Galaxy: Wifi only v/s Wifi + 4G

[ashgarg]

Hey everyone,

I've been reading these forums for a while and am posting for the first time - looking for some advice here. Currently use a Bold 9700 on Telus in Canada.

I'm going to be investing in the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1; however, I really don't see myself getting a separate data plan for this. To that end, what are my options when it comes to using the 9700's data plan with the Galaxy Tab?

From all my research on the forums it looks like BB's are not yet allowing bridging of a data plan with Android, but:
a) What do you believe is the likelihood this will happen in the near future?
b) If it does happen, would I need a Wifi + 4G tab, or would the Wifi suffice? I assume the bridging / tethering would be via Wifi or Bluetooth?

The Wifi + 4G gives me more options, and is an extra $150, but if I never get a second data plan, it might just not be worth it.

Looking for your thoughts and advice! Thanks!

[papped]

There is no reason they would add bridging to android. Android would have to have a Blackberry email, address book, browser, etc application in order to bridge. Not going to happen. You would just tether across BT. Wifi hotspot would require a device that supports wifi hotspot, which the 9700 does not. OS7 devices supposedly will soon, but I would never use it anyways because it kills your battery so fast it's not even funny.

[ashgarg]

Thanks! I just used the wrong word, didn't mean bridging but rather tethering.

So at this point I have no option to tether via Bluetooth, and you're saying it doesn't seem likely it will happen anytime soon?

Additionally, no indication of when (if ever) I'll be able to use the 9700 as a Wifi hotspot, and even if that happens it'll kill my battery so isn't worth it?

[Duvi]

Does your carrier not offer tethering plans atop your phone's data plan?

[papped]

I ran my TB with the extended battery dead in a few hours hotspotting one device, and it wasn't even a ton of data in use...

For example on the pre, evdo + wifi radio simultaneously used more power than the Touchstone could even charge....

Sent from my BlackBerry 9930 using Tapatalk

[MisterObvious]

Why not just get a PB unless you plan to get a new phone with Android on it?

[ashgarg]

My carrier (Telus) doesn't offer a tethering plan, it would have to be entirely separate.

Sorry for my ignorance, what's a PB?

[Duvi]

Originally Posted by ashgarg

My carrier (Telus) doesn't offer a tethering plan, it would have to be entirely separate.

Sorry for my ignorance, what's a PB?

Ok... I have that option on at&t.


PB = PlayBook... RIM's tablet.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9930 using Tapatalk

[papped]

If you can't even obtain a tethering plan then you might as well just buy a 3g/4g tablet...

[ashgarg]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the help - I ended up getting the WiFi + 4G just in case I need it.

Now, I read on Telus' website that I should be able to share the data plan my Bold 9700 currently has, with the Galaxy Tab, via Bluetooth. In researching online though, I've had no luck finding out how.

Anybody have any luck with doing this, or thoughts on how it can be done?

Thanks!

[Duvi]

Originally Posted by ashgarg

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the help - I ended up getting the WiFi + 4G just in case I need it.

Now, I read on Telus' website that I should be able to share the data plan my Bold 9700 currently has, with the Galaxy Tab, via Bluetooth. In researching online though, I've had no luck finding out how.

Anybody have any luck with doing this, or thoughts on how it can be done?

Thanks!

Don't bother with bluetooth for data... That will suck.

Have you tried tether for blackberry?