Do I have LTE capability?

[ganguy]

I bought a Tab S3, model SM-T820.
I bought it after reading that the S3 had both Wifi and LTE capability, yet I cannot find info as to how to engage it. Have I bought the wrong model?

 

[dov1978]

There are 2 variants of the TAB s3.

SM-T820 is WiFi only
SM-T825 is WiFi + 3g/LTE
So looks like it's the wrong model unfortunately.
To double check, open the card slot on the side and see if it's a sim card+sd card tray or just an sd card tray. This will give you a definitive answer.

 

[ganguy]

Darn!
Thanks anyway, maybe I can get BB to swap.

 

[ganguy]

I checked the tray - no SIM slot!
As WiFi is so widely available, I can probably get by with it, but "caveat emptor!"

 

[dov1978]

An easy alternative would be to create a Wifi Hot-spot using your phone. Not quite as seamless as having a cellular connected tablet but it would save some money on that second sim plan

 

[ganguy]

You won't believe this, but I don't have a smartphone.

 

[Beut]

You won't believe this, but I don't have a smartphone.

You can return it and buy the LTE version
Can I return open tablet - Best Buy Support

 

[dov1978]

You won't believe this, but I don't have a smartphone.

Speechless lol

 

[Respond321]

CAN'T BELIEVE!

 

[ganguy]

Best Buy Support
Tried that, BB Canada says LTE model not available here!
GG

 

[afblangley]

You won't believe this, but I don't have a smartphone.

I'm dying of curiosity. Why don't you have a smartphone?

 

[ganguy]

Why would I?
I have a prepaid cell phone for emergency and convenience calls, which costs $10/month, and time credits accumulate, and I know have over $100. My desktop, laptop, and tablet meet all my communications and information needs. I do not need or use social media.
In case you think I am a Luddite, I am a professional engineer, a writer, I am a management consultant to major organizations. I dabble in photography and videography, and RC aircraft and drones.
Frankly, a smartphone offers me no benefit (except in the hot-spot idea for traveling) and the costs here in Canada are ridiculous.
A final comment, I am amazed to see the fixation of people on their devices. For example, recently at a restaurant, a family of four, parents and children totally silent during the meal, watching their phones.
Not for me.
Does that help?

 

[dov1978]

Why would I?
I have a prepaid cell phone for emergency and convenience calls, which costs $10/month, and time credits accumulate, and I know have over $100. My desktop, laptop, and tablet meet all my communications and information needs. I do not need or use social media.
In case you think I am a Luddite, I am a professional engineer, a writer, I am a management consultant to major organizations. I dabble in photography and videography, and RC aircraft and drones.
Frankly, a smartphone offers me no benefit (except in the hot-spot idea for traveling) and the costs here in Canada are ridiculous.
A final comment, I am amazed to see the fixation of people on their devices. For example, recently at a restaurant, a family of four, parents and children totally silent during the meal, watching their phones.
Not for me.
Does that help?

I wish I could go back to being more like that but I think I'm too far gone. My wife has even implemented a 'no phones' curfew after 7pm when we're together so we can give the kids proper attention and also each other. I think for me the biggest wake up call is when my youngest (2yr old) tries to knock my phone out my hand to get my attention. You're absolutely right with the restaurant thing too and it's far too much if a common sight these days

 

[ganguy]

Dov1978
Here's another one! My wife posted a "No cellphones" sign just inside our front door, after a guest sat looking at her phone in a family gathering. The interesting thing is that my offspring (all in hi-tech jobs) come to the house, they laugh at it, but follow the rules!

 

[afblangley]

Does that help?

Interesting...
I too ditched the traditional cellphone. My watch can handle calls and messages, my tablet can handle calls, messages, and run apps. No need for a cellphone. We're a tiny minority, but the ranks are about to swell with the release of the LTE enabled Apple Watch.