Cellular Tablet users: do you use your cell service much?

[edro]

I am debating on getting an LTE enabled tablet or save the $150 get wifi only. It is $10/mo through AT&T, which I don't mind. It's the $150 that bugs me.

I think it would be nice for in the car (not driving) and any other time wifi is bad.

What are your experiences?

Thanks!

 

[NutBucket]

Why not just tether off your phone?

 

[paperwastage]

^ just reduces battery life on your phone

if you think you'll only use it in the car, invest in a car USB charger.... Or invest in a portable external battery

if it's an iPad LTE, resale value holds up pretty well, so it could be useful.... can you add/remove tablet from your mobile plan at any time?

 

[edro]

can you add/remove tablet from your mobile plan at any time?

Yes, I have a data share plan, so it's just $10/month, $40 activation if its a new device through ATT, or $0 if I already own the device. (weird?!)

Why not just tether off your phone?

I think I have to add that service, don't I? (ATT iPhone 4S)

 

[ponyo]

$10/ month fee would bug me more than the initial $150. But that $150 is kind of step premium. I wish manufacturers wouldn't be so greedy with cellular modem upcharge.

Personally, I would use the free 200mb for life with T-Mobile.
http://how-to.t-mobile.com/tabletsunleashed/

I have Chromebook with 3G modem that's registered with T-Mobile. 200mb/ month free for life is plenty and works for me.

 

[paperwastage]

Yes, I have a data share plan, so it's just $10/month, $40 activation if its a new device through ATT, or $0 if I already own the device. (weird?!)


I think I have to add that service, don't I? (ATT iPhone 4S)

if you are using Mobile Share (i.e. data bucket shared amongst devices), at&t doesn't care whether you tether a tablet or use a LTE tablet (they charge you for data regardless)... you should be able to tether

if $150 isn't a big deal, then get it.... activate it ($0 activation fee right?) during the months you need it?

 

[Trombe]

Only have an LTE tablet because of the previous T-Mobile deals. Its not that useful IMO because you basically can't get an unlimited unthrottled data plan for a tablet barring some strange YMMV hijinks of using a phone SIM in the tablet. I have it on the free 1.2gb plan that expires this year. If you can tether from your phone just save the money.

 

[Eug]

I just tether off my phone.

 

[Ravynmagi]

I used to have it on my iPad, but hardly used it, so turned if off. For me whenever I used a tablet I was always somewhere with wifi. And when I'm on the go and out without wifi, I usually only bring my phone, not a tablet.

 

[edro]

Wow, it looks like ATT Data Share Plan has free Personal Hotspot... so I can just tether.