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Nexus 7 instead of phone for main device?

Doyer

Well-Known Member
Jul 27, 2010
201
65
So, Thursday night I left my phone (Sensation 4G running CM10) in a cab and after trying everything I could think of to get it back, I've come to the glum realisation that it's gone for good.

I really need some sort of mobile communication device, not to mention that taking a sh*t is in orders of magnitude more boring without a smartphone. I get paid on the 15th and had planned on getting the Nexus 4. The only thing I'm worried about is since it goes on preorder on the 13th, they'll be sold by the time I get paid and won't be able to get one until the end of November at the earliest.

That got me thinking: Could I use the Nexus 7 as my main communication device?

One of the major reasons for this line of thinking is that I ride a motorcycle, so I don't use a phone anyway while I ride; not even for navigation. Also, since I've lost my phone, I've been using Google Voice to communicate with my family and friends via SMS and it's worked out pretty good so far. Most of my family have Android devices, so I could train them to use Google Talk also; and of course there's always Skype.

Having Wifi at home and at work makes me think it will be possible to use the Nexus 7 pretty much exclusively. The only time it'd be a pain in the ass would be going out with friends and carousing drunkenly. I suppose I could get one of those girly purse pouch things, but that's not really my style. I'd also be afraid of damaging it or getting it stolen.

Another possibility would be to get the HSPA+ version with Straight Talk or T-Mobile Monthly 4G; both offer unlimited mobile data at $45 and $30 / month respectively (though I believe Tmo is throttled at 5GB). This route would cost $100 more than the 16GB version.

So what do you guys think? Is it possible to do this or am I thinking too positively and not seeing potential complications? What would you guys do in my situation?
 
If, as has been rumored, the 3g 7 has cellular capabilities (not voip) you could get that and a cheap phone to use as a backup/bar/... phone. I like my 4g 7.0+ but I'll be following that.
Fwiw, THAT tablet can text using my phone sim but doesn't seem to be able to use data.
That's an interesting option. Interesting about the data.

Love my Nexus, but it's not a replacement for my phone. I don't love carrying it around much at all...couldn't stand to have to carry it everyday. It's a great tablet, but too big to be lugged around all the time in my opinion. With that said, at home, my 7 is my go-to for everything except calls.
Question: I assume you mean cell calls, but if you're at home and the person your talking to has Skype, GTalk, GV, or whatever, why wouldn't you use one of those instead of a cell call?
 
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The only problem with using nexus 7 for voice calls is you would need to use headphones, because the speaker is on the back and everyone would be able to hear your conversation at work, at home this wouldn't be an issue. Probably a blue tooth headset might eliminate this problem.
I have been thinking of doing something similar, but maybe just using an old flip phone for calls while on the go, and nexus 7 for everything else.
 
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That's an interesting option. Interesting about the data.


Question: I assume you mean cell calls, but if you're at home and the person your talking to has Skype, GTalk, GV, or whatever, why wouldn't you use one of those instead of a cell call?

Yes, I mean cell calls...I only use the others occasionally, but obviously wouldn't need my phone for these. My point is the size is great hanging around the house, but my my mobile phone is just more convenient on the go.
 
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I've been using the N7 as a replacement for my cell phone and I think it's been mostly a positive experience and, so far, worth taking myself off that damn two year call and data plan contract. I use Google Voice to text people and in the event that I need to actually call someone, I'm most likely in a WiFi area (home, work, Target) to make a call through a Google Voice VOIP app.

When I'm not on WiFi I turn on my free (up to 500MB) 4g hotspot device anytime I need to text. Although calls use up about 1.2MB a minute the quality is pretty bad compared to WiFi but I hope this changes once the service I use goes to LTE in the near future.

The only other problem I've had besides shoddy call quality on 4g is not being able to make an emergency call so I keep an old phone in my car if I need to dial 911. I sacrifice smartphone portability using a tablet but it's something I have been able to manage.
 
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Love my Nexus, but it's not a replacement for my phone. I don't love carrying it around much at all...couldn't stand to have to carry it everyday. It's a great tablet, but too big to be lugged around all the time in my opinion. With that said, at home, my 7 is my go-to for everything except calls.

I carry my Rezound and N7 around together, everywhere. Like my American Express. I don't leave home without it.

Rootbrain
 
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Thanks for the insight. I'm assuming you have a VIOP account? Can you use GV to make calls over wifi without a VOIP account?

Making GV voice calls on mobile devices causes the call to forward to whatever device your registered number is on to actually make the call so it's not possible to use the GV app alone to make phone calls on the N7.

There are a few VOIP apps that actually uses only your GV account login. This is pretty convenient as it syncs your contacts, call history and uses your GV number to make and receive calls. The only thing I don't like is having to use my Google login on a non Google app but that isn't a problem using Google Authenticator to assign a specific password that's only for VOIP app.
 
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My buddy uses his wifi-only N7 as a phone. Works for him because he's usually around hotspots. Has a Google phone number on gmail i believe.

He likes it fine

Because of the extreme cost of Verizon service I have decided to divide my phone service from my Android device. I have purchased a wi-Fi Nexus 7 and when my contract expires I will buy a decent 'feature' phone and eliminate all data charges. I am always around hotspots, have wi-Fi at home and almost never use 3g & 4g data. Why should I pay for it?
I can text through Google voice and cut $50 + from my monthly bill.
Truth is, (say it quietly) clam shell phones are easier and more comfortable to talk on. I know... People will stare at the goofy guy talking on an old obsolete phone but hey!
 
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