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OK, my current phone is a Samsung Galaxy Note 3. It’s reasonably effective, but beginning to shows it’s age compared to more recent devices (newer applications not running, existing ones slow or crashing a lot, already gone through two batteries, etc.), so, I’m looking at options.
Firat option is to replace with a similar palette, such as a Note 4, or an LG v30. (see desired specs below).
However, I do a fair bit of typing on the move, and the small screen of even a phablet eats into available real estate on the screen. So, I’m thinking an actual tablet. Since I get unlimited bandwidth on my phone, and a limit on tethered data, getting a purely WiFi tablet device is a non-starter.
So, desired specs of a wireless tablet…
- 4G,min 3G, compatible with both UK as well as US/Canadian networks when roaming.
- WiFi to current compatibility standards at the time of purchase
- Android OS
- High resolution screen
- At least 10mp camera at rear, not bothered about selfie camera.
- 4Gb RAM
- At least 32Gb storage
- Accepts SD memory expansion cards
- MUST have a removable battery (user replaceable without tools)
- Has full size USB expansion/charging, ideally USB3.
- Reasonably fast processor
- Size-wise, I guess something like 12-14 inch screen should do the trick, with svga-like (or better) resolution.
And that’s about all I can think of. Ideas, anyone?
I’m not sure about the battery removal thing but given the size you’re looking at, and 4G requirement it’s a shootout between a Microsoft surface and an iPad Pro.
I don’t think there’s anything which hits all of your specs.
Writing this out on a Samsung Galaxy Book 12 which meets or exceeds all of your specs (save for removable battery — I don’t think anything allows that these days and runs Windows and uses USB-C) and adds a fabulous S-pen (though I use the Staedtler Noris Digital Stylus) — it is available as an LTE device.
The Samsung Tab S3 is the Android equivalent — again misses on the battery, USB-C, and the screen is 9.7″ — but AMOLED and fabulous — no LTE version that I’m aware of.
Older Surface 3 (4GB non Pro) unlocked with LTE. You will get pretty good battery life and you might be able to run an external battery pack to charge or extend battery life through its micro usb charging port.
While I appreciate the suggestion, I’m not looking to get back into Windows in any shape or form; likewise, I have problems with Apple (don’t ask, it’s long, and I seriously don’t want to get into it), which leaves either Linux or Android. I’d prefer Android, but as you’ve noticed, there’s a lack of devices meeting even the most basic deal breaker: They all have non-removable batteries.
Why do I want a user-replaceable battery?
In case of battery fault issues – easy to swap out without having to wait for a technician’s expensive time on the repair line
Extends the life of the device by allowing expired batteries to be easily replaced
Allows me to confirm that the device is completely powered down when I’m not going to be using it for some time, by removing the battery.
You see the problem!Unfortunately, I don’t think there are any larger than 10″ tablets which run Android (actually was looking before I bought the Galaxy Book 12).
Check at gearbest.com?
EDIT: there is a cell version of the Samsung S3: https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-model-SM-T825C-32GB/dp/B071VDGG32
Afternoon, all 🙂
OK, my current phone is a Samsung Galaxy Note 3. It’s reasonably effective, but beginning to shows it’s age compared to more recent devices (newer applications not running, existing ones slow or crashing a lot, already gone through two batteries, etc.), so, I’m looking at options.
Firat option is to replace with a similar palette, such as a Note 4, or an LG v30. (see desired specs below).
However, I do a fair bit of typing on the move, and the small screen of even a phablet eats into available real estate on the screen. So, I’m thinking an actual tablet. Since I get unlimited bandwidth on my phone, and a limit on tethered data, getting a purely WiFi tablet device is a non-starter.
So, desired specs of a wireless tablet…
4G,min 3G, compatible with both UK as well as US/Canadian networks when roaming.
WiFi to current compatibility standards at the time of purchase
Android OS
High resolution screen
At least 10mp camera at rear, not bothered about selfie camera.
4Gb RAM
At least 32Gb storage
Accepts SD memory expansion cards
MUST have a removable battery (user replaceable without tools)
Has full size USB expansion/charging, ideally USB3.
Reasonably fast processor
Size-wise, I guess something like 12-14 inch screen should do the trick, with svga-like (or better) resolution.
And that’s about all I can think of. Ideas, anyone?
Click to expand…
Hmm. I’ll have a look, hadn’t heard of that site before, thanks 🙂I believe you will not find a tablet with a removable battery…..
The Note 4 from Samsung and the V20 from LG are the last phablets to have that.
I have owned a few tablets and I have never seen or read of replaceable batteries in one.
Now as tablets go the Samsung Tab S3 is one of the best currently available although hard to find in LTE.Lateck,
Yeah. That was my take on it too, thanks for the confirmation.
…wanders off muttering about idiot bean counters instead of engineers being in charge of the design process…
Yeah. That was my take on it too, thanks for the confirmation.
…wanders off muttering about idiot bean counters instead of engineers being in charge of the design process…
Click to expand…
Actually, the most likely reason is the need for extremely compact and user-reliable assembly. Replaceable battery would entail more bulk as battery compartment would need an access door as well as contacts the battery could ‘pop’ into. I’ve spent enough time in electronics manufacturing as well as messing around with my own laptops to know that if field access/repairs are eliminated reliability goes up. Most likely in this scenario batteries just like all other components are mounted to the board using surface mount assembly methods. These are NOT conducive to either field nor DIY repairs.L’chaim!
Moshe ben David
I sometimes wonder what the gadget-buying public have for grey matter.Seriously. I mean, how :censored: difficult IS IT to change a bleeping battery?! Oh, that and “disposable society” being a curse word right about now…!
Actually, the most likely reason is the need for extremely compact and user-reliable assembly. Replaceable battery would entail more bulk as battery compartment would need an access door as well as contacts the battery could ‘pop’ into. I’ve spent enough time in electronics manufacturing as well as messing around with my own laptops to know that if field access/repairs are eliminated reliability goes up. Most likely in this scenario batteries just like all other components are mounted to the board using surface mount assembly methods. These are NOT conducive to either field nor DIY repairs.
L’chaim!
Moshe ben David
Click to expand…
If you go to ifixit, you’ll see teardowns for various devices. The battery is still pretty much a separate/separable device. The issue is more that the drive for ever thinner construction and dust/water resistance are easier with the sealed unrepairable devices. And they get a new sale when you break one.
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