Debating getting rid of iPhone 4S (or any mobile phone) since I got iPad 4G LTE

[jedivulcan]

I prefer having an iPhone over an iPad.

For instance, I'm not going to carry a bag around with me or an iPad under my arm when I'm walking into a store. If I make a shopping list at home using Evernote, geo-fence reminder (yeah, I use those occasionally), want to do quick comparison shopping with my iPhone's camera (as a bar scanner), want to send something interesting I find to my family (or post it on Twitter or whatnot), I'm going to do it on my iPhone.

I can get by in a very minimal way by just having my driver's license on me, my iPhone, and some money or a check card.

I still feel that an iPhone has infinitely more potential utility as a one-handed, pocketable device than an iPad does. There's a ton of value in having a larger screen for certain tasks, just not ones that require me to carry something big around.

 

[thetruth1985]

This thread is the reason why Apple needs to make a 7 inch ipad.

 

[ipoddin]

This thread is the reason why Apple needs to make a 7 inch ipad.

Then they can't sell you two devices.

 

[cfs]

Being the gadget geek that I am I know I probably would never part with my iPhone as I'm too addicted to using it... but I'm highly debating it.

I don't make many calls... and when I do it's to either At&t to bitch or one of my many other service companies (Dish Network, Electric, Apple) and nobody but work ever calls me. Most of my minutes are only used of me being put on hold by various companies.

Currently I have my Google Voice as the number I give out to everybody anyway (which I then have directed to my iPhone's number) and I also use Talkatone on Wifi if I don't feel like using my minutes at home.

Now since I have an iPad 4G LTE I'm data connected at all times for 20-30 bucks a month with no taxes. I could really save myself a bit of money by dropping the mobile phone bill and just using my iPad for the handful of calls I make... otherwise I can text/email/imessage/call straight from my iPad whenever needed anyway...

What do you think? I'm not ready to do this quite yet... maybe in a years time, really. I just signed a contract for my 4S in October so I've got a ways to go if I don't want to pay the fee.

But this is just food for thought. Anyone think about doing this?

I am assuming a reason you would part with your phone is due to the monthly payments. For me, I use Virgin Mobile. I have an Android phone and get 1200 anytime with unlimited text and data for $45 month no contract. I can also use it as a hot spot as there is a free app for it. I would much prefer an iPhone but this is a money saver, at least for me.

 

[BiggAW]

I am assuming a reason you would part with your phone is due to the monthly payments. For me, I use Virgin Mobile. I have an Android phone and get 1200 anytime with unlimited text and data for $45 month no contract. I can also use it as a hot spot as there is a free app for it. I would much prefer an iPhone but this is a money saver, at least for me.

Straight Talk SIM for $45 "unlimited".

The iPad isn't going to replace a smartphone. There is a huge convenience factor to having one device that does everything. The iPad is just an accessory device, the iPhone is really the core.

 

[whynotgotovegas]

I think iOS is actually best experienced on the iPad. (I personally can't stand iOS on the iPhone). Something about it on the iPad just makes a lot more sense. It's not as cramped as the small iPhone screen. The keyboard is infinitely better (bigger keys maybe, or the fact that it can split screen?). Mail is far easier to navigate and use. Safari tabbing is more natural (I can't believe how unintuitive it is to switch between tabs on the phone. It's like 3 steps just to accomplish one tab switch; more if you are switching to a tab that's multiple pages away).

There are a few other examples.

You gotta remember that the iPhone is a phone...not a desktop computer lol

 

[onthecouchagain]

You gotta remember that the iPhone is a phone...not a desktop computer lol

Absolutely. No contentions there. If op needs a phone, unless there are method to use google talk or whatever on the iPad, the iPhone is the way to go.

I'm just merely praising how amazing iOS is on the iPad vs iOS on the iPhone. I understand it might sound silly and obvious that iOS is better on a larger screened device. I guess what I'm saying is things in ios for the iPhone could use some fixing, namely safari, and the keyboard.

 

[whynotgotovegas]

Absolutely. No contentions there. If op needs a phone, unless there are method to use google talk or whatever on the iPad, the iPhone is the way to go.

I'm just merely praising how amazing iOS is on the iPad vs iOS on the iPhone. I understand it might sound silly and obvious that iOS is better on a larger screened device. I guess what I'm saying is things in ios for the iPhone could use some fixing, namely safari, and the keyboard.

Understandable. Personally, I love the keyboard on my iPad and iPhone. However safari does need work on both devices (bookmarks especially). I do agree with you though, iPhone is the way to go...no way if carry my big iPad around with me as a mobile phone.

 

[BiggAW]

Absolutely. No contentions there. If op needs a phone, unless there are method to use google talk or whatever on the iPad, the iPhone is the way to go.

I'm just merely praising how amazing iOS is on the iPad vs iOS on the iPhone. I understand it might sound silly and obvious that iOS is better on a larger screened device. I guess what I'm saying is things in ios for the iPhone could use some fixing, namely safari, and the keyboard.

What is wrong with them? When you only have that amount of space to work with, they do a pretty good job. You can also get Opera Mini or Dolphin. Dolphin is generally a lot better, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to like to remember passwords, so for now, I'm stuck on Safari.

 

[onthecouchagain]

What is wrong with them? When you only have that amount of space to work with, they do a pretty good job. You can also get Opera Mini or Dolphin. Dolphin is generally a lot better, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to like to remember passwords, so for now, I'm stuck on Safari.

Valid question, and valid points about the spacing. If you're ever in a Verizon store, pick up a Galaxy Nexus and download Chrome from the market if possible. Open a few tabs and try swiping left-right or right-left to jump from tab to tab. It's a much smoother, faster, and more intuitive method. In Safari, it takes at least 3 steps to switch tabs. It's cumbersome.

Ditto the keyboard. Ice Cream Sandwich's keyboard is leaps and bounds ahead of iOS'. The suggestion bar goes a long way in helping choose the correct words; auto-correction is brilliant; the keys are more responsive; and little things like recognizing accidentally typing "hibthere" really means "hi there" is helpful. iOS' keyboard is not as responsive and fast. I've had so many missed key-presses (meaning, keys that didn't register my press) whenever I thumb fast. Likewise, the autocorrection is often times way off thanks to these missed keys. We only need to look as far as the plethora of iPhone-typo sites that are out there on the web to see this isn't an isolated issue. (I will say, however, that editing-tools are for more superior on iOS. I love the magnifying glass.)

Like I said, I'm not hating on iOS, in anyway. I want Safari and the keyboard to improve to use them; not to point out one method is better or worse than another's.

 

[Epic Xbox Revie]

It seems like it'd be worth a try in your situation! I say to for it.

 

[MrXiro]

It seems like it'd be worth a try in your situation! I say to for it.

Well like I said... can't be doing it just quite yet... I'm on a fresh contract with At&t... so it'll be a while yet... but it's good see that some people have tried it and it worked out for them.

 

[BiggAW]

Valid question, and valid points about the spacing. If you're ever in a Verizon store, pick up a Galaxy Nexus and download Chrome from the market if possible. Open a few tabs and try swiping left-right or right-left to jump from tab to tab. It's a much smoother, faster, and more intuitive method. In Safari, it takes at least 3 steps to switch tabs. It's cumbersome.

Ditto the keyboard. Ice Cream Sandwich's keyboard is leaps and bounds ahead of iOS'. The suggestion bar goes a long way in helping choose the correct words; auto-correction is brilliant; the keys are more responsive; and little things like recognizing accidentally typing "hibthere" really means "hi there" is helpful. iOS' keyboard is not as responsive and fast. I've had so many missed key-presses (meaning, keys that didn't register my press) whenever I thumb fast. Likewise, the autocorrection is often times way off thanks to these missed keys. We only need to look as far as the plethora of iPhone-typo sites that are out there on the web to see this isn't an isolated issue. (I will say, however, that editing-tools are for more superior on iOS. I love the magnifying glass.)

Like I said, I'm not hating on iOS, in anyway. I want Safari and the keyboard to improve to use them; not to point out one method is better or worse than another's.

Cant' disagree with you there... Safari is clunky with tabs. Try Dolphin and see if it works, it has normal tabs like a desktop browser. And that's on a phone that actually fits in a normal person's pocket, unlike the GNex.

I think Apple should allow users to install their own keyboards like Android, but that's another story. I find the iPhone's keyboard to be better than Android's, but it obviously lacks options like Swiftkey or Swype if you're willing to go through the learning curves for those types of input. The iPhone also has a reasonably sized landscape 'board at 3.5", although I find I almost never use it.

 

[Biff...]

Oh yeah there is THAT too!

This is an interesting idea. I was thinking of getting rid of my cell all together, hotspot off the iPad with google voice and I can make calls as well as text.

 

[Shadyriley]

Interesting idea, but doesn't fit my lifestyle. I'm in too many situations where it would just be awkward as hell using an iPad. I love the convince of the iPhone and sometimes I like tilt games better in the smaller screen, easier to control.

 

[IvoryAngel]

OP have you made any changes in your pondering?

We've (household) have been debating that same question about a year ago we paid almost 500 in just telephone bills a month... only to rarely use some of them. It's horrific we could pay rent on a second residence or even a car at those prices.

I've since reduced them here's what we pay now
Sprint
3 Smart Phones/One regular we use about 300 minutes
its 220.00 month

Our Business Phone system I've reduced it almost as far as it can go we have 300 minutes a month on there I plan to pay it a year in advance soon which will open up more discounts and NO its not option to rid this service
its about 25.00 a month now

Jitterbug
I pay my parents cell service for them I've reduced him to 100 minutes a month as they roll over and he never uses more than 30 a month
its about 30.00 a month

Local Phone Service
We have to have two land lines for work purposes no way around that and we have two basic phones no features and don't use for anything other than work related calls.
its about 50.00 a month

I received an iPad this past Christmas and I think its safe to say I rarely pick up my android I use my iPad at my desk to make calls via talk atone (google) or I use our business phone via x lite

We've discussed getting rid of the phones with the exception of two one for us to share betweenst the three of us if we leave home is the only time we'd need it and we can attach each of our google numbers on it and the x lite home business numbers so we all have different numbers basically. The problem with that is that for sure one of the lines has to be maintained regardless its my mother in law's phone.

So, in short if I kept two basic phones on that account I think we would save about 80.00 roughly which isn't a whole lot ANNOYING!!

If I got rid of all the cell phones found a cheaper alternative for the mother in law and we paid only a hotspot service about 80.00 a month for all three iPads and took advantage of google voice (talk atone) we could save a little over 100.00.

I agree with the OP we've thrown it around a few times we work and homeschool from home so when we do go out we are in the company of each other and we don't take calls when we are out they leave us a message. If we absolutely have to make a call our iPads would connect to our vehicle via bluetooth which is where we'd likely be any other place to me is rude to be on the phone anyways.

I think cellular companies are really screwing us and we allow them too sucks!! I think over the last 5 years we've spent in excess of 10,000 just in telephone serve and only used a comparable amount of maybe 2,000.

 

[BiggAW]

OP have you made any changes in your pondering?

We've (household) have been debating that same question about a year ago we paid almost 500 in just telephone bills a month... only to rarely use some of them. It's horrific we could pay rent on a second residence or even a car at those prices.

I've since reduced them here's what we pay now
Sprint
3 Smart Phones/One regular we use about 300 minutes
its 220.00 month

Our Business Phone system I've reduced it almost as far as it can go we have 300 minutes a month on there I plan to pay it a year in advance soon which will open up more discounts and NO its not option to rid this service
its about 25.00 a month now

Jitterbug
I pay my parents cell service for them I've reduced him to 100 minutes a month as they roll over and he never uses more than 30 a month
its about 30.00 a month

Local Phone Service
We have to have two land lines for work purposes no way around that and we have two basic phones no features and don't use for anything other than work related calls.
its about 50.00 a month

I received an iPad this past Christmas and I think its safe to say I rarely pick up my android I use my iPad at my desk to make calls via talk atone (google) or I use our business phone via x lite

We've discussed getting rid of the phones with the exception of two one for us to share betweenst the three of us if we leave home is the only time we'd need it and we can attach each of our google numbers on it and the x lite home business numbers so we all have different numbers basically. The problem with that is that for sure one of the lines has to be maintained regardless its my mother in law's phone.

So, in short if I kept two basic phones on that account I think we would save about 80.00 roughly which isn't a whole lot ANNOYING!!

If I got rid of all the cell phones found a cheaper alternative for the mother in law and we paid only a hotspot service about 80.00 a month for all three iPads and took advantage of google voice (talk atone) we could save a little over 100.00.

I agree with the OP we've thrown it around a few times we work and homeschool from home so when we do go out we are in the company of each other and we don't take calls when we are out they leave us a message. If we absolutely have to make a call our iPads would connect to our vehicle via bluetooth which is where we'd likely be any other place to me is rude to be on the phone anyways.

I think cellular companies are really screwing us and we allow them too sucks!! I think over the last 5 years we've spent in excess of 10,000 just in telephone serve and only used a comparable amount of maybe 2,000.

$500!?!?!?!?! You just have too many phones. One cell phone per person, and that's it. If you need a landline, Ooma costs like $3/mo. And Jitterbug? RIP-OFF. A Tracfone with an average of 100 minutes a month is $100/YEAR.

 

[IvoryAngel]

$500!?!?!?!?! You just have too many phones. One cell phone per person, and that's it. If you need a landline, Ooma costs like $3/mo. And Jitterbug? RIP-OFF. A Tracfone with an average of 100 minutes a month is $100/YEAR.

Ooma is a good alternative but that is no comparison to our business service which is the 25.00 a month the yearly conversion I'm going to do will make it but 10.00 a month so that will save 10.00

We work from home a voip or wifi phone is NOT able to be used we have to use a pots phone so the 50.00 has to stay no reducing it we tried convincing Cox they won't budge.

Jitterbug we get a group discount and the minutes roll over its just a basic phone my daddy is 70 so I don't really think that is a rip off for him though I wish he'd use more minutes from time to time.

We are looking at prepaid options for the mother in law... basically its the Sprint account if we could do away with that one we'd really be doing well.

 

[myrtlebee]

I've already done this, except I have a dumbphone, an iPod Touch, and an iPad. I am not a very social person and the least amout of phone calls the better. If it were practical, I'd go without a phone all together, but seeing as I use it as both my "landline" and cell, that's not really an option. I'm so happy that I don't pay for texting and data. It's totally excessive for me and all of my devices are wifi only. I do not care what people are doing throughout the day and have zero desire to share my hourly activities. I simply like keeping communication at a minimum. I spent enough years of my life sans texting and data that I have not been brainwashed into thinking they are as essential to human existence as food and water. That said, I'm obviously in the minority on all of that, so it really comes down to your personality and your desires (as well as professional needs- I'd imagine someone working in a setting in which timely communication is essential would want to go with a smartphone).

 

[IvoryAngel]

I've already done this, except I have a dumbphone, an iPod Touch, and an iPad. .

Thanks for your input myrtle bee

This is exactly what I was thinking .. we are going to compare all the notes and data we pay 69.99 for our internet and we are home 98% of the time it makes absolutely NO sense for us to keep paying a cell carrier when we rarely use it we can text from our iPad or iMac its or yell across the house as we do now lol .. its really only the three of us with the exception of my father and mother in law others can send us an email or inbox us or post on our wall we'll get to whenever!

 

[BlakeBrattina]

Honestly, I still find the concept of making phonecalls from my iPad awkward. It's just too large of a device to use conveniently for calls on the go.

Maybe if I was at my desk in my office, but on the go? I'd rather have a phone I can whip out of my pocket.

Agree - With the way I use my telephone for work, it just would not be a wise decision. I would utilize Skype however any chance I get while at home, etc.

 

[myrtlebee]

yell across the house as we do now lol

I like the way you think. No piece of tech will ever get my family to stop doing that!

 

[B.A.T]

I've been using Google voice and talkatone for about 2 1/2 months now on my iPad. Basically, I can't see the point in paying $40 a month for voice when I don't talk that much on the phone. At the beginning it was a little tricky to get everything figured out and I missed a couple phone calls but now it works really well.
I also have recently bought a used iPhone4 I use this around the house or use a hotspot to my iPad when I'm in the car or on my bicycle. For me, this is a great set up and I saved a lot of money. However, I can't say I would recommend this system for people who have kids or anyone else they may have to take a lot of calls from.
While this system isn't for everybody it is great for me. I also use an app called growl voice on my Mac that lets me send and receive texts from my computer. While I'm not a big texter by todays standards I do send a few texts each day and it's nice to be able to send them from where ever I'm working.

 

[Lindenhurst]

It makes me realize how different we all are as getting rid of my cell phone for the iPad would be ABSURD for me.

Couldn't make it without a cell phone......

 

[BiggAW]

Ooma is a good alternative but that is no comparison to our business service which is the 25.00 a month the yearly conversion I'm going to do will make it but 10.00 a month so that will save 10.00

We work from home a voip or wifi phone is NOT able to be used we have to use a pots phone so the 50.00 has to stay no reducing it we tried convincing Cox they won't budge.

Jitterbug we get a group discount and the minutes roll over its just a basic phone my daddy is 70 so I don't really think that is a rip off for him though I wish he'd use more minutes from time to time.

We are looking at prepaid options for the mother in law... basically its the Sprint account if we could do away with that one we'd really be doing well.

Cable phone is just as bad reliability wise as Ooma, so they are pretty much one in the same. If you want reliability, you would have a regular POTS line, and if that's not important, Ooma will do it all.

Thanks for your input myrtle bee

This is exactly what I was thinking .. we are going to compare all the notes and data we pay 69.99 for our internet and we are home 98% of the time it makes absolutely NO sense for us to keep paying a cell carrier when we rarely use it we can text from our iPad or iMac its or yell across the house as we do now lol .. its really only the three of us with the exception of my father and mother in law others can send us an email or inbox us or post on our wall we'll get to whenever!

You should try getting out of the house more. My iPhone is critical, as now I'm working FT, and traveling or out doing stuff a good part of most weekends, I use it more than my MBP.