[Q] Tablet S 3G as Phone/SMS

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Hi,
I'm interesed in this tablet, but I would like to know if is possible to use the 3g version as phone (sms, mms...).
Maybe some app could do this?
Thank you

Depends on what you mean "as a phone". (This info refers to all tablets on the market by the way. NOT just the tablet S)

If you want the tablet to have it's own cell phone # provided by your carrier, then no. No tablets on the market will be given a phone number by a carrier. When they get their SIM card, that SIM just links it to your account and only gives it data privileges. With those privileges, you just get the amount of data you're paying for a month and you can't be assigned a voice/text plan with any minutes/messages.

You can however use applications to get a "temporary phone number" assigned to it. You give that number to your friends and you can text to/from them through that application. Check this thread for info on what applications do that:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1476315

As I mentioned in that thread, I use textab in conjunction with my android phone. My tablet and phone are bluetooth linked and I just get all my texts on the tab with my normal phone #. If you don't already have an android phone, that's probably not for you.

Finally, as for making calls on it, I'm not too sure about that. As I mentioned initially, the tablet will not get a phone # from your carrier so being able to completely use it as a phone is not an option. However there may be apps similar to the texting ones that can enable you to make calls over 3G or WIFI, but I really don't know anything about that.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for your prompt answer.
What I mean is simpler. In my android phone I have a sim card with data plan. If I put this sim card into the tablet s, can I call, send sms and use internet?
Thank you again for your patience.

Hmm, interesting. I've never thought of that before.

My *Guess* is that it wouldn't work. I think you need to call your service provider to get the definite answer on that.

Although if you did get a tablet, you could have the same set up I'm using. I have an android phone and the tablet S. I have the Tablet using my phones 4G data through tethering. Also they're connected through bluetooth so I can send and receive all my texts from the tablet as well (with textab installed on phone and tablet). I leave my phone in my jacket and I only need to take it out if I'm making or receiving a phone call (Textab also instantly notifies you if the phone is ringing too)

Having an android phone and tablet is a great combo and I'd reccommmend it to anyone. I think having a tablet completely work as a phone would be good too as long as you have a bluetooth headset for it....but I can't imagine having to pull out a tab if you're on the go and having to do a lot of texting. Having the pair certainly leaves you in the most flexible position


----Oh yeah, I thought I'd add this on, and this is certainly just MY opinion so ignore it if it's terrible lol
But if you do get a tablet, I'd never reccommend getting a 3G one. You have to pay extra for it's own data plan, you could potentially get a long term contract for it, it costs more than the wifi only model, and I can't imagine too many times most people will find themselves with a tablet and no phone. It's usually the reverse there lol. The only good thing about a 3G tab is just that it can have internet when you don't have your phone and are in an area with no wifi. How often is that? lol

I am using my tablet to sent and receive sms. Works good

The Tablet P is pretty similar and I've put a mobile phone sim and can send and receive SMS but I have yet to find a way to use it as a phone (other than Skype or something similar)

Ian

yes and no

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You can make internet calls that could work as a phone replacement as long as you have a good connection.

Not really a substitute as you would not want to carry your tablet around all the time, but it could work as a home based phone.

Somebody has problem with microphone? Sound in video and skype is creppy

not yet

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Originally Posted by daniel145

Somebody has problem with microphone? Sound in video and skype is creppy

I have yet to Skype, hope it sounds ok.

Originally Posted by dtaylorr

I have yet to Skype, hope it sounds ok.

I don't use Skype myself, but I let my girlfriend take my Sony tablet S all the time to use it. It looks and sounds great.