I am thinking of buying a new iPad mini Retina. I saw the option to buy a 32GB model that is WiFi and cellular, so that means it will work as a phone, correct?
Can I use my iPhone number on the mini as well? How do you set that up?
iPhone 5, iOS 6.1.2
The iPad had no built-in cellular telephone capability, although you can use Apps such as Skype, FaceTime, etc to make calls
I was planning on getting an iPad Mini and using it as my phone (w/ Google Voice and Talkatone), but I just read how Google is shutting out 3rd party apps in May 2014. That eliminates Talkatone (although they say they are redeveloping). I was wondering if any of you have tried to use Hangouts instead (or had any other ideas)? I set it up on my iPhone 4 and it seems to work fine, but not sure if I should take the big step of cancelling my phone plan and ONLY using an iPad mini as my phone.
I had looked into Google Talk and Skype, but at the time the offerings in Canada (where I live) were limited compared to the U.S. (for example, being able to get an actual VOIP phone number so that people can call you just like they would normally). I eventually came across an app called Fongo. So far so good. It doesn't seem like it has as much to offer (yet) for people outside of Canada, but at least there is an option for us.
So far I've had great service. My iPad mini will 'ring' (make a ringing sound) when someone calls. I have to then open the app first in order to answer, which is only a slight inconvenience compared to a built-in phone.
Sometimes I forget there isn't a real phone in my tablet. Well, not really, but close to it. If I tell Siri, to make a call to someone, I will get reminded that I don't actually have a phone, but otherwise stumbling blocks are very few and minor to be honest.
So a flex data plan with Telus in Montreal (averaging around $20/month based on my actual usage) + $2/month for unlimited texting Canada-wide (which I only use for all my friends using Android devices)... It’s a lot cheaper than my old smartphone plan.
I either use the speaker phone option or a headset (with a mike) when making and receiving calls. I guess that should seem like obvious options.
I replaced my old mobile device (my iPhone 4, which ‘died’ last December) with my new mobile device (iPad Mini Retina with cellular LTE) as an attempt to find a form factor that better suited my primary-use cases (reading, mobile app use, and on-the-go communications that these days [for me] only rarely requires phone calls). I wanted a bigger screen for my use cases, but something that was still small enough to be used comfortably on-the-go. True, these days I feel I ought to be able to take a call anywhere (from my tablet, from my desktop, from my fridge if I really cared enough, whatever), but I just wanted to still be able to make and receive calls.
I wasn’t trying to turn my new tablet into a ‘phone’ exactly. I just wasn’t going to buy two expensive mobile devices that have so much overlap in use. My mini tablet does not make an ‘ideal phone’, but it does seem to be a better overall mobile device for me and my current needs, and I can still make calls if I need to. The distinction is important, I think.
My phone was better for quick calls and texting, and it was better for taking photos. My tablet, for me, is better for everything else. I miss the smaller size for being able to put my phone in my front pants pocket – for when I wasn’t using my mobile device. I can still put my mini tablet easily in a coat pocket, and when I am actually using it, then I feel happy with the switch.
It’s a tenuous ‘I think I made the right choice for me’ feeling. At least with the current state of mobile technology and with the touch-screen interfaces we have available… Maybe someday we’ll be able to fold tablets and put them in smaller pockets or something crazy like that.
What about battery life? If you want true always-on phone service doesn't the VoIP app drain the battery pretty fast?
Good question...
In my case with the app I'm using, I don't usually have the app open and it will still send a notification telling me that I have an incoming call. If my tablet is locked, this creates a small delay in opening the app and answering the call and is one of the drawbacks to this setup. It's nowhere as fast to answer a call as with an actual built-in phone.
However, with the way this app works, no, I haven't noticed any hit to battery life. I could be wrong about that—the battery seems to be pretty good in general. I also tend to close and quit the app when I'm done using it.
I have been using talkatone on my mini for well over a year now. I just went through the transition to talkatone as a stand alone app now that google voice is going away. A few bumps along the way, but i have to say, my faith is restored. Talkatone works great and is very cheap, although no longer Completely free. But yes, using the data plan works well and is very cost effective. I find having calling on my ipad to be just perfect. One device and the mini is a great, great size for me. I have food voice quality and it is reliable. Good interface with excellent texting via sms and a very workable voicemail system, although it is not yet able to allow a customized welcome message. They seem committed to upgrading capabilities as they go along as well. So far, very good. I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
I was just reading the other day of a built in feature that can be used. In the Contacts app where it says Facetime, there are 2 symbols, one for video, a movie camera, and one for audio only, the telephone handset. If the tap the telephone symbol you can make phone calls without the video link. Anyone using this native app that can give some feedback? Or can someone try it and report back?
istroup-
That is simply a facetime call with no video. That means you are talking to the same people that you would talk to with facetime - apple users who have FT turned on.
I understand. So that means that the answer to the original question of whether you can use the iPad mini as a telephone, should be yes you can, if you use the Facetime audio connection. That means that there is a built in way to use the mini as a telephone. Correct or not? There is no need for any other app.
Incorrect. Facetime requires the recipient of the call be using an Apple Device and be registered with facetime.
You cannot call users on Android phones or other brands through facetime.
You also need an internet connection for facetime to work. Some carriers also may dissalow Facetime over the cellurar data connection.
It would be quite restricted. Yes you can use it to place audio calls, but its far from being a usefull cell phone.
Its like saying you can use a boat as means of transport to get from your house to your office. While you can under certain conditions its not going to be real usefull in most situations.
You're right, I forgot about Facetime's restrictions. How about Google Hangouts? Is that a viable full use substitute?
As long as each and every one of your contacts use HangOuts It might work. Again they'd need to be registered for it, and have it active on their devices.
What about Google Voice?
I'm not sure about Google Voice. Maybe someone here has some experience with using it more than me.
Ike 17055 mentioned using Talkatone. I've been using Fongo (a free app that uses your data plan [on the go] or wifi). There are few extra bells and whistles that are available for a small fee for the app through the Apple Store, but I otherwise just have to pay for my iPad mini monthy data plan and not much else. I was a little skeptical at first, but it's worked really well for me.
The big thing for me when looking at options was things like all my friends with Android devices or people phoning from a landline phone. I wanted it so that anyone could reach me. There are countless means to use just the internet to communicate with someone * if * they also have the same app installed and what not... We use Facetime and iMessage a lot with family and friends (with Apple devices) and it's great, but there are still all those we know who do not have this option.
With the Fongo app I was able to get a free VOIP phone number that anyone can use to call me regardless of device used, app installed, or country/region. If my grandmother were still alive, she could phone me on her old rotary dial phone and she'd never know the difference.
Good to know, I'll have to give it a try.
it can make calls using the data plan if you have the right app.
iPad mini retina as a phone
