I'm thinking of getting a 7" tablet. Not sure if I should (or even can) get one with the ability to run on Telus network, as I understand it I could get another SIM and for $10/mo share the 6GB data on my Telus plan?
The Canadian carriers don't seem to have one, but in the US there seem to be a few with 4G capability, e.g. you can get Samsung Tab 7.0 Plus for TMobile (or WiFi only). From Amazon, the latter is $350 for 16GB, $450 for 32GB. TMo version is $555 shipped on Amazon Marketplace, or $500 (+tax) from TMobile with no contract (that seems weird and I do wonder if I'm misunderstanding). I'm finding the Galaxy Tab line very confusing, there's 7, 7.0 Plus, 7.7, 8.9, 10.1, and GSMArena doesn't seem to list the TMo one anyway. From a vague description I got the feeling the TMo did both AWS and 1900 4G, but I'm not sure.
So my question is first, if I find a 7" tablet with 1900MHz 4G, could I unlock it and use on Telus? If so, do you think it's worth the extra cost (e.g. $150 on the Samsung)? And which tablet do you recommend? I have the Galaxy SIIx which is why I'm thinking maybe Samsung for similar interface. But I don't know how different the HTC or other interface would be. I have no particular attachment to TMo, their prepaid data is much cheaper than AT&T's but that's about it.
I'm thinking of getting a 7" tablet. Not sure if I should (or even can) get one with the ability to run on Telus network, as I understand it I could get another SIM and for $10/mo share the 6GB data on my Telus plan?
No, there are no sharing plans like that anymore. You can share your 6GB with WiFi tethering, or you can activate a SIM for the tablet with a tablet data plan.
An unlocked tab w/ 850 and/or 1900MHz HSPA support should work on the network if you go the SIM route.
Thanks, is the offer I was remembering ($10 to add a 2nd device) something that typically comes and goes (like the $30/6GB, which Telus site is "until Jan 31/12") or was that a really really unusual thing that happened to be in place when I signed up with Telus? If it pretty much never happens, I can save $150 on the 4G version. or
Any recommendations on a 7" tablet? The nook (which was U$149 on eBay yesterday and U$129 the day before) is tempting booting CM7 on a microSD card (I don't know exactly what that means but it sounds straightforward). But the lack of a camera and GPS (BT an option) is not great, I'd like video Skype capability on this tablet when in WiFi at least.
The Nook is still an e-reader first ... you can boot it into Android. I have one ... and it is a good, inexpensive tablet. However, there's no slot for SIM card, so you will have to tether it with you phone if you want to take it around & be connected
Good point, but if the "add a device to your plan for $10/mo" is offered rarely enough that I can't plan on getting it, then a 4G tablet is going to be used on WiFi anyway I suspect. I don't know how much I'll be likely to use the 4G, but right now the only thing I see on telus.ca is a minimum $5 (for 10MB!) rising to $35 if I use 501MB in a month. Plus a $35 set-up fee. That's a far cry from $10/mo for sharing the 6GB I'm already paying $30 for.
As it is, I'm wondering if it's even worth paying an extra (say) $150 ($500 for 4G vs. $350 for WiFi) for 4G capability in a Samsung or other tablet (I think the TMo 7.0 Plus is probably AWS-only but haven't confirmed yet), so the refurb WiFi-only Nook at U$150 (was $130) direct from B&N is tempting (or U$145 from Wal-Mart). For that matter, Wal-Mart US has Kindle Fire for $150 net of WM gift card. It's crazy but it's the lack of camera that's a bit of a stumbling block.
BTW, how important is 4G in a tablet? (Serious question, not sarcasm). Obviously in a phone (essentially 4.5" tablet), you want to make calls and also have instant access to the internet. Is that as much the case with a 7" tablet, I'm wondering how much using it is more a planned thing.
I don't plan to necessarily keep the tablet near the phone so I don't want to count on always-available data.
This page http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-2969 seems to say the Tab 7.0 Plus (TMo) is both 1700 (AWS) and 1900. That would mean it would work with Telus if unlocked, like my SIIx? Still not sure I'd pay the amount Telus wants right now, but if the previous (as I recall) Telus offer of $10 for SIM and $10/mo to share came back, I'd be happy to have the extra radio. It looks like an extra $150 though ($350 most places for WiFi, $500 from TMo for no-contract, if I understand correctly).
I'm going to keep my eyes peeles for the "add another device for $10.00" because that's what i want and the current offerings aren't going to help me. I'll pay $10.00 to pool my 6 gig, I don't want $5 for up to 200 meg and then go over etc etc.
Yeah, and it's $5 for 10MB (!) then $10 for 100MB. I guess I'm thinking that if I invest the extra $150 in a tablet that can do 4G, I should probably spend the $35 for the flex plan and hope to get off it quickly (onto shared for $10).
How is it that none of the Canadian carriers offers a 7" tablet? I know Steve Jobs made ~10" the expected size but there are lots in the US. I did see a Rogers Samsung Tab at FS.ca (or BB.ca, don't remember) but that's the old one w/2.2 and not listed on Rogers.ca
If I'm only getting WiFi (~U$350 for Tab 7.0 Plus) then a Fire or Nook at U$150 is tempting though still no camera, and I'm sure other compromises too.
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Originally Posted by awebber
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