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[Q] The Phone &/Or Situational Dilemma

Hello, my phone-loving peers.
I have a dilemma. Financial based mostly...
Current wireless providers
WIND $40 MIRACLE PLAN - My business line, no associated phone - sold TMO HTC Sensation yesterday.
ROGERS $65 MY 10 STUDENT - Gf uses this w/ my old school bb 9000.
1st I wanted the Galaxy Nexus (PENTBAND was majority reasoning) but, unwilling to pay the full price, I'm considering 3-yr with Virgin or Bell to acquire this. Again I want this to use w. Wind then I'm stuck paying another bill though.
2nd. I was offered a HTC Flyer 3G (AWS and I've read does voice calls!?) for the Galaxy Nexus + $200 payment to myself. Again same issue stuck with bill.
3rd. Offered Galaxy Note (No AWS but, Does feature Stylus which is a HUGE need in my current business!) I could use either Rogers or Bellgin plan with this phone, then forward my phone calls to other number and have an AWS tablet/device with wi-fi tethering so I don't kill myself with the big 3's sh!77y data costs?
4th. I could buy a Nexus outright but MicroSD support is a must and USB OTG
Or Buy a Note and use it with Rogers but, then I must supplement my gf with a different phone!
5th. I could transfer my Wind to Bellgin for the Nexus then trade or maybe transfer Wind to Rogers but the Wireless data I go through with Wind alone is worth the $40 I pay (typically 5-8 gb a month) that and rumors of LTE coming to Wind keep me paying.
Please help me, any ideas, solutions, opinions... etc.
Cheers, Red

I need help deciding which carrier/phone/plan

Ok, I've looked at all the carriers and the resellers to include post and pre. I've been on a family plan for ever and I'm about to drop off and start my own family plan with my daughter.
I've just gotten a settlement and want to pay up front for at least the first year or more but want to stick to under 2K. What I'm having trouble with is deciding which is best. Everything I read is this is better but another says different.
When I drop off the Verizon and start my own I'll lose the unlimited data so I need to consider data, 4g, unlimited and whatever on 2 androids and what is the best latest and greatest.
Sprint looks like cheapest but no 4g unless I'm seeing it from for Arkansas and Indiana. Verizon has best coverage but data is limited and raises price when you go over which I would. ATT is expensive and has 2Gb cap which is about same for T-Mobile.
I'd love to buy two unlocked kick ass quad cores and do Simple which would be 4G but hear it's unreliable.
Anyone have any recent experience like mine that can share some input? I'm needing 2 Androids (best phones) with unlimited data (or a ton of it) and unlimited text and pic, plus around 1000 or more minutes.
My brain is fried, only reason I'm asking... Prolly over thinking but it's a lot of money.

go with sprint or tmo?
since data is obviously a big must for you, i would suggest considering sprint above all. it will give u the unlimited data and relatively affordable prices. theyre launching the samsung galaxy nexus with 4g lte support very soon, and that of course, is a great developer phone.
if not the galaxy nexus, you will want to consider the samsung galaxy s ii epic 4g touch. it is sprint's version of the galaxy s 2 and definitely a phone that can hold its own. both phones are about 199 up front, and are quality samsung smartphones that should last you two years.
tmobile is a good carrier to consider because even though data is capped at 2gb, its 4g hspa+ network is pretty fast, and if oyu go over, they will only throttle your speeds, not charge you an overage fee. the throttling will be annoyingly slow (i speak from experience), but at least you wont pay overages. for tmobile phones, i would consider the htc one s or the samsung galaxy s ii. both phones are solid, dual-core phones and the one s launches with android 4.0 on board.

ynksrule93 said:
since data is obviously a big must for you, i would suggest considering sprint above all. it will give u the unlimited data and relatively affordable prices. theyre launching the samsung galaxy nexus with 4g lte support very soon, and that of course, is a great developer phone.
if not the galaxy nexus, you will want to consider the samsung galaxy s ii epic 4g touch. it is sprint's version of the galaxy s 2 and definitely a phone that can hold its own. both phones are about 199 up front, and are quality samsung smartphones that should last you two years.
tmobile is a good carrier to consider because even though data is capped at 2gb, its 4g hspa+ network is pretty fast, and if oyu go over, they will only throttle your speeds, not charge you an overage fee. the throttling will be annoyingly slow (i speak from experience), but at least you wont pay overages. for tmobile phones, i would consider the htc one s or the samsung galaxy s ii. both phones are solid, dual-core phones and the one s launches with android 4.0 on board.
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I've been thinking it's going to be sprint but not having the 4G is bugging me big time. It's almost as if they painted the whole map with 3G though so it will help. Daughter will be staying put in college but I'll be bouncing all over the place helping family take care of different things until I start getting low on funds again.
I cant do the throttled data as it will most likely be my only internet in the Toy Hauler that I'll be sleeping in and I like my Netflix to much. Maybe someone will know some magic combo that is better than anything I've seen so far. Have two weeks till she can port her number.

which sprint phone?
that makes sense, if cellular data is going to be your primary source of internet, then sprint's unlimited plan is probably the way to go. (but i would like to hear if anyone has any better ideas).
what smartphone are you leaning towards for you and your daughter?

If you're looking for an available quad-core then no questions asked it's the HTC One X.
And you want 4G? Don't make it a priority in your checklist, 4G won't have the same coverage as 3G in the next 2-3 years and by then you'll probably be getting a new phone. IMO get into a carrier with the best 3G coverage if data is a must for you. You won't need anything faster on a mobile device anyway.

ynksrule93 said:
that makes sense, if cellular data is going to be your primary source of internet, then sprint's unlimited plan is probably the way to go. (but i would like to hear if anyone has any better ideas).
what smartphone are you leaning towards for you and your daughter?
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I had been looking to buy a digitizer for a G2X my niece had laying around and hitting Simple Mobile then my daughter told me she's paying 94 per month to ATT and has the smallest minute package and only 2GB of data. I'm used to being unlimited and paying less than that so I think that's insane.
I was looking at 2 that was on sprints site both being 1.2 dual, Nexus and G11 S Epic. Daughter already has an Iphone and I will if I have to (she asks) buy her another but I'd hate giving money for a mac phone. Would rather pay double for an Android than the iphone.
cepcamba said:
If you're looking for an available quad-core then no questions asked it's the HTC One X.
And you want 4G? Don't make it a priority in your checklist, 4G won't have the same coverage as 3G in the next 2-3 years and by then you'll probably be getting a new phone. IMO get into a carrier with the best 3G coverage if data is a must for you. You won't need anything faster on a mobile device anyway.
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That One X comes out in June to sprint. I can stay in my family plan I'm in now if hers being att doesn't try and lock her into another two year.

[Q] Using a tablet as a phone? Help with these options

So, my Galaxy S3 was stolen and I'm on Sprint. They agreed to freeze my account but as a college student, I'm having a lot of trouble dealing with their $80/month+tax plan, not to mention they don't have LTE in my city and won't until the middle of 2013. I'm tired of CDMA 3G and I'm tired of being broke. So I'm thinking of being clever.
The following two purchases are decided:
1) T-Mobile activation kit from T-Mobile for use with pre-paid plans - $0.99
2) Wal-Mart Exclusive month-to-month 100 minute, unlimited text/4G data plan - $30/month
3) Huawei E220 3G dongle - $24.00
The question now remains, what device? Now, I also want a 7" tablet for books but why have two devices when you could have one? I could easily handle having a 7" device as a phone and I already have the two prerequisites: Sipgate phone number and Google Voice. Now the question remains, which tablet that will work with the dongle. I don't want to spend more than $100-130 or so. I know that limits things a lot, but like I said, I'm a poor college student. Save me the "tether your phone" response, as I said, my phone was stolen and I'm trying to minimize the devices I use.
Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 - I found a guy selling one near my school for $100. But can it use 3G dongles? I've heard mixed responses regarding it.
Ainol Novo 7 Tornados - Low resolution, but dual core processor with good GPU. Will be brand new but will cost around $120 shipped.
Ramos W17 Pro - Higher resolution, better processor, less after market rom support.
If the Galaxy Tab supported 3G dongles, this would be an easy choice but I'm not sure it does. Any thoughts on this?

Sir, your assistance can be given here>>>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846277
Thank You & Closed

Where To Buy 4G Note 10.1 In US?

I've looked everywhere for a Note 10.1 and can only find it on Amazon for $600+. Is this the only place to buy it? Why isn't this available in Best Buy, Wal Mart, ATT Stores etc?
I'd really like to pick one up by the end of the year.....

LuckyStrike88 said:
I've looked everywhere for a Note 10.1 and can only find it on Amazon for $600+. Is this the only place to buy it? Why isn't this available in Best Buy, Wal Mart, ATT Stores etc?
I'd really like to pick one up by the end of the year.....
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There's no LTE version of the galaxy note 10.1, just 3g (the 8020--an LTE version doesn't seem to be shipping to retailers anywhere). You can buy the 3g galaxy note 10.1 from other vendors, including Sams Stores; however, most are higher than Amazon's price--expect to pay $625-$629 USD. (Right now, Negri Electronics has the unlocked 3g version available for $595 USD, I'm not sure how long that price will be valid, Negri is usually higher. http://negrielectronics.com/samsung...l?gclid=CI_s68298rMCFQmCQgodYWoAkw#.ULZxSqL-u ) If you really want LTE, look at the galaxy note 2, but expect to pay about the same price for the off contract version from US carriers (going unlocked international right now limits you to 3g). I'm seriously considering upgrading my existing Android tablet with the WIFI only version of the note 10.1. I'm not doing a lot of traveling right now and LTE isn't available in my area. Should I do more traveling next year to LTE areas, I'll get a prepaid MIFI to get LTE to supplement Internet access when WIF hotspots aren't available. I use VOIP on both my tablet and smartphone via WIFI and am happy with it, but then I've used VOIP at home exclusively for the past 8 years.

LuckyStrike88 said:
I've looked everywhere for a Note 10.1 and can only find it on Amazon for $600+. Is this the only place to buy it? Why isn't this available in Best Buy, Wal Mart, ATT Stores etc?
I'd really like to pick one up by the end of the year.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There will never be an N8000 sold in the U.S.; Samsung doesn't sell (or allow to be sold) any unlocked devices. So anywhere you get it it's going to be imported. An LTE Note passed the FCC a while ago with AT&T's bands so I'd expect them to offer it shortly; maybe in the beginning of the year. And any Note you will import is going to be HSPA+ 21MB which is 3G, not 4G. And if you find a N8020 it's highly unlikely it's LTE bands will be compatible with the U.S. carriers.

verizon gnote 10.1 with LTE is coming soon (allegedly). Google "sch-i925"
I'm not sure if this is bogus news....but anyone hear anything else about this mythical device?

There is LTE version of Note it has been launched in South Korea recently with JB as default and it also supports voice calling. It should launch in US soon as that will be the key market for the LTE version. The only reason Samsung delays its products in US is because of Apple Patent law suits

biswasd said:
verizon gnote 10.1 with LTE is coming soon (allegedly). Google "sch-i925"
I'm not sure if this is bogus news....but anyone hear anything else about this mythical device?
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I made a parenthetical reference to it in my post above. It's the 8020. It's been trotted out for press views but I couldn't find any references to it being stocked anywhere yet, even Korea. Given the non-uniform LTE standards stateside, you'll probably only be able to get this via a carrier. I would expect the off contract price to be slightly higher than the off contract price for the Note 2. I wouldn't expect to see the 8020 showing up at any US carriers until late in the 1st quarter of 2013 or possibly not even until the 2nd quarter.

I might get the att version if it ever comes out. 600 + for this tablet and 3g is just crazy .
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

Sorry, I forgot my audience, I mean 3g not LTE which of course is true 4g. (I'm used to talking with people who don't understand)
Kind of depressing though, I can go to any electronics store and buy and iPad, yet a 3g Note 10.1 is next to impossible. And they wonder why android hasn't shaken up the tablet market? I don't want to buy this device if in 3 months I can get it through ATT by that point it there will be something newer...... I don't understand this business model.
So my next question would be is are there any high end android tablets I can get through ATT? Locally it is just the Galaxy Tab 2 which isn't really what I'm looking for. Also I would like to be able to make calls from the device if possible, but this is not mandatory.
Thanks.

LuckyStrike88 said:
Sorry, I forgot my audience, I mean 3g not LTE which of course is true 4g. (I'm used to talking with people who don't understand)
Kind of depressing though, I can go to any electronics store and buy and iPad, yet a 3g Note 10.1 is next to impossible. And they wonder why android hasn't shaken up the tablet market? I don't want to buy this device if in 3 months I can get it through ATT by that point it there will be something newer...... I don't understand this business model.
So my next question would be is are there any high end android tablets I can get through ATT? Locally it is just the Galaxy Tab 2 which isn't really what I'm looking for. Also I would like to be able to make calls from the device if possible, but this is not mandatory.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see a new LTE tablet coming out at the same time as the inevitable upgrade to the Note 10.1. There will probably be several months delay again in getting LTE tablets out because Samsung will need to work with individual carriers on LTE versions (same will be true of Europe as it rolls out LTE to more regions). If you live in an area with a Sams Store and have a membership or know someone who has a membership, check them out. They carry unlocked GSM phones and tablets. They have the Samsung P7320 (Galaxy Tab 8.9 4G LTE) as well as the 3G Note 10.1. I can't say how many stores have all items in stock. The problem with LTE in the US, as usual, is fragmented standards. This means that most LTE devices are only available through a carrier unless you're diligent and shop around online (NegriElectronics and Ebay are sources that occasionally have unlocked LTE devices that run on specific US carriers' LTE networks). You pay through the nose buying an on contract device locked to a fairly expensive monthly data plan that is added on top of a minimum of minutes for voice calls and texting. When you add up the cost of monthly fees over a 2-year minimum period plus the subsidized cost of a device, it's generally much, much more expensive than buying an unlocked, off contract device and then buying a prepaid service like Straight Talk (you can get an AT&T SIM or T-Mobile SIM, depending on which service is best in your area) https://www.straighttalk.com/secure/ServicePlans. There are also MVNOs for CDMA carriers Verizon and Sprint that have better prepaid monthly plans. Just take your time and do some research. If you're willing to carry a table rather than a phlablet, another option is getting a prepaid LTE MIFI device, which will be pretty small. Heck, if you have an LTE cellphone, check to see if you can use it as a hotspot.

mke1973 said:
I don't see a new LTE tablet coming out at the same time as the inevitable upgrade to the Note 10.1. There will probably be several months delay again in getting LTE tablets out because Samsung will need to work with individual carriers on LTE versions (same will be true of Europe as it rolls out LTE to more regions). If you live in an area with a Sams Store and have a membership or know someone who has a membership, check them out. They carry unlocked GSM phones and tablets. They have the Samsung P7320 (Galaxy Tab 8.9 4G LTE) as well as the 3G Note 10.1. I can't say how many stores have all items in stock. The problem with LTE in the US, as usual, is fragmented standards. This means that most LTE devices are only available through a carrier unless you're diligent and shop around online (NegriElectronics and Ebay are sources that occasionally have unlocked LTE devices that run on specific US carriers' LTE networks). You pay through the nose buying an on contract device locked to a fairly expensive monthly data plan that is added on top of a minimum of minutes for voice calls and texting. When you add up the cost of monthly fees over a 2-year minimum period plus the subsidized cost of a device, it's generally much, much more expensive than buying an unlocked, off contract device and then buying a prepaid service like Straight Talk (you can get an AT&T SIM or T-Mobile SIM, depending on which service is best in your area) https://www.straighttalk.com/secure/ServicePlans. There are also MVNOs for CDMA carriers Verizon and Sprint that have better prepaid monthly plans. Just take your time and do some research. If you're willing to carry a table rather than a phlablet, another option is getting a prepaid LTE MIFI device, which will be pretty small. Heck, if you have an LTE cellphone, check to see if you can use it as a hotspot.
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Click to collapse
I can tether with my Note, but I'm planning on using this as a headunit in my car so I'd like to have Google navigation without having to be tethered constantly, plus according to the guy I know at ATT he says it will be $10 per month for a tablet because at work I'm on a family share plan of 10 lines and we only have 7 now.
I will call a few Sams Clubs I am a member but online they just have the wifi note 10.1 so I wasn't sure.

Is ATT seeing P3100 as a tablet device?

Thinking about getting the Samsung P3100 after reading about Nexus 7 issues with 4.2 release.
If I buy a Samsung Tab 2 7 I would get the International version for $100 more than the US non 3G version and SIM swap with my Note.
Has anyone been tagged for using this as a phone or worse tagged as a tablet on AT&T?
We have two Smart phones both are International and we are on the shared data plan. I actually tried to convince the ATT CSR I had a smart phone and told her I sold the ATT Note for the International one for the FM radio. She still could not identify it and put it down as a dumb phone. We have the choice of the 700 minute plan with pay per messaging and UL data or UL Phone and messaging with 1 GB of data...both for $100 a month. We don;t use all that much data and if we do I will switch back to the family plan as we do not send and receive 80 messages a month either
I chose the Shared data plan for now. I will be sharing the SIM with the Tablet as well.