Do you have to have a smart phone

12 years ago

for Kindle Fire? Thinking about getting a Kindle Fire, but I don't have one of those fancy phones. No picture phone, internet or anything like that on my old cell phone.

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Comments (7)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
You don't have to have any cell phone to have a kindle fire. The fire can connect to any wireless network, so no need for a cell plan.
In answer yes I do have an Android smartphone and several Android tablets but none of the tablets are setup to use my cell phone plan.
jemdandy
12 years ago
The current crop of "smart" phones blur the line between devices. Some of these are itty bitty tablet computers with a phone built in.
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Tracfone. Have had several different prepaid phones. I had Virgin and when you got reception it was the best of any I've used. But their service is the Sprint PCS and that's not very widespread coverage. Worked well for me for over a year though because when I'd travel I usually used major highways and PCS is on there. But I wanted better coverage so I got Beyond Wireless until they changed to GSM only then I went with Tracfone. Few different phones with them (cheaper than buying cards) and settled on an LG 3280 flip phone that I really like. Excellent coverage and for about $3-$8/mo, it's stupid to not have a cell for traveling and even going out for the mail in the winter! A lot of people would be far better off getting prepaid over contract phones. But there's a snob appeal and people look down their noses at prepaid phones and users. I look at cost. Why should I pay $60-$100 a month for something that a few dollars a month does just as well? But I have different priorities. A phone is not a status symbol for me. I want it to do the job, and this does. I'm very happy with it.
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As has been said, the caution that you read, Marie, is false and wildly exaggerated. There's no need for alarm. The advice above is the best - limit app procurement to the official sources, iTunes Store and Google Play. Thinking that an individual user can make any sense out of "researching" apps and reviewing permissions is a fool's errand. Apple and Google have standards and limitations for what apps can do in gathering user data, and they police what's offered on their respective sites. Among the hundreds of thousands of apps that are on offer, the number of rogue ones that slip through the screening are very, very small. Using the internet in any form - tablets, PCs, smartphones - involves a degree of tracking and use analysis that shouldn't be confused with an invasion of privacy. There's no one sitting in a dark room somewhere trying to decide whether to withdraw money from your bank account or break in your home since they can see you're not there. Proceed with comfort and without fear.
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"Have you known anyone whose house was broken into during the night?" YES! My SIL was burglarized twice, while she was in bed. Once shortly after she retired for the night, the other time in the wee hours of the morning. And she lives in a residential section that is considered very 'safe'. She says she did the only thing she knew to do, and just stayed very very still, pretending to be soundly asleep. And the police told her that was a wise decision on her part. Don't think I could have done that! Yes I have a phone with me at all times. My smart phone is clipped to my jeans' pocket or belt at all times during the day, and on my night stand at night. Before I had a cell phone, the land line was on my night stand. Back then it was because my husband was a trucker so I kept the phone close in case he needed to contact me about anything. Also in case one of the kids or grandkids needed me. Husband is deceased and kids and grandkids are grown, but I still keep it close for the same reasons. Also because my kids (and Grands) want me to for their peace of mind. They know my balance is very bad, along with other health issues. I really do feel much safer with a phone within arms reach. Rusty
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Comments (17)
Tina, you’re welcome, Ooma has been around for a long time and yes you can buy it online, from both their site and the stores I listed. It’s grown quite popular because it’s so seamless that there are a lot of stores that carry it. I’ve never heard of the one you listed, but it does sound similar. Tina, I just looked at Axvoice. The difference looks to me to be like buying or leasing a car. The Axvoice is a monthly fee that’s never ending, where as with the Ooma, you pay that 100.00 and the actual cost of the service is free so within a very short period of time, that 100.00 you paid upfront is realized in savings. Can’t run from the taxes, we pay them with either service so that’s not really going to be something that’s better with one or the other. Either way, the savings between VoiP and a land line is is so significant, I’m sure you’ll wonder why you hadn’t done it a long time ago!!!
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angelaid
Original Author
12 years ago
So I pay for internet access separately somehow? Very tech clueless, as you can see. LOL
pam_25f
12 years ago
If you already have wireless internet, then you do not pay anything extra. Not sure how it works if you do not have wireless. The Amazon page on Kindles may explain it, or anyplace like Walmart that sells them can explain it. I always find knowledgeable people in Staples too.
jae_tn2
12 years ago
If you don't have an internet router then you buy a "3G version" that connects through a satellite, like a cell phone does.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
OK you are on the Internet now so you Obviously already have a provider, do you have dialup, dsl, cable, how do you get the Internet? If it is a high speed Internet access then you would be able to get a wireless router and connect it, then you would have wireless Internet access and you can use it for the tablet.
You definitely do not have to get any cell plans to use the tablet in fact most do not even have that option.

Your existing Internet should suffice if you are on anything other than dial up.

The problem with using a cellular plan is they limit your data and if you go over you can have some serious costs. Very few offer a true unlimited data plan.
Just think of the tablet as a laptop or another computer that is how you handle it, very similar.
angelaid
Original Author
12 years ago
Internet is a Cricket stick that I just plug into a USB port on the computer.

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Do you have to have a smart phone

Comments (7)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

jemdandy

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Do you have to have a smart phone

Comments (7)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

jemdandy

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angelaidOriginal Author

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ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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Original Author

angelaid
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