Solved Tablet virgin

[Aardvarkly]

Sorry if this post is in the wrong place, or even in the wrong website but I have to start somewhere.
I have only basic computer knowlege but managed to successfully scratch build two desktops for my every day use. Both loaded with Windows 7 because I like the reliable no nonsense way it works and isn't loaded with Microsnoop's telemetry. I have a smartphone but don't really want one. Forced to own it because I have no other way to receive SMS "security" codes to gain access to my bank account and a few other services. In fact I don't even switch it on unless I am expecting one of those codes.

Here's the deal. My internet access at home is incredibly unreliable and drops out randomly and sometimes it is down for several days. Since there is also ZERO mobile network coverage here I am completely stuffed when this happens. Recently I needed email or voice communications to get a doctor so set off to find the nearest mobile tower and parked near it to try the smartphone to access the internet. It was a nightmare to use. My fingers are too large to dab at the screen keyboard without mashing several letters at once and reading what is found on websites is a no go for me without a magnifying glass.

Then a friend suggested trying a "tablet". So its a mid-sized laptop that takes a sim card. ??? Because of its larger size it might be useful if I can get it close enough to a tower to find a signal. Of course I can't get one that runs Windows 7 and find they offer various Operating Systems. What do other members here suggest? I only need communications, not games or streaming. Apple products are out of reach due to cost. Any ideas what to look for, or what to avoid?

Thanks in advance.

 

[samuria]

Most tablets are android like your phone you can get cheap ones on ebay that take a sim £50

 

[siliconbeaver]

When talking about used mobile devices, besides its OS, another key factor is its lock status.

On ebay
Unlocked advanced mobile devices are expensive (unlocked IOS devices, unlocked android devices. here counting laptop under category of computer)
Cheap ones are basic devices (most of them too old, useless. such as model b4 year 2016), or locked devices. can be low as to $20 - $40.

Therefore, one method is to read xdaforums. find hot/popular models in xdaforums. such as Samsung S5E tablet. its locked device (by Verizon, or ATT , , ) on ebay is about $40. its new model is $400.
Hence it's worth to buy a locked Samsung S5E tablet on ebay, then follow the guide on xdaforums to unlock it. So you will get a valuable device.

Simply buying a basic used device. it's NOT useful in most time, IMO.

Any ideas what to look for, or what to avoid?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Aardvarkly]

When talking about used mobile devices, besides its OS, another key factor is its lock status.

On ebay
Unlocked advanced mobile devices are expensive (unlocked IOS devices, unlocked android devices. here counting laptop under category of computer)
Cheap ones are basic devices (most of them too old, useless. such as model b4 year 2016), or locked devices. can be low as to $20 - $40.

Therefore, one method is to read xdaforums. find hot/popular models in xdaforums. such as Samsung S5E tablet. its locked device (by Verizon, or ATT , , ) on ebay is about $40. its new model is $400.
Hence it's worth to buy a locked Samsung S5E tablet on ebay, then follow the guide on xdaforums to unlock it. So you will get a valuable device.

Simply buying a basic used device. it's NOT useful in most time, IMO.

And from early research I see that some earlier/cheaper ones only work on 2g or 3g. In more 21st century areas they are upgrading from 4g to 5g at the moment. Where I live they have only just upgraded from carrier pigeons to dial-up.

Your info about locked and unlocked devices is good to know. I don't want to spend cash only to find I can only use it over a specific network. Thanks.

 

[Bree]

...a friend suggested trying a "tablet". So its a mid-sized laptop that takes a sim card. ??? Because of its larger size it might be useful if I can get it close enough to a tower to find a signal. Of course I can't get one that runs Windows 7 and find they offer various Operating Systems. What do other members here suggest? I only need communications, not games or streaming. Apple products are out of reach due to cost. Any ideas what to look for, or what to avoid?

Look at 2-in-1 laptops. These can fold back the keyboard through 360° and transform into a tablet - and they can run Windows like any normal laptop. They may not have a sim card slot, but that's not a problem as you can use your smartphone to provide a WiFi hotspot.

When I'm out and about I have a second hand Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, a supported device for running Windows 11. Older used 2-in-1's can be found, with 4th or 5th gen Intel processors that should be able to run Win7.

As you're in the UK, like me, here are a couple of examples from Cash Converters (where I got mine).

Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 12 Intel i5-5 / 4GB Ram / 256GB SSD / Touch Screen Intel Core i5 4GB 256GB Black | 029300124811 | Cash Converters
Lenovo Thinkpad 2 In 1, Intel i5 4th Gen - 8GB Ram - 256GB SSD Intel Core i5 8GB 256GB SSD Black | 017800206700 | Cash Converters

 

[Aardvarkly]

I have spent most of today researching tablets, mobile network dongles, and hot spot gadgets. It brings up more questions than answers and clearly the cheap ones review very badly and the expensive ones are overkill for only occasional use when the home internet goes belly up.

You have made me aware of another option. The devices you linked to would be affordable and certainly compare well to the other things I have considered (by the time I add the cost of another sim card). I live in Brittany but I do a lot of my shopping from UK sources. Thanks to Brexit I have to order with delivery to a friend in UK who comes to France several times a year and he brings over my shopping. The majority of things are free posted to UK but hugely more expensive to get posted to France.

The most useful points you make is that those units could be loaded with W7 and have proper keyboards and decent size screens. My only concern is figuring out if my smart(?)phone can somehow connect its mobile network data to the 2-in-1. I will investigate.

 

[Bree]

My only concern is figuring out if my smart(?)phone can somehow connect its mobile network data to the 2-in-1. I will investigate.

This will help.

No Wi-Fi at the Coffee Shop? How to Turn Your Phone Into a Mobile Hotspot

 

[Aardvarkly]

I have checked it out, and there is also the hot spot instructions in the phone user manual. Motorola Moto G9.
I will be trying it out soon. If it works it will be a solution at no cost! Many thanks.