Why can't I use the iPad as my smartphone?

Question

Why can't I use the iPad as my smartphone?

My basic question is,why can't I use the IPad as my smartphone? Ipad is doing everything what a smartphone does, except the calling facilities. Since IPad can connect to the Internet(WiFi), and via VOIP services like skype or yahoo, we can very well connect to any mobile or landline phone. So what I'm asking is, Ipad can very well provide some User interface as phone does and internally it can use the VOIP to connect to phones. Share your views.

Lenovo

Posted on Mar 2, 2011 4:23 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Mar 2, 2011 4:40 AM in response to kingfisher2011

It doesn't matter what anyone's views are. Nothing is stopping you from using skype but I honestly don't see the point to using a 10" device as a phone.

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Answer 2

Mar 2, 2011 4:51 AM in response to kingfisher2011

My basic question is,why can't I use the IPad as my smartphone?

You can as long as you don't want to make calls over a mobile phone network as the iPad doesn't have the hardware to make calls that way.

At least we'll be able to recognise you on a call:

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Answer 3

msuper69

Level 6

8,705 points

Mar 3, 2011 7:00 PM in response to Julian Wright

LOL!

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Answer 4

vidstir

Level 1

9 points

Mar 6, 2011 6:25 PM in response to Julian Wright

Julian Wright wrote:

...iPad as my smartphone?

You can as long as you don't want to make calls over a mobile phone network as the iPad doesn't have the hardware to make calls that way.

What's missing? Such a functional 3g device that handles cell data should be capable of voice calling unless it's restricted by your carrier or Apple.

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Answer 5

Mar 6, 2011 8:55 PM in response to vidstir

Try the Skype app... I tried it on the iPad using the built-in mic last night and it works great. You need either a 3G or wifi connect for it to work. Skype to Skype calls are free. Landline or calls to cell phone are not free.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skype/id304878510?mt=8&ls=1

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Answer 6

Mar 6, 2011 9:13 PM in response to kingfisher2011

Use your white earbuds with mic for your convenience. Skype and Vonage are very good; International calling, too.

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Answer 7

MBBM

Level 1

31 points

Mar 6, 2011 10:18 PM in response to kingfisher2011

the ipad can be used as a phone, but don't expect the call strength that you'd get with cellular voice instead of VOIP. I used line2 and it worked fine, but quite noticeably worse than an actual 3g call (instead of a VOIP call over 3G).

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Answer 8

vidstir

Level 1

9 points

Mar 8, 2011 8:18 AM in response to vidstir

Update: It can.

Check-out Whistle Phone app. " ...brings free contiguous US calling to your iPhone or iPad over WiFi *or 3G*." Sez it supports devices, including iTouch, running iOS 3.1 or later. It's apparently pay-as-you-go elsewhere.

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Answer 9

Cander

Level 3

850 points

Mar 8, 2011 8:28 AM in response to vidstir

Whistle is VoIP. The iPad being able to use VoIP is not in question.

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