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Skype on DroidX via Galaxy Tab hotspot for $39/mo ROCKS!

I don't have a lot of money. I'm somewhat of a geek. I did not want to pay Verizon close to $90/month for an android cell phone.
I replicate 95% of the functionality of a 3g android phone for < $40/month.
I bought a used Galaxy Tab 7" SCH-i800 for $250.
I bought a used DroidX for $75.
I installed Skype, Google Voice, Google Talk and so on on the DroidX.
I buy the $30/month 2gb data plan for the Galaxy Tab from Verizon.
I buy an online number from Skype for $6/month.
I buy unlimited US/Canada calls from Skype for $3/month.
I got a Google Voice number.
I forward Google Voice calls to my Skype online number.
I have Skype show my Google Voice number as my CID.
I turned off Skype voice mail since it is useless on mobile devices.
I carry the Galaxy Tab everywhere, hotspot enabled.
I carry DroidX everywhere as a client on the Galaxy Tab hotspot.
Benefits
If I'm around when Skype rings on the DroidX, I answer. If not, the call bounces back to Google Voice voicemail, where Gmail notifies me. I can video chat on the galaxy tab. I can remote into my windows machines with it much easier than on the DroidX. This setup has worked very well for me for almost a year now. I love having all the functionality of two 3g Android devices for less than the typical price of one. The kids can be playing on the tablet in the back seat while I or my wife uses the DroidX!
Limitations:
The Galaxy Tab fits in many pockets, though not all, but I must carry it with me everywhere since the DroidX is connected to that hotspot all the time. I have not found a way for people to send me pictures from their cell phone's MMS, but email works just as well. I haven't found a way to go into an email and click a phone number to immediately dial it. I am content with the trade-offs.
I have yet to reach the 2gb limit on my data plan. I think the most I ever used was 1.5gb a few months ago.
Sometimes I worry that I will never live up to the potential of my Android devices.
Cheers!

Can anyone help. What tablets can be used to make phone calls

This topic was brought up on Leo Laporte The Tech Guy
http://techguylabs.com/episodes/929/can-tablets-be-used-phones
Have research Samsung tablet manuals and only 3G/4G models but does not say that you can dial.

Note 10.1 3g version you can make and receive phone calls... Apparently the galaxy tab 10.1 series also can but the dialler is hidden and you need to patch the system to get it...
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7" - 1st tab - can also make and receive calls, but then it was basically an oversized Galaxy S..

Note 10.1 n8000 can make calls

Make calls on any tablet with groove ip, if u have a Google voice account.

Assuming most people would have their cell phones with them when using their tablets why would anyone want to make a phone call with their tablet?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2

Good in a pinch when you don't or the battery dies... Also good so you are carrying 1 device instead of 2.....

mitchellvii said:
Assuming most people would have their cell phones with them when using their tablets why would anyone want to make a phone call with their tablet?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because u can..

I don't keep my phone on me in the house. Usually it's on the table by the front door. I can hear it ring but it almost always goes to voice mail before I can get to it. It would be nice to be able to answer it with my tablet, which I do carry around all the time.

With google voice #, you can use the note 10.1 with grooveip or talkatone as esincho etated. I use talkatone personally, send txt etc. Makes it great when phone is in other room or out of reach. Also sometimes my phone does drop signal so very convenient for that.

The Tab 7.7 3G can also make calls. Size is much more portable, too.
Model is P6800.

Over here in Australia where wifi access points (public and/or free) are VERY rare.... Its all ggod that you can use your wifi to make and receive calls but a bit embarrassing when you're out on a lonely road with no wifi and you find you need a phone. At this point I'm gonna say that a wifi call enabled tablet is as useless as tits on a boar pig....
As such I don't call any wifi only tab, phone capable because when you need it most, rest assured there will be no wifi available....

help for phone option
Hello... I'm new here. I bought the new n8020 LTE (France). I saw that we can make calls with this tablet but my operator SFR have blocked this function. I know i can use SFR Libertalk or CsipSimple app but i really want to make this tablet as a phone. Any suggestion? I'm already rooted and have already test a lot of firmwares. thx

[Q] Google Voice

Hello guys, I have a Google Nexus 7 running 4.1.2, and an AT&T Galaxy S III on 4.1.2.
I would like to send/recieve text's on my N7.
I purchased Tablet Talk, but it doesnt work well for me. It works for about 10 minutes, then nothing. It says its connected but no texts get sent from the tablet. It can recieve but wont send. And when I use Tablet Talk my WiFi speeds go from 25MBPS to 3-4 MBPS.
I keep reading people are saying that I can use Google Voice for texting.
How exactly does this work? Will the texts update on my phone and on my N7? I would like to set it up, but Id like to get some details first.

i just open up g voice and go to the text area. The texts sync up on my s3 in g voice as well. I no longer have my g voice texts go to my carrier texts anymore, that was causing to many issues for me.

You can sync GVoice with your cell or choose an individual number. I chose an individual number and only give it out to certain folks.
Also, combine GVoice with an app such as Talkatone and you can make and receive phone calls on your N7. As long as you have WiFi or teathered.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

The Note 10.1 as a phone... not quite

My Note 2 stopped working on Friday night and wouldn't turn on. A bit of searching on here and I appear to have got me Sudden Death Syndrome - I thought that was a thing of the past. So, it's going to the service centre later but this weekend I got the chance to try my 10.1 as my only mobile device.
This is something I had given thought to anyway and I thought it would be fine. This wasn't to be the case. I found that wondering around doing normal day-to-day activities was not conducive to having a tablet with me at all times. I don't always carry a bag so a pocketable device is still important.
I gave in and bought a "disposable" £30 phone on Sunday while passing CPW (a Samsung, coincidentally, as the equiv Nokia was £10 more).
It was an interesting way to find out two devices will be required

Thanks for the blog post.
I read it and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It makes me think that you have potential in running a social blogging network, and perhaps be the boss of a profitable blogging enterprise.
Perhaps you can float on an exchange one day and we can all invest in your company.

I'm using GV (which lets me have one outgoing number on all my Telephony-capable devices) and will sometimes just use the phone (usually in Speaker mode) when I need to make a quick call. Works fine. Get a BT headset and you could get away with not having a "real" phone for a while.

try TextPlus
I downloaded it when my phone died. Worked great as a temp phone.

Same here been using gv for a while now and haven't used my phone since.. I'm thinking about getting it turned off permanently since I'm Always around wifi or a hotspot..plus I don't talk on the phone.. Just text and internet 90% of the time
Sent From Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 [N8013]

Forget the bt headset, go the bt stylus for that extra geeky look... I should know, I have one...

Hey guys. Im confused. I use gv number as my regular number. How would I use it on my 10.1? From my understanding of gv, it needs to be routed to another number or your gmail address (which I have obitalk for landline using this feature) Is there a way to use the gv app to specifically make calls via wifi on 10.1? Im using talkatone for that but its glitchy. Thanks.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda app-developers app

WRichieX said:
Is there a way to use the gv app to specifically make calls via wifi on 10.1?
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Click to collapse
I couldn't tell ya- I have an 8000, which has a GSM radio in it and can get/make phone calls (and texts), so when I make an outgoing GV call, it uses the phone built into the Note (and it shows up as my GV number vs. the random number the SIM I use in it has).
I have no idea how Internet calling is done via GV (but I know some people do it).

WRichieX said:
Hey guys. Im confused. I use gv number as my regular number. How would I use it on my 10.1? From my understanding of gv, it needs to be routed to another number or your gmail address (which I have obitalk for landline using this feature) Is there a way to use the gv app to specifically make calls via wifi on 10.1? Im using talkatone for that but its glitchy. Thanks.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The simplest option is groove ip, the progran registers to your gv account. The developer bought a note and worked diligently to address a bug created in the JB update and the program works flawlessly now. Here's a link to the thread where the developer posted a link to the updated app. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2107867&page=5

WRichieX said:
Hey guys. Im confused. I use gv number as my regular number. How would I use it on my 10.1? From my understanding of gv, it needs to be routed to another number or your gmail address (which I have obitalk for landline using this feature) Is there a way to use the gv app to specifically make calls via wifi on 10.1? Im using talkatone for that but its glitchy. Thanks.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use google voice app too.. It allows text messaging unlike groove ip...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
Sent From Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 [N8013]

AW: The Note 10.1 as a phone... not quite
*deleted*
|| Typed with my S3 or my Note 10.1 ||

I have google voice account set up to use my cell phone number on my tablet... THen have Grove IP tou use my google voice accounts phone number.. so my cell phone number is not given out but calls are routed thru that number .. Makes call quality better.. Considering getting rid of my home phone and using google voice via grove ip for home phone service..
Anyone know a Good Internet faxing app or site that keeps my stuff MY STUFF and does not spam the fax numbers you send too.. ??
Good luck all

Workaround for UK users
If you are in the UK and are a BT customer with a landline you can use their app BT SmartTalk:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bt.voiceapps.homeaway
I have been using this on my Samsung Galaxy Camera to make calls and it works surprisingly well as long as you are in a WiFi hotspot somewhere. It's limited to outgoing calls only but it's a workaround if your mobile phone dies in some way.
You can use it on more than one device but you can only attach it to your one BT account. It's very easy to setup.

Kind of a strange thread. This is what OP originally said that started the discussion.
"...this weekend I got the chance to try my 10.1 as my only mobile device."
Assuming OP has a N8000 it is a phone. And the dialer is a multiview app so you can use the phone feature while still doing other things on the Note like jotting down notes or referencing a document without toggling between apps. Obviously, due to the Note's size, you're not going to hold it up to your ear. You can use it as a speaker phone or with a BT headset including the HM5100 BT S Pen. Used that way it's as valid as any other device as a phone and S Voice over BT is incredibly helpful. I'll sometimes forward calls and MMS from my phone to my Note so I only have to carry one device. Unlike OP, I tend to take my Note pretty much everywhere and the Book Cover case adds very little size or weight and functions well as a stand or prop for using the on-screen keyboard. I probably could use the Note as dedicated phone but a phone is a phone and a tablet is a tablet and each have strengths and weaknesses.
As for VoIP calling, the Note's no different than any other Wi-Fi enabled mobile device and all can be used with a variety of apps for voice calls and MMS. The only difference, as noted above, the Note's form factor makes it less than ideal as a primary communication device.
One advantage of the Note either in 3G form or using VoIP is its battery life compared to a phone that typically has a battery 2/3 smaller. That and the two forward facing speakers make it a great speaker phone. So in the end it all comes down to people's view on carrying something as large as the Note around to use as a communication device. Functionally it’s as good as anything else out there.

just pack a bigger purse and bluetooth .
BarryH_GEG said:
Kind of a strange thread. This is what OP originally said that started the discussion.
"...this weekend I got the chance to try my 10.1 as my only mobile device."
Assuming OP has a N8000 it is a phone. And the dialer is a multiview app so you can use the phone feature while still doing other things on the Note like jotting down notes or referencing a document without toggling between apps. Obviously, due to the Note's size, you're not going to hold it up to your ear. You can use it as a speaker phone or with a BT headset including the HM5100 BT S Pen. Used that way it's as valid as any other device as a phone and S Voice over BT is incredibly helpful. I'll sometimes forward calls and MMS from my phone to my Note so I only have to carry one device. Unlike OP, I tend to take my Note pretty much everywhere and the Book Cover case adds very little size or weight and functions well as a stand or prop for using the on-screen keyboard. I probably could use the Note as dedicated phone but a phone is a phone and a tablet is a tablet and each have strengths and weaknesses.
As for VoIP calling, the Note's no different than any other Wi-Fi enabled mobile device and all can be used with a variety of apps for voice calls and MMS. The only difference, as noted above, the Note's form factor makes it less than ideal as a primary communication device.
One advantage of the Note either in 3G form or using VoIP is its battery life compared to a phone that typically has a battery 2/3 smaller. That and the two forward facing speakers make it a great speaker phone. So in the end it all comes down to people's view on carrying something as large as the Note around to use as a communication device. Functionally it’s as good as anything else out there.
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Click to collapse
This is so true.. use a bluetooth device and keep the tablet in my Purse.. is how i use my nexus 7 and could do the same with 10 in just pack a slightly bigger purse ..

That was sort of my point. When the N8000 is my tablet and my phone is in my pocket I don't notice. When I have to, effectively, carry the tablet everywhere not having a pocketable phone it imposes limitations on me that I wasn't aware of. Bluetooth range is well and good - I had my old Jawbone and the car handsfree kits too - but if you are just quickly popping out of the house or you want to just wander off with no baggage, literally, then the 10.1 is just too big.
90% of the time I have both devices within reach but it's that 10% that showed me that my lifestyle (for want of a better word) doesn't quite allow me to use only the 10.1 as my sole mobile device.
I am waiting for the HM-5100 to be an official UK device so the price drops and it will be cute, but my original plan to stop using the phone and use just the tablet got a very sudden reality check (for me - you are all different, of course).

Peter Galbavy said:
When I have to ... carry the tablet everywhere ...
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Click to collapse
Wait- there's people who don't?! :cyclops:

Frustrated... what to do??

I have been a Verizon Customer for longer that it has been Verizon.
Service in my area has been great... up until the last year or so. Basically since they put 4G here. I no longer have service in my office, or several other places that I frequent. I travel alot and most always have verizon service where I go.
So here is the dilema... I don't want to lose my phone number! I was thinking about porting my number to another service, cause I do not want to lose my number... I have had it forever. But at the same time I do not want to lose my verizon line until I know that the other service is ok for me. primarily the unlimited data.
Anyone have any ideas?
Chris

cseeley said:
I have been a Verizon Customer for longer that it has been Verizon.
Service in my area has been great... up until the last year or so. Basically since they put 4G here. I no longer have service in my office, or several other places that I frequent. I travel alot and most always have verizon service where I go.
So here is the dilema... I don't want to lose my phone number! I was thinking about porting my number to another service, cause I do not want to lose my number... I have had it forever. But at the same time I do not want to lose my verizon line until I know that the other service is ok for me. primarily the unlimited data.
Anyone have any ideas?
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a issue a growing number people are encountering now a days. I would suggest that you take look into T-Mobile network Test Drive offer an see if they are for you.I know that in my area T-Mobile is terrible so I'm with Verizon till I get kicked off Unlimited then it looks like it's Sprint time. The porting of the number won't be too much of a issue as most company's do that now. I don't know what happened when they flipped the 4G switch but their towers weren't ready.

cseeley said:
I have been a Verizon Customer for longer that it has been Verizon.
Service in my area has been great... up until the last year or so. Basically since they put 4G here. I no longer have service in my office, or several other places that I frequent. I travel alot and most always have verizon service where I go.
So here is the dilema... I don't want to lose my phone number! I was thinking about porting my number to another service, cause I do not want to lose my number... I have had it forever. But at the same time I do not want to lose my verizon line until I know that the other service is ok for me. primarily the unlimited data.
Anyone have any ideas?
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go get a new number from some other carrier then forward your Verizon number to it till you get it figured out then port or not

cseeley said:
I have been a Verizon Customer for longer that it has been Verizon.
Service in my area has been great... up until the last year or so. Basically since they put 4G here. I no longer have service in my office, or several other places that I frequent. I travel alot and most always have verizon service where I go.
So here is the dilema... I don't want to lose my phone number! I was thinking about porting my number to another service, cause I do not want to lose my number... I have had it forever. But at the same time I do not want to lose my verizon line until I know that the other service is ok for me. primarily the unlimited data.
Anyone have any ideas?
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one's easy. Port your phone number to Google Voice. Then get a new number from Verizon for your existing phone. Install the Google Voice app on your phone and all of the incoming and outgoing calls will be via Google Voice using the number your ported there.
I've had Google Voice as my primary number for years and I'm completely independent of any carrier or single phone. In fact, when someone calls my phone number it rings on my cell phone, my home phone, my office phone, my tablet and my PC. My wife giggles every time I get a call because it sounds like I'm in a clock store with all the alarms going off at once.
If you get a new phone from another carrier just install Google Voice on it and both your old cell phone and new phone will ring at once. You will be completely independent of a carrier. I am so independent of the carrier that I have no idea what phone number is on my current cell phone. I'd have to look in the settings to see what it is.
Two caveats:
1) You will need to use Google Voice for text messaging. If you use any other text messaging app it will show that the message came from the cell phone's number and not Google Voice's number.
2) Google Voice messaging doesn't handle MMS texts. You can't send/receive photos or videos.
One huge advantage:
You can send/receive texts on your PC by going to Voice.Google.com and logging in. In fact, your entire text messaging history is stored in the cloud. Get a text and it shows up on your phone, on your tablet and in your browser. Immediately. When I'm on my computer and I hear my phone chime that a text has arrived, I never take my phone out, I just look at the text in my browser. It's so much more convenient than any other messaging app that I would never change.

Yeah... I already use google voice quite a bit with a different number.
Here is the problem, if I port my number out of Verizon, their system automatically closes the line when the port is complete. It is no problem getting it turned back on, but then I lose the unlimited data.
That is where my problem lies.
Chris
TabGuy said:
This one's easy. Port your phone number to Google Voice. Then get a new number from Verizon for your existing phone. Install the Google Voice app on your phone and all of the incoming and outgoing calls will be via Google Voice using the number your ported there.
I've had Google Voice as my primary number for years and I'm completely independent of any carrier or single phone. In fact, when someone calls my phone number it rings on my cell phone, my home phone, my office phone, my tablet and my PC. My wife giggles every time I get a call because it sounds like I'm in a clock store with all the alarms going off at once.
If you get a new phone from another carrier just install Google Voice on it and both your old cell phone and new phone will ring at once. You will be completely independent of a carrier. I am so independent of the carrier that I have no idea what phone number is on my current cell phone. I'd have to look in the settings to see what it is.
Two caveats:
1) You will need to use Google Voice for text messaging. If you use any other text messaging app it will show that the message came from the cell phone's number and not Google Voice's number.
2) Google Voice messaging doesn't handle MMS texts. You can't send/receive photos or videos.
One huge advantage:
You can send/receive texts on your PC by going to Voice.Google.com and logging in. In fact, your entire text messaging history is stored in the cloud. Get a text and it shows up on your phone, on your tablet and in your browser. Immediately. When I'm on my computer and I hear my phone chime that a text has arrived, I never take my phone out, I just look at the text in my browser. It's so much more convenient than any other messaging app that I would never change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse