tablets with sim support? - General Questions and Answers

i searched through the internet but there wasnt a solid answer to this question i could find.
the question is, which tablets have sim card support and if so how can i tell if the ones in retailers are different from ones offered from carriers.
like are there 2 models of galaxy tab 2 10.1? one with sim slot and one without? and could someone compile a list of all the current and popular tablets with sim card slots?

A tablet that does phone and uses AT&T or TMobil (assuming you're in the US) has a SIM slot. The SIM is used for the phone portion of the tablet on GSM phones. If the tablet doesn't have a phone, or it has a CDMA (Sprint, Verizon) phone, it has no use for a SIM card.

Well, of course. So the question would be "which tablets include a phone device ?" Nice try for an answer, dude ! BTW, it's not absolutely exact, as I'll explain below.
Ok, then, most SMALL tablets (7" or less) generally include a SIM slot because they allow you to phone without you looking as if you stuck a frying pan over your ear. This includes for instance the HTC Flyer and all Samsung Galaxy Tabs, just to cite the ones I know for sure, but of course there may be many others.
Classic "large" (10" or about) tablets can have a SIM slot too, even if NOT being able to phone. The reason is they allow 3G networking. If we are to cite another example, there is one on some Asus EeePads (not all models, so be careful when choosing).
Now the Eeepad is a bit special, as it has a true PC processor instead of most other models scaled-down 1 GHz ARM phone processors (the same my good old HD2 has already), and when you attach the separate mechanical keyboard to the tablet, you also get classical USB ports, allowing you to add a 3G dongle in case you bought a SIM-less model.
Apart form the Asus that's a bit out of the crowd (though not being more expensive BTW), you'll then have to check for the SIM slot when looking for a tablet.
Your question is of general interest IMHO. It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep a list of tablets with SIM slots to help people choosing, either here or on a dedicated topic, maybe put elsewhere (though I can't find where right now).
Now if you'd ask me which tablet I would choose if I had to, I'd answer "none" at first thought. The reason is, I do need a mobile device, but it has to do ALL : phoning, taking notes and noting down meetings, firing alarms, email and web browsing, remote access to the company's billing and accounting software, and my Word and Excel documents handy. And all this, of course, has to be with me all the time.
So, of course, the 4.3" format is just perfect. So why would I want a tablet ? The answer is just "I don't want one. Period". Now, why would I would want one anyway ? Well, maybe because it would be more confortable to show documents to other people, or just to get a larger workspace, after all.
So maybe the 7" format would be just fine. This, plus the fact it's able to phone, and the special stylus, always made me think about the HTC Flyer. Because I love my HTC HD and HD2, so I may stay sentimentally linked to HTC, so I probably won't be absolutely neutral here. There's also the Samsung galaxy Note, why not ? But if it's just for a larger phone with a stylus, is it worth the change ? Well, maybe for the stylus. The 7" tablet also still allows to phone whithout looking completely weird, though the limit is reached there IMHO.
Anyway, the point is, I want only ONE device to do ALL, and I want it with me everywhere and every time. That's why my HD2 is always in my belt pouch. I wouldn't want a phone PLUS a tablet to bring along. That's why I'm not really considering buying one, despite I really miss the stylus, as I often have to draw sketches and using the finger is just way too imprecise.
Now there's an interesting outsider, and it's once again from Asus : they threw some weird concept, a tablet containing a detachable Android phone ! All documents automatically synchronize when you stuff the phone into the hatch behind the screen, so you can actually always have the exact same and up-to-date documents on each, allowing you to bring and use any of them (or both !) according to what you're going to do and where you're going to. A concept at least worth a look IMHO.

Z80-Man said:
Well, of course. So the question would be "which tablets include a phone device ?" Nice try for an answer, dude ! BTW, it's not absolutely exact, as I'll explain below.
Ok, then, most SMALL tablets (7" or less) generally include a SIM slot because they allow you to phone without you looking as if you stuck a frying pan over your ear. This includes for instance the HTC Flyer and all Samsung Galaxy Tabs, just to cite the ones I know for sure, but of course there may be many others.
Classic "large" (10" or about) tablets can have a SIM slot too, even if NOT being able to phone. The reason is they allow 3G networking. If we are to cite another example, there is one on some Asus EeePads (not all models, so be careful when choosing).
Now the Eeepad is a bit special, as it has a true PC processor instead of most other models scaled-down 1 GHz ARM phone processors (the same my good old HD2 has already), and when you attach the separate mechanical keyboard to the tablet, you also get classical USB ports, allowing you to add a 3G dongle in case you bought a SIM-less model.
Apart form the Asus that's a bit out of the crowd (though not being more expensive BTW), you'll then have to check for the SIM slot when looking for a tablet.
Your question is of general interest IMHO. It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep a list of tablets with SIM slots to help people choosing, either here or on a dedicated topic, maybe put elsewhere (though I can't find where right now).
Now if you'd ask me which tablet I would choose if I had to, I'd answer "none" at first thought. The reason is, I do need a mobile device, but it has to do ALL : phoning, taking notes and noting down meetings, firing alarms, email and web browsing, remote access to the company's billing and accounting software, and my Word and Excel documents handy. And all this, of course, has to be with me all the time.
So, of course, the 4.3" format is just perfect. So why would I want a tablet ? The answer is just "I don't want one. Period". Now, why would I would want one anyway ? Well, maybe because it would be more confortable to show documents to other people, or just to get a larger workspace, after all.
So maybe the 7" format would be just fine. This, plus the fact it's able to phone, and the special stylus, always made me think about the HTC Flyer. Because I love my HTC HD and HD2, so I may stay sentimentally linked to HTC, so I probably won't be absolutely neutral here. There's also the Samsung galaxy Note, why not ? But if it's just for a larger phone with a stylus, is it worth the change ? Well, maybe for the stylus. The 7" tablet also still allows to phone whithout looking completely weird, though the limit is reached there IMHO.
Anyway, the point is, I want only ONE device to do ALL, and I want it with me everywhere and every time. That's why my HD2 is always in my belt pouch. I wouldn't want a phone PLUS a tablet to bring along. That's why I'm not really considering buying one, despite I really miss the stylus, as I often have to draw sketches and using the finger is just way too imprecise.
Now there's an interesting outsider, and it's once again from Asus : they threw some weird concept, a tablet containing a detachable Android phone ! All documents automatically synchronize when you stuff the phone into the hatch behind the screen, so you can actually always have the exact same and up-to-date documents on each, allowing you to bring and use any of them (or both !) according to what you're going to do and where you're going to. A concept at least worth a look IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good input. The truth is i'm a sales rep at TigerDirect in Canada. And whenever a customer asks me if the tablet they like has sim support, i'd have to give them a general unsure answer. It's unfortunate because not all tablets have it, and the specs on most sites never really specify either. Furthermore, it's not very realistic to open a sealed box to check if there is. Especially if the customer might not buy. I think it'd be great if everyone on the forums contribute and compile a list of model numbers of tablets that contain a sim card of some sort.

as a user ot the samsung galaxy tab 7.7 i would recomed your customers one of the 7" tablets there are wlan only and wlan/3g devices for each model. with a 3g module it allowes you to send sms or use it as a general mobile phone.
the bigger tablets only use the sim for a mobile 3g internet connection not for sms or phone, like the 10.1.
the wlan only version of the 7.7 is the gt-p6810 and with 3g its gt-p6800.
in canada the tab should be available very easy, but in my country i had little problems to get one of the 7.7 (the old ones 7.0 , 7.0+ , 7.0 2 are easy to get)
because apple sued samsung and said that the 7.7 looks like an ******* ipad.

Oh, maybe we should launch a contribution to offer Apple staff some glasses ?
OK, you did sum up what I thought : 7" tablets either allow phoning or are WLan only, and 10" tablets or bigger are either 3G or WLan only.
Each maker apparently offers both, for the same generic model number, so customers (and sellers) have to be vary careful about small details printed on the box and/or small sub-numbers in the model reference that may help finding more information on the web (preferably on makers' websites rather than half-informed resellers').
It's quite a puzzle, so maybe opening a Wiki here on XDA to list the "good" references could help people sorting things out.

Related

Buying a new phone

Hi everyone, I am in the market for a new Pocket PC style phone with a QWERTY style keybaord on it. Through my research I have found out that all QWERTY style Pocket PC's are also phones.
So after looking around at a number of models out there the i-Mate JASJAR phone really caught my eye. However, also while looking around I found this site and figured I would ask an active community what my best choice would be. I will buy from anywhere in the world if it will be cheaper in the end.
I have a plan with Fido currently and a sim card in my LG phone working at the moment.
The things I need in a Pocket PC Phone:
Hardware
- Fido Canada Compatability (GSM ~1900) for phone
- WiFi (802.11b) for data
- Bluetooth support
- SD Card Slot for my 1gb card
- USB port to connect to computer
- Decent processor and RAM.
Software
- Windows 2005 (or whatever the latest is)
- General Word / Excel Applications
- MSN Messenger
I'm not used to looking up information about phones and cross compatibility, and being in canada all I am used to is being screwed up the rear with cell phone costs and locked phones. So thats why I am coming here for help.
Any help would be greatly appriciated.
Thank you all in advance.
Antonio the Knight of Ni.
Hello,
If all you you need are those listed, basically you can pick any PPC that is offered today by the cell phone providers today in North America, as it will be cheaper than buying an unlocked one. Mostly the providers today offered one of the Wizard varians, like in the USA, most of the providers (Cingular, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint), all of them carry of the Wizard varians, with price around US$350 for 2 years contract. Full price without contract here is around US$500.
I'm an owner of i-mate Jasjar (Universal). Compared to a Wizard, Jasjar/Universal is much more expensive here in North America, because no provider carry it, thus we have to buy full price.
Compared to Wizard, however, Universal has the following:
1. Processor is twice/more faster technically.
2. Screen is VGA, compared to Wizard (QVGA).
3. Heavier, bulkier, etc.
4. Universal is wow when used as a mini laptop, but Wizard is wow when used a mini PPC and phone.
I can tell you, I'm always impressed with my Uni when I read PDF doc, emails, remote connecting to my PC, watching videos.
All of your requirement can be easily fulfilled by a WIzard instead of a Universal.
Well, I am willing to spend up to $800 so I dont have to be in a contract, and my goal is to get it to work on my Canadian provider Fido. So, the phone is going to have to be unlocked in order for me to beable to use it on my provider as they dont sell any pocket pc phones, only their parent company rogers does but I am on a grandfathered contract with fido that gives me unlimited calling, so i would like to maintain that.
So, as far as unlocked phones go, your saying that the Jaspar is probly the best call? Excuse the pun.
In the market
I am in the market for a ppc phone as well and I have come down to a decision between the Universal and the Wizard, but I would like some user feedback about both models. I noticed the Wizard has a 200mhz TI cpu and the Universal has a 520mhz intel cpu. What is the actual performance difference between the two? Does the wizard use its clock cycles more efficiently closing some of the gap or is the universal really 2.6 times faster? What about the resolution difference? I think this might be a big selling factor for me. Does it make a big difference? I know on a computer I can't stand to use anything less than 1600x1200. The bottom line is it looks like it is going to cost me twice as much for the universal as the wizard is the extra money worth it? I am looking at using T-Mobile here in the states. They only offer the MDA(Wizard) and not the MDA Pro(Universal) but I think either way I will probably pick one up off of ebay and try and save some money. Thanks in advance for your help.
Last year, around Oct-Nov, I was in the same place you were today. I had the plan that I did not want to lose. I did not want to sign any new contract.
I want unlocked Pocket PC so that I can use it when I travel to Asia and any where. And I decided I would not mind to pay the full price. My budget was... however, I pushed it all the way to over $1000 in order to buy the best.
I considered that single invesment to fullfill at least many years to come needs, therefore, go with the most advance one, rather than buy a cheaper one, but half way.
That's the whole reason I was finally decided to get a Universal. But if you ask me to share my opinion with you today, after using Universal more than 6 months, I think it was not the best decision I made with the purchase. Do not get me wrong, I learned and experienced many new things since I had my Uni, and its extremely well built and nice device, nothing like it really. The screen especially, may be the best you will ever see in any Pocket PC. But for daily use, for phone, for carry around, for many occasions, I do not use it, simply its not pratical. I usually swiched back to my old one. Then I would blame myself, why did you buy it if you do not want to use it? Sad
Most of the time now I leave my Uni at home to be used with my home wifi. I have seen many ppl are happier with their decision to get a smaller scale one like Wizard or Prophet. Prophet is about the same size with the Wizard, except its thinner as it has no keyboard but better button layout. They do not mind even though the screen is a quarter than the Universal and the processor speed is half of the Universal as well. And indeed, for daily practical use (phone, email, notes) it does serve the purpose. Absolutely, when you want to browse the web, then smaller screen is not as good as VGA like Universal Smile When it comes to size and easy carry, smaller size is better.
Hope I'm not making your more confused. But if I can re-decide I would pick a Prophet instead. Since I have decided with a Uni, I'm happy to live with it as I do not want/cannot afford a new one right now.
KJam and Jamin (Wizard and Prophet) are identical in term of hardware spec (procesor, memory, etc) but has different apperance.
KJam/Wizard is thicker because it has a keyboard, Jamin/Prophet does not have one, but Jamin/Prophet has a better button layout that will allow single handed use of the device.
The last thing which is very important to know as well, KJam/Wizard use Mini SD, Jamin/Prophet use SD (Full size). Many ppl (like myself) will not buy something that use mini SD as I have invested quite a lot in big size SD card and would like to continue using the same card.
keep in mind that canada and a lot of the US uses 1900 and 850 freq for cellular
that being said, the wizard will work in more places than the universal because there are places that are 850 only and the universal doesn't have it
but if you want more pda features, then you'll have to give up some possible reception
Here, check out this link:
http://www.htcamerica.net/products/default.htm
Here you can find all the Wizard variants that are being offered in the US market, by each cell phone provider. Canadian providers are also listed here.
I signed up for service with T-Mobile a week ago and just got a crappy $10 Samsung R225m for the time being. I decided I will get The Universal and if I know I am going somewhere out in the boonies where I will need 850mhz analog I will grab the samsung. Is cloning your sim legal? Like let us say I want to have multiple cards in case something happens or if i want a data telemtry device in my car which would be used rather infrequently to share everything.
Wait a minute.... I was just looking and the Universal doesn't have EDGE does it? Does anyone in the states know how widespread T-Mobile's EDGE coverage is? How much of a difference does it make in speed?

PPC Phne PDA Form Factor really sucks

This is more of a rant but I'm wondering how many people agree with me. I've been looking at current and upcoming phones to replace my ageing Wizard. It really sucks that manufactures of Windows Mobile phones can't come up with some new creative designs for ease of use instead of the typical PDA form factor!
I was playing with the Blackberry Perl recently and thinking to myself it would be an awesome form factor for a WM phone. The text entry is awesome on the Perl, much faster, easier on the fingers and you can type text pretty fast even with one hand. I had someone who was using it for a while type a paragraph to see how fast he could go and he blew me away. The number pad also makes it easier to make calls when you need to do it by hand instead of using Voice Command. If only it was running Windows Moble and had a touch screen. Even better a bigger screen and a slide out number pad.
Is it just me or do other people wish there was a phone like that. So far I'm looking at the HTC Trinity to replace my Wizard but I hate the form factor. It's just not easy to use with one hand even with the wheel. I was looking at the TyTn but I find I can type a lost faster with the stylus then with the keyboard on my wizard and it's pretty useless making calls quickly with the numbers on the keybard. Even the Treo keyboard sucks compared to the Perl's keyboard which uses two characters per button making it less finger movement.
If only someone could release something with the features of the Trinity in the form factor of the Perl. Samsung has come close they have a nice form factor with a slide out number pad, and someone could easily right software to emulate the Perls predictive text entry but unfortunately their devices are TriBand (I'm in North America) and are lacking in features.
I really wish someone would release a phone like I mentioned above!
Samsung i760, nuff said
Not bad Raven2000, I'd still like a Blackberry Pearl style number pad/entry but this exactly the kind of phone I'm looking for. Perfect in every way except last time I checked, it's TriBand meaning it's missing 850 band for North America
what about the Treo 750?
What about ASUS P525?
Not sure if its quad band, but it has the right form factor, as well as WIFI.
And I agree with you. PDA phones don't really need full QWERTY, specially since they come with built in T9 app anyway. The "phone pad" is the way to go.
TheBrit: Treo 750 still lacks features and square screen resolution (too small) but even if I could live with that, it's keyboard is about as useless as the wizards. It's amazing that everyone copies this design, it was amazing when there was nothing else to compare to it but it's really showing it's age.
levenum: This one is a possibility, I've been considering it, speed wise and screen size is good, wish it would be a little updated in the other specs (bluetooth ect)
What I really wish for is something like the O2 XDA Stealth or Samsung i760 in Quad Band and HSDPA. But the perfect phone would be something like this with a Blackberry Perl style number pad (2 letters per key)
I second levenum. Asus P525 is really what I like and I am seriously thinking of replacing my Jasjar with the P525. If only it was 3G and had EDGE the decision would have been much easier on me.
I think that the Asus P525 is one of the best devices but I still think the Hermes is the best device.
What I want is a ppc phone that has a screen around 20cm x 10cm that has vga res x 2 (ie like 2 screens together). I do not need the power of a tablet so a ppc device is perfect. The small phones are all nice but not that practicle for computing or video. I know that umpc's are going to do this kind of job, but I think the price is too high. To go with this fantasy would be a ppc version of evc++ compilers so I could do my programming anywhere (ie at work instead of working).
The Asus P525 looks like a good phone and has a nice design but the specs aren't all there. I'd still like something with a slide out number pad like the Samsung i760 with close the featueres of say the HTC Trinity, or at least have HSDPA along with the current gerneration features of a pocket pc.
shoey5 said:
I'd still like something with a slide out number pad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O2 Stealth - but again the other specs aren't all there...
Well I wish the O2 phones were at least quad band, people outside of North America are so lucky. In North America the biggest feature manufactures look at is the colour of the phone. I guess as long as people keep buying pink razers it won't change.
I was looking at the Asus P525 as a possibility but unfortunately and just as I expected when I saw the keyboard, a lot of people say the little joystick between the number 2 and 5 keys make it a big hinderence. I guess HTC and other manufactures don't use Cell Phones because it's hard to see how they can see their designs being perfect as phones since they keep releasing the same formfactor with each generation. I guess all the phone manufacturing execs are walking around with Pink Razers
Well you can never satisfy everybody. Personally, I am very pleased with my Jamins, form factor (though as I wrote before the phone pad sliding or not is a good idea).
I actually got to play with a 525, though for only a brief time and I must say that the joystick is no real bother. Certainly not a reason to give up on this phone if other specifications are close or matching your needs.
levenum, I agree with you, can't ever be 100% satisfied. Here's the problem, I love my Wizard but based on using it, I've come up with a short list of must haves.
The number pad I find to be crucial, it's the one thing I miss about having a plain phone. I use Voice Commander and love it, could never use another phone without it (BTW, VC 1.6 with actual BT Support is out) But there are times when it's handy, you're driving and someone gives you a number (Voice Commander isn't always accurate) or you have to type a quick SMS. It's a lot easier to do with one hand and not even looking at the phone when you have a number pad. The touch screen number pad just doesn't cut it for this type of use.
I've been using Push Email another thing I can't live without anymore and I type a lot of emails. The Wizard and other long slide out keyboards suck, they are two big for two finger use. I can type faster with the Fitaly SIP (great application) and the stylus. So the numberpad and SmartKey entry method like the Blackberry Pearl would make the device more usable for emails. It would even be better than the sqished down keyboard of the Treo and Samsung phones. Less keys for 2 thumbs the better.
Quad band in a phone is something I need because of the phone networks where I live.
HDSPA is also something I'd like to see as my carrior is impleneting it this quarter.
Other than that, I can sacrifice a lot of things. Just kills me that these companies keep releasing the same Pocket PC form factor when I hear a lot of people saying they wish they had something that was more useable one handed.

Still deciding whether to buy

What's up XDA I'm in the market for a new Tablet or laptop for my wife
and I'm looking seriously at either the G-Tablet or a mid-range laptop.
The way I see it the pros and cons of the G-Tablet are as follows:
Pro:
Android.
I love android.
Hardware.
There aren't too many tablets out that have hardware on this level.
Cost:
Compared to other Tablets this one is very reasonable for the specs
Hackability
I'm not new to Android (as you can see from my sig)
so the prospect of hacking this thing is exciting.
Cool Factor
Let's face it moving from laptops to tablet is just plane cool.
Cons:
Android:
As much as I love Android and it can handle 95% of what she needs.
There is that 5% of remanding programs that really only work well on Windows.
Cost:
I can most likely get more powerful specs from a laptop at the $350-400 price range.
Even though it won't be as cool.
No physical keyboard.
So what sold you all on the G-Tablet? Are you happy with the purchase?
A tablet and a laptop are different solutions to computing problems. I have a desktop, a netbook, and the tablet. It's not overkill. The desktop is my primary gaming system and research station, since it's multi-monitored. The netbook is what I take when I expect to be producing text - hence, the need for the keyboard. The tablet is what I take when my primary goal is consuming information. I use it as an eReader (Google Books, Kindle, and RepliGo Reader for annotating PDFs).
It beats carrying around as many books as I previously did, and the on-screen keyboard works well enough for most things. I also have a flexible/foldable/rollable USB keyboard (purchased from K-Mart for $14.99) that I carry around with the tablet as well should I find myself in need of entering a lot of text. That doesn't happen that much, but it doesn't take too much space in my messenger bag.
The real questions are: what does your wife want to do with this device? Is she consuming or producing? What applications are crucial for her use? What does she do with those applications?
Without an understanding of what you and she want the device to do, I don't think we can answer it. Form follows function. Focus on the function. That's more important than any of the criteria you listed above when it comes to selecting the form your information device should take.
Very true. She would be mostly consuming.
Sent from my HTC Vision
tedlogan42 said:
I also have a flexible/foldable/rollable USB keyboard (purchased from K-Mart for $14.99) that I carry around with the tablet as well should I find myself in need of entering a lot of text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind telling me what keyboard you have, model number, link or whatever? I want to get one that works for my GTab running TnT Lite (latest release).
Is it the one by Sakar?
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_018W024011470001P?vName=Computers%20&%20Electronics&cName=Desktops&sName=Accessories&sid=KDx20070926x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=018W024011470001P#reviewsWrap

Your thoughts on Asus Padfone

I feel this is more of a general "lets get your opinion/feel" but ive experienced in the past, any topic that has any question in it, gets moved to this section.. So im posting it here.
I'd like to get people opinions (and experiences if any) on the Asus Padfone. I've been eyeing the HTC Amaze, but there have been a few issues reported with it, and with new tech being released this year, im also considering other devices. The Padfone caught my eye due to its apparent versatility. (Especially since the HTC One series has been a massive letdown with the non-existent mSD card slot)
Though there do seem to be some things lacking with this device, such as the camera (apparently, the HTC one has an independent processor which speeds it up) for example.
Also the fact that its 3g and not 4g/LTE seems to be a step back (tho this isnt an concern for me, but could be later).
Anyway.. Thoughts? Concerns?
Not worth buying
I'm considering getting one. I'm from the Netherlands so 3G is just fine for me!
Pricing is rumoured around €699 euro here, pretty steep though... That's without the dock (which will set you back another €150 I bet)
I love the idea of having everything in one place (on your phone) and basically click it into the tablet for typing during class or watching/reading something.
Jam it into the dock for longer writing sessions... I can see this being a very useful combination for me personally. I'm not sure the average user will find this a useful gadget though.
Downside is that you really have to use the phone all the time and I'm not sure how well everything works softwarewise when you load the phone into the dock, screensize wise etc, etc.
Its just that I got a Gnex that I love so dearly
PokeiShoW said:
Not worth buying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to elaborate?
newbie thoughts on the padfone
Last July 2011, I posted this thread on another forum and look at what happened in the interim - the Padfone!
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"Looking for serious multi-purpose (non-existent yet) tablet
I am a newbie. I have been communicating with a variety of tech publications incl Walt Mossberg, WSJ. But no serious response. I do not own a tablet right now but want to propose features that can be incorporated to the current crop. You folks can chime in (with respect) if you think my ideas are plausible.
Full disclosure. Currently, I am not a fan of the crop of tablets in the market today. What is out there (regardless of brand) are just pure "gadgets" for me. I do not do social networking nor games. I realize that I am in the minority in the high-tech populace.
I will consider a tablet with the configuration below to trim my techie equipment inventory. I believe this would be a truly PORTABLE, POWERFUL, SINGLE COMBINATION alternative to having (1) a communication/convenience/entertainment" device (tablet) AND (2) a PC for serious professional computing work, should I need to do some.
Samsung Galaxy-like form factor (or maybe even slightly larger or heavier)
Full Cell phone call capable (CDMA/GSM) - 3 or 4G thru BT (either on ear device or car's BT wireless communicator) - not just Google Talk or Skype
Web-access wireless card (a/b/g/n)
BT enabled to pair with my car's BT audio system wireless connection to play music stored in the tablet and other BT capable devices (tech already available)
Semi-full size BT keyboard/case (tech already available)
Available USB2 or 3 port/s
Available docking device to connect to an external larger LCD monitor, full-size keyboard, printer, optical drive, external HD, etc (?) to really replace my office/home notebook
Enough processor power (Intel/AMD dual core or higher), storage to support a full PC OS (Windows 7/8 or Mac OS), Internet Browser (IE9, FF5, Chrome, Safari, etc) and APPLICATION PROGRAMS AND DATA!
Sufficient battery life (replaceable) with AC/DC charging/connectivity capability
???????
Do you think this config for a tablet system has market and production potential? Or better yet, is there one already out there? I know that the technology to accomplish all of these exist already. It just takes somebody to put it all together.
Your professional insights are greatly appreciated."
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Since the Pf is not in our shores yet and I have been sick and tired of the all the unboxing, first videos from Barcelona, Taiwan specs and availability, I just implore ASUS to get their act together and stop the teasing and give us the US model! Regardless how a bunch of folks have trashed it, I on the other hand WANT ONE NOW. I realize that this desire is sight unseen, performance and quality unknown and not all the specs I listed above are in the model available everywhere else, I believe the concept of 3 in 1 is a brilliant one. I may not be as techie as you folks but for my use and from prelim videos and specs, what ASUS has done is phenomenal.
I would greatly appreciate your more techie input as well as marketing intel (US availaibility, specs, price, carrier, etc.). BTW, I still refuse to buy and do not want any of the tablets available today. Thanks.
The mechanism to insert the phone into the tablet looks like its the first thing to break rendering the whole concept useless.
But i have not hold it in my hand, anyone have some info on the build quality?
Dark3n said:
The mechanism to insert the phone into the tablet looks like its the first thing to break rendering the whole concept useless.
But i have not hold it in my hand, anyone have some info on the build quality?
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It's possible, it depends if the "door" needs to be closed before it will output to the tabdock. Plus, im sure alot said that about flip phones and sliding phone. My Touch Pro 2 is still going pretty strong, and it has a sliding keyboard.
Something id like it know is with the Keyboard dock, is it 'closeable'. As in, can you dock the tablet to it, then "close it" like a laptop so you can transport it as one piece?
first try... and probably last
very difficult positioning for Asus. They're trying desperately to innovate more that the competition to get a strong foot in that market.
However, this solution might not be fully interesting for a lot of people... If its a failure, they'll have lost a great deal of money that could have been used to make up for the difference with the latest ipad...
If this will be a failure , atleast the price will drop fast ( something like Evo 3d -50% )
addiz said:
If this will be a failure , atleast the price will drop fast ( something like Evo 3d -50% )
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Why do you think it will be a failure?
it's something new and different let's see how people will act after buying it
Has a lot of potential...
Has a LOT of potential if marketed correctly.
I have a original ASUS Transformer TF101 with keyboard dock for eight months now and I can say its an amazing machine. The performance is just right, the battery lasts forever, almost stock ICS, lots of updates.
I have the only combination of devices that can compete with the full Padfone setup: a modern smartphone (Samsung Galaxy Note) and the mentioned Transformer, with full tethering support. If the Padfone system can have a significant price advantage, the consistency it provides (the Note have Android 2.3.6) can make it a winner.
Feels way to expensive.
$1 gets you a reply
yes the hinge closes like a laptop
problem: the hinge only opens around 90 degrees so you won't get a great viewing angle unless you are at a similar level.
when the latch of the tablet station opens to release the phone, it stops the phone being bent outwards, so you have to pull up and thus, not breaking the connector.
not having 4g is a big downer for me. I was going to get this and might still but seriously, uk is getting 4g this year so I doubt I'd want this when it gets released.
The price of phone + 10" screen is Euro 699.
I think it will not be a success.
Why? (iPhone 4S + New iPad) is only Euro 199 more than the phone and a dummy screen.
Moreover, if you're going to carry around a dummy screen, why not carry a REAL tablet??
tytung2020 said:
The price of phone + 10" screen is Euro 699.
I think it will not be a success.
Why? (iPhone 4S + New iPad) is only Euro 199 more than the phone and a dummy screen.
Moreover, if you're going to carry around a dummy screen, why not carry a REAL tablet??
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beeecause with a iphone and ipad, your data is in 2 places? So if you edit something on your ipad, you have to take steps to also update it on your iphone.. Plus, itunes.. thats always a disadvantage.
I see the appeal, and 200 bucks More isnt small.
Lyian said:
beeecause with a iphone and ipad, your data is in 2 places? So if you edit something on your ipad, you have to take steps to also update it on your iphone.. Plus, itunes.. thats always a disadvantage.
I see the appeal, and 200 bucks More isnt small.
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I thought it's no need to take any steps? As long as your iPad is online at home, whatever you do on iPhone outside is automatically synced, as shown in the iCloud launching videos.
199 euro is small, when you compare a screen+ battery, with a fully functioned retina display iPad.
sounds good
tytung2020 said:
I thought it's no need to take any steps? As long as your iPad is online at home, whatever you do on iPhone outside is automatically synced, as shown in the iCloud launching videos.
199 euro is small, when you compare a screen+ battery, with a fully functioned retina display iPad.
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Well, i wont get apple products. If i were to get two devices, both would be android. Im sure it would be similar, but i don't like messing with clouds either, that's just a gimik to eat up your limited "unlimited" data package. Especially when your talking about my case of 400+mb PDF files.
I'm not completely sold on it, but it seems like a good idea, plus ive not yet seen official pricing on it.
Not that benchmarks mean much.. but...
ASUS PadFone gets benchmarked: a mere teaser of what's to come

You want a SINGLE device that is a tablet AND a phone?

I would like to get some opinion from you guys....
I am a startup developing a new kind of mobile device that combines a phone and tablet - putting a 7" screen on a less than 5" phone body. (It is not like the Galaxy Note, where the size is fixed.)
SO when you just want to make calls, check SMS and emails, just use the "phone mode" with a 4"+ screen.
When you want to surf web, watch videos/photos, transform it into a 7"-screen tablet.
Now my question is about the potential market for this device, as it seems that no company is creating a device like this, I am worried if there's no market for it.
a) For those of you carrying two devices (a phone and a tablet), are you feeling a bit inconvenient, annd would you like to have this device?
b) For those of you carrying only a phone, would you like to have a bigger screen, perhaps 7", while retaining the same portability?
c) Would you still buy a 10" tablet after you have this device? (assuming you already have a laptop)
Your help will be very much appreciated!
the first thing that came to mind upon reading this post is the asus padfone.
i do carry the 2 devices (S2 + TF101), and IMO it isn't really a big inconvenience, thus i might not be that interested. Unless it comes with a unique feature / selling point?
cheers.
if the tablet could make calls and i could pair a Bluetooth headset to it, i would get it. maybe it would stop me from texting and driving if it was 10 inch
I see no market for it. Some will buy it for what it is but not enough to make profit or even break even. Try focussing resources on let's say the body of the Droid Razr with an edge to edge screen, custom ROM that gets rid of the touch buttons of the bottom of the device so that can be more room for screen. I would buy something like that.
Or how about a smart-watch that can sync with any tablet to become a secondary display.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
Didn't they already do this? And if I recall it kinda flopped... Not being negative, but I think people are used to carrying around a bunch of gadgets...
deliriume said:
the first thing that came to mind upon reading this post is the asus padfone.
i do carry the 2 devices (S2 + TF101), and IMO it isn't really a big inconvenience, thus i might not be that interested. Unless it comes with a unique feature / selling point?
cheers.
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Thanks for your reply.
There are some aspects of Padfone that we don't think it will be a market success:
1. You still need to carry the 10" screen, and it is not as portable as a 4+" phone 2. When the phone is inside tablet, you'll need a headset to receive and make calls
Anyway our product is not in compete with padfone, although we have something in common - to combine devices from different categories. The key difference, besides the size, is that we emphasize on PORTABILITY; while they probably emphasize on versatile performance.
Our device is small and light and easily slip into pocket, yet comes with a beautiful 7" screen.
BTW, we think the combination of devices (our device + laptop/ultrabook) is more reasonable than (Padfone + laptop/ultrabook), because Padfone size is already very similar to laptop, and almost everyone already has a laptop.
STIDRIVER said:
Didn't they already do this? And if I recall it kinda flopped... Not being negative, but I think people are used to carrying around a bunch of gadgets...
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Thanks for your feedback!
Do you mean Sony's Tablet P?
However, since there is a bezel between the two screens, it cannot be seen as a one screen tablet when unfolded. In fact this is one of the main reason why it gets poor reviews and market reactions (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-21/what-was-sony-thinking-with-tablet-p-rich-jaroslovsky.html). The bezel is simply annoying.
Our startup have found a way to remove the bezel.
Yes people now used to carry around many gadgets, because currently we have no choice
I love the idea of the padfone...4 inch phone during the day, 10 inch phone when at home.
If you have something to offer please let me know, as of know i am seriously looking at the padfone to be my next phone.
Sent from my overclocked desire z via tapatalk app
I love the idea of the padfone!
bigboxrate said:
Maybe this one can be a good choice for you if you do not mind using big screen to make telephone calls.
http://www.tinydeal.com/7-pxp7fh-p-39587.html
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800 mhz and 256 ram, gross...
Sent from my overclocked desire z via tapatalk app
Good Stuff....Thanks
Tablet s Phone
I really dont understand why Tablets dont incorporate phones, I own a Dell Streak Mini 5, (best phone Ive ever owned) also a sony tablet s.
Both brilliant devices but most of the pros are duplicated by one or the other,
Dell streak, android device, good general purpose but screen too small for word processing or watching vids, not to mention the small onscreen keybord.
Tablet s, android device, good for all things android but no phone.
I dont follow the logic that there would be no market for a tablet device with a phone, I carry a phone and I carry a tablet I would far rather only carry one, i.e. the tablet with a phone in it, I use a blue tooth earpiece for all my phone/music/audio books so its not as if Ive got it stuck to my ear all the time, in fact the phone never comes out unless i want to use an app.
So the answer for me is a resounding YES device of that nature.
This is a great idea. Today's smartphones have all this horsepower but what good is it if the tiny screens make it a chore to get anything done. I'm having difficulty imagining how one would go about incorporating an additional big screen on a phone, but if you can do a clean job at it, I believe it will be success. By clean, I mean the screens should be good quality either glass or matte, not some flimsy folding ****.
noobletsausecakebbq said:
This is a great idea. Today's smartphones have all this horsepower but what good is it if the tiny screens make it a chore to get anything done. I'm having difficulty imagining how one would go about incorporating an additional big screen on a phone, but if you can do a clean job at it, I believe it will be success. By clean, I mean the screens should be good quality either glass or matte, not some flimsy folding ****.
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Yes we are not using folding screens.
I bought a Samsung Galaxy Note exactly for this reason.
The screen is big enough for non-phone usage but small
enough to fit inside a pocket to carry around like you would
carry around a phone. It's already 5.4" so 7" is not that much
larger, you'd better have a real compelling reason for your
device in order to convince people who would otherwise
pick the Note.
Cool Idea
I don't know of your resource base, but have you seen the new translucent material they have demoed for new tablets. That would make your product something that would stand apart. They demoed the material at one of the electronic shows this year.
fetchinson said:
I bought a Samsung Galaxy Note exactly for this reason.
The screen is big enough for non-phone usage but small
enough to fit inside a pocket to carry around like you would
carry around a phone. It's already 5.4" so 7" is not that much
larger, you'd better have a real compelling reason for your
device in order to convince people who would otherwise
pick the Note.
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Click to collapse
Yup! Ive had my g2 since the day it came out. The two devices im looking at is the padfone or the galaxy note. Im on tmobile usa so hooping one will get 4G sometime this summer. August is my upgrade month
Sent from my overclocked desire z via tapatalk app
challa3223 said:
I don't know of your resource base, but have you seen the new translucent material they have demoed for new tablets. That would make your product something that would stand apart. They demoed the material at one of the electronic shows this year.
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Click to collapse
No, we are using standard touchscreens...
I think you will have a harder time distinguishing yourself from the padfone since it is out now.

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