Thread: You might be able to tell me.

You need an internet connection so either a tablet (with SIM card) or a mobile phone. The of course you need to be able to get a connection to the mobile network.

The easiest way to do it is with a smart phone (yes, I know 'traditional' mobile phones can as well, but they are not as easy to use for email).

The big let down is the size of the screen makes it a pain for anything other than simple text.

You can, however, use the phone as a mobile hotspot. So, if you have a connection you have your own wireless network. This means you can connect a tablet or laptop to the Internet, even if they don't have their own SIM card. This means a cheap, $100 no thrills tablet can connect to the Internet, its larger screen being much better for email or browsing than the phone's.

Some phones come with a fair amount of data as part of the plan. So my phone basically costs me nothing, and I get a Gig of data each month.

HTH

Originally Posted by theresanothersteve

The easiest way to do it is with a smart phone (yes, I know 'traditional' mobile phones can as well, but they are not as easy to use for email).

The big let down is the size of the screen makes it a pain for anything other than simple text.

You can, however, use the phone as a mobile hotspot. So, if you have a connection you have your own wireless network. This means you can connect a tablet or laptop to the Internet, even if they don't have their own SIM card. This means a cheap, $100 no thrills tablet can connect to the Internet, its larger screen being much better for email or browsing than the phone's.

Some phones come with a fair amount of data as part of the plan. So my phone basically costs me nothing, and I get a Gig of data each month.

HTH

That's very interesting.


I know nothing about Tablets and stuff.


So, what Tablet would I need to purchase and what else would I need to connect it to the internet.


I have an old mobile and I have been thinking of thinking of replacing
and doing away with my home phone.


Any advise on what to get ?


Ta.

You don't need anything special.

Your phone should be able to create a wireless hotspot, that means it can share its internet connection wirelessly (WiFi). I use a Samsung phone. It, like most smartphones, uses the Android Operating System. Android makes a wireless hotspot setup very easy.

iPhones also allow creating a wireless hotspot, although last time I looked (a few IOSs ago) it was not quite as simple as doing it with an Android phone.

Once you create a hotspot any device with WiFi can connect. So I connect my iPad, Laptop, Kindle, cheap Android tablet ($60 from Officeworks) to my phone to let them connect to the Internet.

It's an easy process. When you are looking at a new phone get the salesperson to demonstrate wireless hotspot. Telstra (and I'm not giving them a plug, just sayin') will set it up in the shop when you buy a new phone, I'm guessing the others will too.

Once you have the capability, attaching a wifi device is the same as connecting one to your home network. Again, an easy process and I'm sure a reputable outlet would help you do that in store (to your mobile) as part of the sales process.

When you're looking for a phone don't always be sold on the newest models (Samsung S7, iPhone 7, etc). Look at the previous model. I'm guessing you're not someone who will use the power of the latest and greatest, so something on runout will be more than adequate. Telstra (I don't know about others) give a blue tick to phones with better reception.

The only thing I will say about modern phones is the batteries don't last long (even if they are rechargeable, they fail in a couple of years or so) so you are faced with the decision to replace the battery or upgrade the phone again. I've tried battery replacement and it's not as good as getting a new phone; a new phone is often the same cost (or less) as a replacement battery.

Thanks Steve.


Now the big question for me.


Using this Wi Fi connection as you describe and a Tablet, is that more expensive to use in comparison with ADSL or NBN ?


At the moment with Telstra and Bigpond I pay $20 a month for mobile
and $50 a month for Bigpond.


But when travelling I have no internet...

Originally Posted by Rob2

Using this Wi Fi connection as you describe and a Tablet, is that more expensive to use in comparison with ADSL or NBN ?

At the moment with Telstra and Bigpond I pay $20 a month for mobile
and $50 a month for Bigpond.

If your with Telstra for mobile then you need to look at what 'data' allowance Telstra gives you for your $20. At $20/month you are probably receiving little to none.

Once you use whatever allowance you have it won't necessarily cost you more but you will lose internet access over your mobile device, whether that be a tablet or a phone. On the other hand, depending on the conditions of your plan, once you use your assigned 'data' allowance you may not lose internet access but the cost of using 'data' over and above your assigned allowance may cause bills to skyrocket.

You need to look at your present mobile plan terms and conditions with a view to matching it with your needs for current / future mobile internet access. That may end up costing you more than your presently paying for mobile connectivity.

Okay thank you.


Gives me something to work on.


My mobile is an old one and I wouldn't use it more than 3 or 4 times a year.


I rarely make any phone calls.
I carry it more for an emergency thingy.


I am debating what to do as I am not sure whether I want to go onto NBN, ( I received my connection kit the other day ) eventually the
copper will be turned off.


I was thinking about this Tablet Wi Fi business as I could use it at home
as well as when out and about, and have the house connections turned off.


With this possible system the mobile phone side of it is not important.
I think this year I have only made about 9 phone calls.


On the internet I probably download about 5 gig a month.


I don't spend my time with emails either as I only have two names in my
address book.


Cheers.

Correction.


I checked my account and this past month I have only downloaded
724 meg.


Probably less than 10 gig a year.