If someone already has an iPhone or iPad, I think rationalizing/justifying it as an addition to those devices will be much harder. If they have neither, this can be a terrific hybrid.
I'll be doing the same thing. What worries me is how much data Google Voice uses. I will have a basic phone on the side just to be safe. Any way to figure out how much data Google Voice uses? I'm totally getting rid of my iPhone 5. Best thing is no contract!Use it instead of an iPhone. Save about $1200/yr and still have LTE on demand when free wifi is not available and I really need to make/take a call. For me, the Mini with Earbuds + mic will become the bigger "iPhone"- perfect for my modest & occasional needs for the voice functionality of a cell-phone. I'll easily save enough to fully recoup the cost of the iPad Mini 1 & 2 vs. paying the cell service toll of even 1 year with an iPhone.
Use it instead of a GPS mapping device. Its smaller size (vs. the "Maxi") is more appealing (to me) for this kind of use.
Use it for all of the iOS apps instead of the (too small IMO) phone/touch screen and (too large & heavy) "maxi" screen. For some this will be the Goldilocks screen size.
If someone already has an iPhone or iPad, I think rationalizing/justifying it as an addition to those devices will be much harder. If they have neither, this can be a terrific hybrid.
I'll be doing the same thing. What worries me is how much data Google Voice uses. I will have a basic phone on the side just to be safe. Any way to figure out how much data Google Voice uses? I'm totally getting rid of my iPhone 5. Best thing is no contract!
Best I know, VOIP is not much of a data hog. I've heard some claim it's not quite as good as cellular compression but I've heard others say it's just as good. Generally, I've come to the conclusion that VOIP can often deliver a better quality of voice (sound) than cellular (probably at the expense of using a bit more data bandwidth). But I don't share your concern. At least in my own case, I doubt I could ever use enough VOIP data to burn up the GB options for 4G data associated with the iPad Mini (in fact, I'll hardly ever use the 4G options at all... just free wifi for VOIP). I'm getting the 4G for the rare "emergency" where I might need to connect but can't find free wifi and for the GPS hardware for more accurate maps. If I have to buy some 4G data more than about 2-3 times each year, I'll be surprised.
I use the voice part of my iPhone 30% and the data 70%. So I won't be able to use the voice on wifi a lot.
See I plan on getting a cellular IPad Mini though. Do you have a wifi ipad or plan on getting a 4G version? I'll need it for maps, email, apps and for google voice texting along with some voice calls.Best I know, VOIP is not much of a data hog. I've heard some claim it's not quite as good as cellular compression but I've heard others say it's just as good. Generally, I've come to the conclusion that VOIP can often deliver a better quality of voice (sound) than cellular (probably at the expense of using a bit more data bandwidth). But I don't share your concern. At least in my own case, I doubt I could ever use enough VOIP data to burn up the GB options for 4G data associated with the iPad Mini (in fact, I'll hardly ever use the 4G options at all... just free wifi for VOIP). I'm getting the 4G for the rare "emergency" where I might need to connect but can't find free wifi and for the GPS hardware for more accurate maps. If I have to buy some 4G data more than about 2-3 times each year, I'll be surprised.
cellular Mini for me too. It will double as my cell phone (via 4G/3G) for those rare times when I can't find free wifi and need to connect. Besides I want the GPS hardware for it to also double as a mobile maps device.
In short: no iphone (or other cell phone)... just an iPad Mini 4G + Voip app + earbuds with mic for calls. I already know this will work good enough for my purposes as I've got by this long using Skype + my laptop + ear buds with microphone for my "cell phone" needs. This will be just a bit more portable and kick that mifi out of my bag and the dedicated garmin out of the car.
I think I will port my cell # into google voice. I also use it for texting.....Can I use Talkatone for texting. Next is who uses more data?