Can You Use It Just as a Handheld computer ? I don't want to change my rates for my current at&t account, which has no data, just voice.. just continue using my cheap phone that I have.. But I really want an Android phone, specifically this one, just to have mobile applications, such as Productivity Apps. So If I simply use its wi-fi capability only, couldn't I perform any of the application-specific data handling like manage my to-do's that I need to do, as long as I do it at home or another place providing wi-fi ? Can You Use It Just as a Handheld computer ? I don't want to change my rates for my current at&t account, which has no data, just voice.. just continue using my cheap phone that I have.. ... » Read More Can You Use It Just as a Handheld computer ? I don't want to change my rates for my current at&t account, which has no data, just voice.. just continue using my cheap phone that I have.. But I really want an Android phone, specifically this one, just to have mobile applications, such as Productivity Apps. So If I simply use its wi-fi capability only, couldn't I perform any of the application-specific data handling like manage my to-do's that I need to do, as long as I do it at home or another place providing wi-fi ? « Show Less
1741021
You can avoid expensive data plans by choosing the $35 Pay As You Go Plan with T-Mobile which includes 30MB for Web use. Then do all your Web surfing using your computer's Wi-Fi router.
1741022
HOWEVER, most or all carriers in the U.S. are identifying smartphones being used on their network and automatically adding data plans when smartphones are found. This is definitely unfair since you should be able to use the phone and disable data but the only way to change this is for more people to complain to the FCC.
1741023
Yes; you can use it as a stand-alone internet device using WiFi.Also, I was able to use T-Mobiles $30 unlimited text/internet sim card on a Nexus One that was initially supposed to be used on AT&T;'s network...
1741024
I have the same question. Or more specifically if I put my T-Mobile pre-paid sim card in the phone, will it work and will I be able to use the WiFi function with my home wireless and other hotspots such as Starbucks, etc?
1741025
Since this phone is unlocked, you can use any GSM SIM Card in it. Moreover, I did use this phone on WiFi connection only[mine was malfunctioning and I had to return it]. You DONT need Data Connection to use this phone. Just make sure you disable Data Connection in Settings->Network Settings
1086627
I just activated this phone without a data plan from T-Mobile. I have only a family plan with unlimited text and MMS messaging. I activated this phone simply by creating a google account after touching the android on start-up. However, from this point forward, T-Mobile started charging for data usage on a "Pay per use web" rate at $1.99 per megabyte on my plan. So, after activation, I called T-Mobile to block my access to "pay per use web." I now use my phone only for voice and messaging. Also, according to T-Mobile, I can only send and receive MMS (picture) messaging through a WiFi access. I just activated this phone without a data plan from T-Mobile. I have only a family plan with unlimited text and MMS messaging. I activated this phone simply by creating a google account after touching the android on start-up. However, from this point forward, T-Mobile started charging for data usage on a "Pay per use web" rate at $1.99 per megabyte on my plan. So, after activation, I called T-Mobile to block my access to "pay per use web." I now use my phone only for voice and messaging. Also, according to T-Mobile, I can only send and receive MMS (picture) messaging... » Read More I just activated this phone without a data plan from T-Mobile. I have only a family plan with unlimited text and MMS messaging. I activated this phone simply by creating a google account after touching the android on start-up. However, from this point forward, T-Mobile started charging for data usage on a "Pay per use web" rate at $1.99 per megabyte on my plan. So, after activation, I called T-Mobile to block my access to "pay per use web." I now use my phone only for voice and messaging. Also, according to T-Mobile, I can only send and receive MMS (picture) messaging through a WiFi access. « Show Less
142229
I would like to know how you bypass the adding of the data plan to your bill- I just got off the phone with an AT&T; rep that told me when their system does a sweep- it recognizes that the basic phone SIM card is in a smartphone. It automatically adds it to your account! I have just purchased 3 of these phones to use as regular phones and not data. Does anybody know how to fix my problem?? Please help!!
480874
You should be able to use it as a regular line without a data plan, but just an fyi...we did not have much luck with this phone. If you are getting it for a kid it might be ok but in my experience it was very low quality..if you are looking for a good quality, durable phone I would look into something else
217918
No, no, no, this Android Tracfone, when you use the pay-as-you-go plan, gives you triple minutes, AND triple # of texts, AND triple # megabytes of 3G data. So, your texts & talk are two, "separate" accounts. For instance, if you add a 60-minute card, you get 180 minutes of talk, plus 180 texts, plus 180 MB of data. You can also purchase data separately, if you use a lot of data. I just use it on WiFi, so I haven't even used any data, but if I were someplace I need to check my email or stocks, I could do it, without using much data, so it's there, if you need it.
1269128
thinking about getting android md7015 (for price) but you guys are WAY over my head. I'm 62 & obviously not very comp. literate. Just want email and basic browsing (use to firefox & internet explor), have data plan on my ATT Blackberry, wil I need another if I go w/android? if so what are cheap options. Nedd something simple & works pretty well out the box as i'm not too hot finding tech solutions, in fact, this is first time trying this type of thing. Help!!,PCC
2016969
I have this phone with ATT and -no data-. That's why I like it. They don't charge for data because it's not a smart phone and very limited in what it can do. (I can surf the internet, which is about all I need in addition to text and calling.)
694858
No you don't, You can work use it as it is ;) But if you connect it to your phone is better ;)
746448
I have the AT&T; 8525 phone and the $39.99 data package. Can you tell me how you connect your phone to your laptop? Thanks.
511385
Depends upon what you mean. You can use it as a router without an active SIM. You just can't use it for calling.
936273
sheriesapphire, I am like you. I have purchased this phone and am on an att postpaid account (non-gophone user). Make sure you put in your own SIM card first, do not put in the one that comes with the phone.Now to your question: Because you are a regular att customer, you will only have the option of buying the $15/$25 data plan options. You will not be able to purchase the gophone rates. I did not have to purchase a data plan because when I had my previous smartphone (purchased out of contract) I placed a data block on my account when it was still allowed for smartphones. For most regular att users, the $15 add-on plan would more cost-effective than the gophone rates anyway sheriesapphire, I am like you. I have purchased this phone and am on an att postpaid account (non-gophone user). Make sure you put in your own SIM card first, do not put in the one that comes with the phone.Now to your question: Because you are a regular att customer, you will only have the option of buying the $15/$25 data plan options. You will not be able to purchase the gophone rates. I did not have to purchase a data plan because when I had my previous smartphone (purchased out of contract) I placed a data block on my account when it was still allowed for smartphones. For... » Read More sheriesapphire, I am like you. I have purchased this phone and am on an att postpaid account (non-gophone user). Make sure you put in your own SIM card first, do not put in the one that comes with the phone.Now to your question: Because you are a regular att customer, you will only have the option of buying the $15/$25 data plan options. You will not be able to purchase the gophone rates. I did not have to purchase a data plan because when I had my previous smartphone (purchased out of contract) I placed a data block on my account when it was still allowed for smartphones. For most regular att users, the $15 add-on plan would more cost-effective than the gophone rates anyway « Show Less
1353171
It didn't work well, until I took it to AT&T; and got a sim card. It is a phone as well as a tablet. You can go on internet with it or use WIFI. I had to convince them it was a phone too They tried to set it up as a tablet and it didn't work. . Finally, one guy knew it was a phone and he set it upas a phone and it works fine. I have the go phone program which is without contract.
928398
I bought it not to use as a phone, but to use it as a mini portable tablet. I did not set up monthly phone service and it works well at home and on the go. Many places where I live have wifi so there is always a place to use it. I also got the Magic Jack app to I can make calls when I have a wifi connection. There are a lot of people who complain about this phone, but I spent $10 and it does everything I need and want. If you do not like the more economical phones and want a high monthly payment, then go ahead and spend $200-$300 on a fancy phone. For the rest of us, this phone will do nicely.
666648
No you can't. It's just a regular phone. It have only the basic options for a daily use.
1762104
I only use this phone as a "simple" phone and for text messaging (and it is great for both). There is no wifi or internet connection, so you can't transfer via "wireless". It has a slot for an internal Micro SD card to store photos and music, so I guess you could transfer files that way. I don't need "smart phone" features, just a reliable phone with a keyboard for texting, and I give it 5-stars for that -- and the battery life is phenomenal. Hope that answers your question.
1563718
Yes it can. Cost depends on your plan. Ours is an older account so it only costs us $10.00 per phone and we didn't activate the "smart phone data plan for internet". We use our phones for talk and text only.
2116047
Yes you can. You must have a Google account to use it just like an android device