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iPad mini iPad M and No Cell Phone!

I

in2tech

macrumors regular
Original poster
Aug 23, 2012
136
13
Let me start off by saying I am not a big cell phone person and my entire large family and extended family all have an Apple devices, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, MacBook Air's, etc...
So I am planning on testing if I can just use the iPad M for communicating with the family members through FREE iMessage and Message in the Apple eco system. My only question if can I text the few none family members not on a Apple device easily? And is it Free or would use the data plan. This might only happen a few text a month to non Apple users. If this works no cell phone contract and a significant savings with a $20.00 monthly plan on Verizon!

Have you thought about doing this or trying it?

Remember I said I am not a big cell phone person at all and only use it when I absolutely have too when out and about! And that's no very often :)
 
Last edited:
F

Fruit Cake

macrumors 6502a
Mar 31, 2012
597
20
I got a galaxy note 2 for this reason. I don't talk lots but still need a phone and can't live like a hermit, so this was the next best thing. Still kept my ipad though, nothing could replace that.
 
I

in2tech

macrumors regular
Original poster
Aug 23, 2012
136
13
And for the few times needed how much bandwidth would FaceTime use?
 
A

AlvinNguyen

macrumors 6502a
Jun 23, 2010
820
3
I have unlimited data on my ipad and I want to do this with the mini. Not sure how convenient : feasible this is but ill let you know once the mini LTE comes out :)
 
silvetti

silvetti

macrumors 6502a
Nov 24, 2011
952
376
Poland
Get a data plan, get MobileVOIP from AppStore, charge an account with credit with a VOIP service and done.

Still not free calls sms, but prices are VERY low on some of the VOIP services.

I use actionvoip (VERY CHEAP!)
 
A

Aspasia

macrumors 65816
Jun 9, 2011
1,345
101
Halfway between the Equator and North Pole
in2tech said:
Let me start off by saying I am not a big cell phone person and my entire large family and extended family all have an Apple devices, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, MacBook Air's, etc...
So I am planning on testing if I can just use the iPad M for communicating with the family members through FREE iMessage and Message in the Apple ego system. My only question if can I text the few none family members not on a Apple device easily? And is it Free or would use the data plan. This might only happen a few text a month to non Apple users. If this works no cell phone contract and a significant savings with a $20.00 monthly plan on Verizon!

Have you thought about doing this or trying it?

Remember I said I am not a big cell phone person at all and only use it when I absolutely have too when out and about! And that's no very often :)
Click to expand...

Never tried Messages because I use TextNow, an app which allows texting to any device (including your laptop or desktop computer - you just go to texnow.com and sign into your account)

As a test, just sent a text from my iPod touch 5G to my TracFone. Arrived immediately. TextNow also allows you to send photos.

My family doesn't use smart phones; iPods or iPads and prepaid cell phones. Works great for us and saves a ton of $$$$.
 
M

Mrg02d

macrumors 65816
Jan 27, 2012
1,102
2
I've tried it. It's not as easy as it seems. Plenty of times I found data connection too weak to use when cell service was strong.
 
wlossw

wlossw

macrumors 65816
May 9, 2012
1,110
1,166
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
in2tech said:
Let me start off by saying I am not a big cell phone person and my entire large family and extended family all have an Apple devices, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, MacBook Air's, etc...
So I am planning on testing if I can just use the iPad M for communicating with the family members through FREE iMessage and Message in the Apple ego system. My only question if can I text the few none family members not on a Apple device easily? And is it Free or would use the data plan. This might only happen a few text a month to non Apple users. If this works no cell phone contract and a significant savings with a $20.00 monthly plan on Verizon!

Have you thought about doing this or trying it?

Remember I said I am not a big cell phone person at all and only use it when I absolutely have too when out and about! And that's no very often :)
Click to expand...

I had the same thought, but I like the idea of being able to call 911 or the odd business.

I don't know if you meant "EGO" or "ECO" system. I do like your use of "EGO" though... :)
 
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