotspot so that it doesn’t come from that bank. Do I need to root? Or are there some apps that I can still download that do that?
Ethernet tethering…does that mean with an adapter I can hook up to my home Wi-Fi router as the source when our home internet goes out?
Anything else I’m not considering?
Thanks in advance for the advice!

A 3300 mAh battery isn't all that much power...

blackhawk said:
A 3300 mAh battery isn't all that much power...
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Click to collapse
Good point. The dedicated hotspots generally have 4500-5500. Though I’ve seen that wireless charging with MagSafe works with a ring, and I have plenty of chargers that would be pretty convenient.

farnlc said:
Good point. The dedicated hotspots generally have 4500-5500. Though I’ve seen that wireless charging with MagSafe works with a ring, and I have plenty of chargers that would be pretty convenient.
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Click to collapse
Depending on the current usage with screen off running as a hot spot constantly being on a charger may not work well. Phones aren't designed to be charged with the screen on ie in a high current drain state.
If it does maintain a 100% charge state... high temperatures and high cell voltage degrade an Li the quickest.
In the end midrange power cycling (40-80%) may yield a better Li lifespan.

farnlc said:
With the prices on Z Flip 3 lately, I was considering snagging one to use as a dedicated hotspot. I’d love some advice.
iPhone user who can’t stand the built-in hotspot that doesn’t broadcast all the time. It works great for Apple devices that have same AppleID…not so much for others. I just want something that I can keep in my backpack and it’s just ready. Considering the Nighthawk 5G is $400…might as well get this.
Would prefer to use a widget to control the hotspot from the outside display and not have to flip open to use. I see there are some options there. Any tips or cool widgets to be aware of?
My wireless plans have 40-50GB of hotspot included, but I’d rather mask the hotspot so that it doesn’t come from that bank. Do I need to root? Or are there some apps that I can still download that do that?
Ethernet tethering…does that mean with an adapter I can hook up to my home Wi-Fi router as the source when our home internet goes out?
Anything else I’m not considering?
Thanks in advance for the advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. There are a lot of options out there before buying a phone to do it. Make sure you've considered all of them, such as https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09742XJB1 (~$190)
2. By default, it's not an option. There are a couple options out there to run apps and widgets on the cover. You'll find them here.
3. Apps still exist that can run a hotspot separate from whatever your carrier claims is the limit. It's my understanding that the limit is bandwidth added, whereas using a third-party hotspot borrows the bandwidth from your phone. In your case, it won't make much difference not using the phone.
4. Using adapters, it is possible. That isn't to say it will be effective, since you would be using a single 5G connection broken down into a portion for each device connected to it. It's a bit like ordering one pizza. Either the slices need to be smaller or less people need to eat.
5. Phone hotspots are meant for when you run into trouble and someone needs to borrow internet or you have a tablet that would be better for completing a task. It's not a long-term solution by any means.
If you really want to buy a phone to run a hotspot, there are far better options. You can limit some battery use with the cover screen by running a full launcher on it, but that only compensates for the smaller device battery. At the end of the day, you trade that extra time you would have every time you are running the hotspot with the screen off for the few times you have to change settings not using as much power on that run. It would only really make sense if you already had the phone and were repurposing it.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-battery-Unlocked-Camera-Silver/dp/B08NWD7K8H
$229 for 5G and a 5000 mAh battery makes a lot more sense.

twistedumbrella said:
1. There are a lot of options out there before buying a phone to do it. Make sure you've considered all of them, such as https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09742XJB1 (~$190)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A dedicated hotspot would be fine, but I plan on using SIM cards on phone plans or iPad plans. I wouldn't want to use anything that would trigger a flag.
twistedumbrella said:
4. Using adapters, it is possible. That isn't to say it will be effective, since you would be using a single 5G connection broken down into a portion for each device connected to it. It's a bit like ordering one pizza. Either the slices need to be smaller or less people need to eat.
5. Phone hotspots are meant for when you run into trouble and someone needs to borrow internet or you have a tablet that would be better for completing a task. It's not a long-term solution by any means.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No arguments here. Every once in a blue moon we have a disconnect at home and we need to fire up hotspots. If I had an option to integrate into our router so that I didn't have to update all the connection settings that would be cool.
twistedumbrella said:
If you really want to buy a phone to run a hotspot, there are far better options. You can limit some battery use with the cover screen by running a full launcher on it, but that only compensates for the smaller device battery. At the end of the day, you trade that extra time you would have every time you are running the hotspot with the screen off for the few times you have to change settings not using as much power on that run. It would only really make sense if you already had the phone and were repurposing it.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-battery-Unlocked-Camera-Silver/dp/B08NWD7K8H
$229 for 5G and a 5000 mAh battery makes a lot more sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the recommendation. The main appeal to this device is the form factor. If I'm going to run phone as hotspot I want it to be as small/compact as possible - understanding the trade-off in battery life. What I really want is a Palm Companion sized phone that I can program a launcher to only control the hotspot and lock the screen so it doesn't go into any other interface. Basically - act like a hotspot device - but have a phone IMEI that's less traceable.

farnlc said:
A dedicated hotspot would be fine, but I plan on using SIM cards on phone plans or iPad plans. I wouldn't want to use anything that would trigger a flag.
No arguments here. Every once in a blue moon we have a disconnect at home and we need to fire up hotspots. If I had an option to integrate into our router so that I didn't have to update all the connection settings that would be cool.
I appreciate the recommendation. The main appeal to this device is the form factor. If I'm going to run phone as hotspot I want it to be as small/compact as possible - understanding the trade-off in battery life. What I really want is a Palm Companion sized phone that I can program a launcher to only control the hotspot and lock the screen so it doesn't go into any other interface. Basically - act like a hotspot device - but have a phone IMEI that's less traceable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the Ticwris MAX devices were 5G, I'd recommend that. They're 2600 mAh, but about the size of a Zippo. One thing I've learned, though, is if you approach a list of cons trying to justify how to accept or overcome them, you've already decided. Best thing to do is make sure you can return it if it's not what you hoped.