Can it be used as wifi only?

[gone down south]

While I agree with you on this because it's $100 cheaper it doesn't offer an inexpensive phone plan down the road.

How far down the road? If it's more than a year or so, might as well just get the tablet now and buy a new phone then.

 

[susie798]

There are a lot of apps that allow texting and phone calls over WiFi. But how does user get a phone number without a SIM? Can you buy a SIM to get a phone number but then never activate it with the carrier?

 

[gusar2000]

yes, it can be done. you can use it just as a wifi device.

Don't forget to switch ON airplane mode - it will save battery (turn W-Fi ON manually when needed).

 

[fernandezhjr]

There are a lot of apps that allow texting and phone calls over WiFi. But how does user get a phone number without a SIM? Can you buy a SIM to get a phone number but then never activate it with the carrier?

Use something like Pinger Text Free + Call Free. They supply a phone number.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

[Algus]

Nice thing about using a phone for this or getting a Touch is that camera. I love my Note 3 but find it bulky and awkward for photos. I much prefer using the Touch. I wouldn't ever consider an N7 or something even larger for that.

Of course most people probably don't carry a monster phone and so don't need a smaller device for that...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4