Nexus 7 4G good idea?

[TJCS]

Is Nexus 7 4G worth $50 more than the non-4G version? I am on AT&T 4G network in California, USA

Cliffs Q&A:

Q: Does Nexus 7 4G have phone call function built-in or is it Skype/video call only.

A: Nexus 7 does not have a phone call interface, but free VOIP options are available via apps like Skype or GrooVe IP Lite with free google voice accounts. (source)
​

Q: Assuming the sim-cards are the same size, will the SIM in my smartphone work in the Nexus 7 4G? Are there any limitations set by AT&T?

A: Nexus 7 4G will not work with the sim card in your smartphone even if the sims are the same size. (source)
Nexus 7 will work with smartphone sims reported by users at xda forums (link thanks to Ponyo).

Alternatives:
- Buy a separate "data-only" sim-card
- Pay your carrier to for a monthly tether service(Verizon is free, confirmed by Bigrash)
- Install a tether app that will connect your tablet to your smartphone's 4G via WiFi.
- Hack your device via rooting/custom roms/root apps.
​

Q: Is there an easy way(preferably free) to use my smartphone as a 4G modem so I don't need to swap the sims around, and I can just buy the cheaper Nexus 7

A: There are free and paid 3rd-party tethering apps that requires no rooting(hacking) that may work for your device(advice thanks to Red Storm). Some carriers offer a tethering service for a monthly fee, or you can try a 3rd-party tethering service for an annual/monthly fee. Here is a comprehensive tethering guide with cost comparisons between carriers from PC World.

Quoting from the PC World article above:

Unlike Verizon, AT&T never blocked third-party tethering apps from its phones—rather, it monitors its users' data habits, and sends them text messages and emails telling them that if they do not stop tethering for free they will be automatically signed up for an AT&T tethering plan.

Lastly, you also have the option to root(hack) your device, and find custom apps/roms in the community for solutions. However, there is risk of voiding the warranty if you choose to root.
​

 

[mikegg]

If you want to use your smartphone as a modem, you need to buy your carrier's rip off tethering plan each month.

 

[TJCS]

If you want to use your smartphone as a modem, you need to buy your carrier's rip off tethering plan each month.

Thats no good... I guess that only leaves sim swapping... anyone do this?

I know I really should really call AT&T but my experience with their reps really sucks. I can call them 3 different times and get 3 different answers... bleh

 

[Red Storm]

If you have an Android phone you certainly do not need to buy a separate tethering plan. There are plenty to choose from in the Market.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

I wouldn't keep a primary tablet which doesn't have 3G/4g.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

how do you know there is going to be a 4g nexus 7? personally i thank the screen is a little too small and i wouldnt want to deal with the screen issue. id look into ipad mini if i wuz u

 

[TJCS]

If you have an Android phone you certainly do not need to buy a separate tethering plan. There are plenty to choose from in the Market.

I'm not sure what you mean can you be more specific? Are you talking about apps or ? that allow the nexus to use the smartphone as a modem.

@aaksheytalwar

I would definitely consider tablet + bluetooth combo if all works well.

 

[Red Storm]

Yes, there are many apps in the Market that let you turn your phone into a hotspot. Search for tethering and you'll see. I personally used SVTP and never had any issues.

 

[TJCS]

how do you know there is going to be a 4g nexus 7? personally i thank the screen is a little too small and i wouldnt want to deal with the screen issue. id look into ipad mini if i wuz u

I saw the 4G version available for pre-order @B&H

I think a 1280x800 7-incher with will be a lot easier to read than my 4.3-inch 480x800 phone. At least that is my impression after playing with the nexus 7 at frys.

I thought the ipad mini is wifi only?

 

[bigrash]

My verizon cell plan includes tethering, so there's no need for me to subscribe to an additional plan on my tablet.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

I saw the 4G version available for pre-order @B&H

I think a 1280x800 7-incher with will be a lot easier to read than my 4.3-inch 480x800 phone. At least that is my impression after playing with the nexus 7 at frys.

I thought the ipad mini is wifi only?

are you sure that isnt just a typo? ive only heard of a 3g nexus 7.

 

[TJCS]

Yes, there are many apps in the Market that let you turn your phone into a hotspot. Search for tethering and you'll see. I personally used SVTP and never had any issues.

That is awesome info man, thank you.

I don't have an android device right now(I will get one later this week), but looking at google play i see they have a lite version that lets you test it on your device. Pretty cool. I assume you have bought the full version for $14.99?

 

[Red Storm]

That is awesome info man, thank you.

I don't have an android device right now(I will get one later this week), but looking at google play i see they have a lite version that lets you test it on your device. Pretty cool. I assume you have bought the full version for $14.99?

It was on sale when I got it, don't remember how much? But that's just one of the many apps that do it. Some require rooting your phone just so you know.

 

[TJCS]

are you sure that isnt just a typo? ive only heard of a 3g nexus 7.

I can confirm it is not a typo, here:

It's Official: Google's Nexus 7 Tablet Is Now Cheaper And Gains 4G

and

Google's Nexus 7 4G: To buy or not to buy?


The latter link is quite interesting, and I just found some useful info on AT&T:

The true cost, though, comes with the fees you pay for monthly data access. Right now, Google is selling the Nexus 7 4G unlocked along with an AT&T SIM card (a micro-SIM, to be precise). Given the fact that the device is unlocked, there's no reason you couldn't ditch the AT&T SIM and use the tablet with some other service, if you were to get the appropriate SIM card on your own. You can't, however, simply drop in a SIM from your phone; the card has to be specifically programmed for a data-only device in order to work.

I guess that rules out sim swapping. I mean who the hell want to carry both a 7-incher and a smartphone with them everywhere??? AT&T and their money hungry rat-trap games.

 

[TJCS]

It was on sale when I got it, don't remember how much? But that's just one of the many apps that do it. Some require rooting your phone just so you know.

If it's fully functional, $14.99 isn't too bad(much better than buying a separate data-only plan :|)

In terms of rooting... I was hoping I wouldn't have to go that route. I was reading some root/rom guides at xda and some android forums last night and it was just... information overload. Maybe I will figure it out later this week.

 

[Red Storm]

If all you're doing is rooting then it should be easy enough, especially on a Nexus device. But I would check the apps in the market first, not all of them require root.

 

[TJCS]

I just realized something... if I were to use apps like SVTP app, then I don't even need to use the 4G on the Nexus 7 right?

Nexus 7 > WiFi > Android Phone 4G > Internet

 

[Red Storm]

Yes, you would be using your phone's internet.

If you had 4G on your tablet, you could share your tablet's connection with another device.

 

[TJCS]

Do you know if it is possible to make a phone call on a Nexus 7(on stock android without rooting) like a smartphone, or is the phone dial function removed from the tablet?

 

[Red Storm]

Do you know if it is possible to make a phone call on a Nexus 7(on stock android without rooting) like a smartphone, or is the phone dial function removed from the tablet?

Google turned up various methods involving root, but here's one using Groove IP that apparently works on stock.

 

[TJCS]

Google turned up various methods involving root, but here's one using Groove IP that apparently works on stock.

Thanks for the link(I googled it last night but not sure how i missed it):

In short, yes, even though the N7 doesn't obviously have phone-related user interfaces, you can use the N7 as a phone for both outgoing and incoming calls via VoIP, and this can be accomplished completely for free via Google Voice accounts.

I see VOIP is the only option with the Nexus 7 4g if I am not going to root the device.

 

[ponyo]

I saw the 4G version available for pre-order @B&H

I think a 1280x800 7-incher with will be a lot easier to read than my 4.3-inch 480x800 phone. At least that is my impression after playing with the nexus 7 at frys.

I thought the ipad mini is wifi only?

Interesting. Thanks for the info about B&H selling the HSPA+ Nexus 7. I might have to give away my 16gb Nexus 7 and buy the 32gb HSPA+ N7. I wanted it but I thought Google Play Store was the only place selling this. I didn't think it was worth the shipping and tax and having to deal with the Play Store. But B&H is no tax and free shipping for me.

You can definitely swap your AT&T phone sim and use it on the HSPA+ Nexus 7. It will work and work well. I'm on Straight Talk AT&T and I plan to use the same sim I use for the Galaxy Nexus. Now if you're on T-Mobile, you can't use your phone sim with the Nexus 7. It will not work and T-Mobile has blocked it from various user reports. So it's no go on T-Mobile.

 

[TJCS]

How the hell do they know if you are using your smartphone as a modem?

Unlike Verizon, AT&T never blocked third-party tethering apps from its phones—rather, it monitors its users' data habits, and sends them text messages and emails telling them that if they do not stop tethering for free they will be automatically signed up for an AT&T tethering plan.

 

[TJCS]

Interesting. Thanks for the info about B&H selling the HSPA+ Nexus 7. I might have to give away my 16gb Nexus 7 and buy the 32gb HSPA+ N7. I wanted it but I thought Google Play Store was the only place selling this. I didn't think it was worth the shipping and tax and having to deal with the Play Store. But B&H is no tax and free shipping for me.

You can definitely swap your AT&T phone sim and use it on the HSPA+ Nexus 7. It will work and work well. I'm on Straight Talk AT&T and I plan to use the same sim I use for the Galaxy Nexus. Now if you're on T-Mobile, you can't use your phone sim with the Nexus 7. It will not work and T-Mobile has blocked it from various user reports. So it's no go on T-Mobile.

Thanks for sharing the feedback, but are you certain Nexus 7 4G will work with an AT&T sim without hacking?

The Computerworld reviewer(post #14 above) says it will not work with AT&T sim from your smartphone, and only work with a data-only type sim.

If you have personal experience with this please do share.

 

[ponyo]

How the hell do they know if you are using your smartphone as a modem?

They don't. They monitor for unusual data use and user agents. If you use desktop mode heavily, you can get flagged.

That's why I like Straight Talk AT&T. They're not anal like AT&T and long as you stick under their unofficial data cap, Straight Talk won't bother you. I used my 3G 7" AT&T Galaxy Tab on Straight Talk AT&T without any problem. If I tried that with actual AT&T, I would've been flagged and forced to get tablet plan since AT&T has the Tab IMEI number in their system. But Straight Talk doesn't care. It's the same reason my wife can use 3G FaceTime with her iPhone 4S on Straight Talk and not have it blocked. AT&T blocks any 3G FaceTime on iPhone 4S.