Alternative to 3G version of Nexus 7?

[Harry P]

I've cut and pasted this reply from a thread in the Liveaboard area I made a short time ago as it may be read by more people here. I think the thread was titled 'Value of 3G version' or something like it.

I'm going to buy a Nexus 7 in the next week or so and the comments here are very useful. I believe I'll only use the 3g occasionally and as I already have unlimited Data with my Orange contract the idea of linking my Blackberry to the Nexus by Bluetooth, and using it as a king of 'modem', seems a perfect set-up. But does it work? Has anyone experience of this setup? It makes me think that if this was possible why would anyone buy the 3G version? I really hope it is possible because it would be a perfect solution!

Regards

 

[Tim_B]

I have not tried the nexus/blackberry but I used to tether my ipad 1 with my iphone.

It worked fine for when/what I needed, but as time went on I moved onto an ipad2 3g and whilst it achieved exactly the same end result it was far "nicer" just to have a 3g version on the tablet.

When you tether you have two batteries which are being used (phone and tablet) so that may be a consideration.

Another consideration would be if Orange charge for the tethering service - I know all service providers used to apart from "3". When I talked to "3" they advised they didn't care how you used your data plan on the phone....and at that time the other service providers were charging 7.50 a month for the tethering.

cheers
Tim

 

[smudge837]

galaxy- nexus

Hi Harry. I use my galaxy as a tether for the tablet and laptop. Works good for me, but as mentioned you are then running two batteries. I got caught out last night, as I only had one charger with me. Oh I am on the Three 1 plan, so no problems from the provider.

Cheers. Smudge.

 

[Mrnotming]

The iPhone 4s happily provides a hotspot function to tether the nexus 7 and provide a 3g web experience,as will some other phones.
You must check with your provider that tethering is allowed or buy the appropriate add- on to avoid bill shock.
Both devices batteries are not accessible & as OP's say, running out of steam could be a consideration.

 

[wotayottie]

I've tried using the tether on my Galaxy and Voda but find its much slower than using the 3 .com dongle direct into the lappy. And it doesnt seem to make much of a difference whether the phone is linked by cable or bluetooth.

Is this inherent in the set up or does it reflect the speed of the voda link vs the 3.com link where I tried it in Falmouth.

 

[Harry P]

Update

I've just spoken with Orange and they tell me that the Blackberry won't interact with the nexus as they're on two different systems, which I knew anyway but thought there might be a workaround of some sort. Oh well it was too good to be true. I'm due a change of phone so I may change to an Android one and that they (Orange) say that will work for me. At least it's solution of sorts and shows I don't 'need' a 3G version of the Nexus.