Verizon TAB 4GLTE

[gaguy]

(I didn't read through the thread yet, so I'm sure I'm repeating some things)
Picked mine up today from Verizon.

First thing to note, they moved the sound and power buttons to the left side of the device in favor of the Mico sim slot on the top of the device. It's too early to tell if this is going to become an issue with hand placement yet.

Second, no ear buds like you get with the Wifi only!? I feel jipped.

Third, so far 4G speed tests are 'Ok'. I'm in a heavy LTE area and typically average 20mbps+ down with a Verizon Mifi device. First few tests with the tab where around 8mbps down and 10mbps up. (Still better than 3G). I'm assuming this may be related to network load right now and will be doing more tests throughout the day.

Fourth, I don't see the little unlocked lock icon during boot like I did with the Wifi only device.

 

[6tr6tr]

Is there a cap on Verizon's LTE plan for this Tab?

 

[DAS]

Is there a cap on Verizon's LTE plan for this Tab?

Their monthly data plans are:

$30 for 2gb

$50 for 5gb

$80 for 10gb

If these figures are incorrect someone please advise.

The advantage to using my Evo4g is that I get unlimited data with Sprint, so I don't have to worry about a cap. However, with everything in life there is always a trade off somewhere else.

I can't be on the phone and browse the Tab at the same time, and like I stated before, I do have to be concerned about batter life.

Otherwise, I have a great option with the hotspot feature on the phone.

 

[DAS]

One question I have is whether anyone knows if you buy the tab at the full price of $629, if you can activate data on a month to month basis, thus avoiding a two year contract?

 

[gaguy]

Their monthly data plans are:

$30 for 2gb

$50 for 5gb

$80 for 10gb

If these figures are incorrect someone please advise.

The advantage to using my Evo4g is that I get unlimited data with Sprint, so I don't have to worry about a cap. However, with everything in life there is always a trade off somewhere else.

I can't be on the phone and browse the Tab at the same time, and like I stated before, I do have to be concerned about batter life.

Otherwise, I have a great option with the hotspot feature on the phone.

These prices are correct. Anything over your monthly allotment is charged at $10 per GB extra.

 

[gaguy]

One question I have is whether anyone knows if you buy the tab at the full price of $629, if you can activate data on a month to month basis, thus avoiding a two year contract?

That price is only if you get the 2 year contract. You can buy it at the full retail price of $729.99 and go on a Month to Month plan.

 

[DAS]

That price is only if you get the 2 year contract. You can buy it at the full retail price of $729.99 and go on a Month to Month plan.

Just fyi. The $729 price is for the 32gb model. The off contract price is $629 for the 16gb version.

I was wondering about the month to month option because some of the reps seems to imply that a two year contract is still needed? It didn't sound like it made sense, but I was checking to be sure.

 

[Stang68]

One question I have is whether anyone knows if you buy the tab at the full price of $629, if you can activate data on a month to month basis, thus avoiding a two year contract?

That's exactly what I did. Mine is on a month-to-month, but mine was $729.99 because I got the 32gb.

 

[DAS]

That's exactly what I did. Mine is on a month-to-month, but mine was $729.99 because I got the 32gb.

Thanks. I believe the better deal is to buy it off contract to avoid being locked down for two years.

Do you have to call Verizon to turn the data on and off? I would hope not? The way it's done on the iPad is really nice.

 

[gaguy]

Just fyi. The $729 price is for the 32gb model. The off contract price is $629 for the 16gb version.

I was wondering about the month to month option because some of the reps seems to imply that a two year contract is still needed? It didn't sound like it made sense, but I was checking to be sure.

Oh, sorry about that. Yes, that was for the 32GB model. When I picked mine up this morning, the rep was a little confused and started to finalize the sale without activating my Sim card and putting me on a new plan. I caught this by asking if the device would have it's own number (Of course it does) and he stated that it would once I activate a plan. When I told him I did want it activated, he initially didn't think he could do a month to month (Doesn't make sense, why would I want the device at full price otherwise), but after asking a co-worker he confirmed that they just needed to create a new month to month plan and everything went smoothly from there.

 

[gaguy]

Do you have to call Verizon to turn the data on and off? I would hope not? The way it's done on the iPad is really nice.

How is it done on the iPad and I'll see if there is a similar option. I do see on their site a place to change the plan.. but I don't see any "suspend" option just yet.

Edit: There is a "Suspend or Reconnect Service" section of the site which does list my tablet plan.

 

[Stang68]

Now, has anyone found a good data tracking application for the Tab? I know I'm gonna need it.

 

[gaguy]

Now, has anyone found a good data tracking application for the Tab? I know I'm gonna need it.

The My Verizon Mobile app for Android phones works well. I don't see the app in the marketplace while on the tablet, but you can switch to the tablet account from the app on the phone and see real-time usage data. (If you have a VZW android phone).

Also, in the wireless settings menu on the tablet, there is a "View Verizon Account" button that opens the browser and takes you (I'm assuming) to your account on the Verizon website. I got an error on the site while trying to do it, so I don't know how quick/easy it is.

 

[PjD#AC]

Now, has anyone found a good data tracking application for the Tab? I know I'm gonna need it.

This is what I use, works pretty good.

https://market.android.com/details?id=net.rgruet.android.g3watchdog

 

[DAS]

This is what I use, works pretty good.

https://market.android.com/details?id=net.rgruet.android.g3watchdog

The Watchdog app is very good. I used it when I had my Galaxy Tab 7in. with a 2gb a month data plan.

It is a very handy tool. I used the watchdog widget on my homescreen so I always knew where I was with regards to data usage.

I used the free version (which was sufficient), but the paid version does come some with added functionaility.

 

[TrendyProfessional1]

I called my rep and he is holding mine. Picking it up as soon as I get off.
So what is the overall experience? Is it really all that?

 

[DAS]

I called my rep and he is holding mine. Picking it up as soon as I get off.
So what is the overall experience? Is it really all that?

@Soba1: I think you really can't appreciate how good the 10.1 is until you hold one in your hand. You'll see when you get it home from the store tonight.

There are other tablets that have more features and can do some cool things, but holding the Tab just feels right.

Once you see the brilliant screen, and really personalize the tablet to your liking, I don't believe any other tablet comes close to the experience. I personally have owned and used (not just purchased for a week and returned it to the store) the Galaxy Tab 7in, both iPads, the Xoom, and now the 10.1.

I can almost guaranteee you that you won't be disappointed with the 10.1.

Every tablet I have owned I have sold to someone else, except my 10.1. It really is all of that!!

 

[BBLV]

The price seems a little ridiculous when you factor in the 2 year contract... whats the deal with these carriers?? If they subsidized the tablets AT ALL I think they would fly off the shelves...

 

[Stang68]

The price seems a little ridiculous when you factor in the 2 year contract... whats the deal with these carriers?? If they subsidized the tablets AT ALL I think they would fly off the shelves...

Yeah, just buy off-contract.

 

[Stang68]

Ok, has anyone gotten the Netflix APK to work on their Tabs from Verizon? Mine keeps saying "Sorry We cannot reach the Netflix Service".