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New purchase, but some concerns

N

nolegirl

Newbie
Hello all. I am new here and have been browsing the forums for a day or so, but cannot seem to find a direct answer. Please forgive me if I overlooked the answer, or if this is a double post.

I just ordered a Galaxy Tab (Sprint version) it was the only model available. I was told when I ordered that it would require NO CONTRACT, such as the one that is offered with Sprint. I am now reading on several internet sites that while it is possible to by-pass the 3G activation message on the other models (T-Mobile, and Verizon), this is not possible with the Sprint model (without rooting), and it cannot be used with Wifi only.
Can anyone confirm this? I need to know if I can connect it to my wireless service, or other hotspots and still use the tablet to it's full capability (Market, firmware updates, etc). I need to know if I can use it ready to go out of the box. I have also read that you can pay $20 and use the 3G for a month (supposedly just to activate) then cancel without penalty. If that is the case, that's fine, but otherwise, I do NOT want to get into a contract with anyone. Can someone with experience please explain to me what is required to get this tablet working out of the box? I want to know so I can send right back without even opening it if it's going to be a hassle. Do I have to sign a contract or not? Can it be used as a wifi only tablet, or no? Again, I'm sorry if this is a double post. Thanks in advance.
 
binaryhellstorm said:
Based on the link I posted, they are running an activation bypass APK that is loaded onto the SD card.
Click to expand...


But why would I need to root the tablet, if I only need to hit the home button (as Best Buy said, to bypass the message and use wifi). I don't want the 3G, I only want to use wifi, but I don't want to root it.
 
nolegirl said:
But why would I need to root the tablet, if I only need to hit the home button (as Best Buy said, to bypass the message and use wifi). I don't want the 3G, I only want to use wifi, but I don't want to root it.
Click to expand...

I did you pay full price for the Tab?
 
nolegirl said:
Hello all. I am new here and have been browsing the forums for a day or so, but cannot seem to find a direct answer. Please forgive me if I overlooked the answer, or if this is a double post.

I just ordered a Galaxy Tab (Sprint version) it was the only model available. I was told when I ordered that it would require NO CONTRACT, such as the one that is offered with Sprint. I am now reading on several internet sites that while it is possible to by-pass the 3G activation message on the other models (T-Mobile, and Verizon), this is not possible with the Sprint model (without rooting), and it cannot be used with Wifi only.
Can anyone confirm this? I need to know if I can connect it to my wireless service, or other hotspots and still use the tablet to it's full capability (Market, firmware updates, etc). I need to know if I can use it ready to go out of the box. I have also read that you can pay $20 and use the 3G for a month (supposedly just to activate) then cancel without penalty. If that is the case, that's fine, but otherwise, I do NOT want to get into a contract with anyone. Can someone with experience please explain to me what is required to get this tablet working out of the box? I want to know so I can send right back without even opening it if it's going to be a hassle. Do I have to sign a contract or not? Can it be used as a wifi only tablet, or no? Again, I'm sorry if this is a double post. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

You don't NEED to activate, it CAN be used as a WiFi-only device, but you MIGHT miss out on firmware updates that are only available via Sprint 3G service (on two-year contract). The Tab will prompt you to activate, which you can ignore by hitting the back button. WiFi without 3G service works great, I was able to download all of my paid apps from the Market, browse the web, etc.

See this thread for my experience: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-tab/232584-sprint-tab-questions.html

Good luck with your decision.
 
StreakTheQuad said:
You don't NEED to activate, it CAN be used as a WiFi-only device, but you MIGHT miss out on firmware updates that are only available via Sprint 3G service (on two-year contract). The Tab will prompt you to activate, which you can ignore by hitting the back button. WiFi without 3G service works great, I was able to download all of my paid apps from the Market, browse the web, etc.

See this thread for my experience: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-tab/232584-sprint-tab-questions.html

Good luck with your decision.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clarifying. But is there anyway (besides the contract way) to update the firmware at all?
 
StreakTheQuad said:
You don't NEED to activate, it CAN be used as a WiFi-only device, but you MIGHT miss out on firmware updates that are only available via Sprint 3G service (on two-year contract). The Tab will prompt you to activate, which you can ignore by hitting the back button. WiFi without 3G service works great, I was able to download all of my paid apps from the Market, browse the web, etc.

See this thread for my experience: http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-tab/232584-sprint-tab-questions.html

Good luck with your decision.
Click to expand...

I just checked that thread. Why is Sprint making it so hard for people who don't want a contract? I just talked to a Sprint Rep who told me that the tablet wont work unless I sign a contract, hence, the reason for the activation message. This is for 3G and wifi. I was livid. I reminded him that there are other carriers that aren't doing this to their customers, and he didn't seem the least bit swayed. He continued to throw the textbook "company policy" line at me even after I mentioned the advertisements say 3G/contract is optional. But them making it impossible to get updates because you wont fork over another $20-50 per month for two years (AFTER paying $600) is ridiculous.
 
I have a Tmobile version and I bought it off contract and they did however make me buy a one time only prepaid $10 3g card, but after that I use wifi only now and it works 100%.

I would recommend trying to get ur money back and buying off contract at Tmobile or AT&T if possible.
 
I talked to a sprint rep the other day, and he told me that I could activate mine on a month to month plan. Iwould only activate it when big updates come out.
 
i bought the verizon tab at best buy for $499 with a $20 one month plan. its just for my wifi. i found how to tether it to my rooted eris so i still get 3G with out the tab plan.

i dont plan on using verizon service for the tab after Jan. 9th.
 
nolegirl said:
Thanks for clarifying. But is there anyway (besides the contract way) to update the firmware at all?
Click to expand...

Seeing how slow Samsung is on updates anyway (2.1 on the Fascinate still!) our tabs will be on this version of 2.2 until the end of time. I have no evidence just not too thrilled with Samsung.

I like my tab but I learned a lesson.
 
You can use it without activation. I purchased a Sprint version and was able to do this. I did call them and had them activate it though because it kept prompting me to activate. So they activated it, the prompt went a way and I had them turn it right back off.

With all the tablets coming out you may want to wait a few weeks and get a WiFi only tablet with a Tegra 2 chipset. There will be a flood of these being announced at CES this weekend.
 
nolegirl said:
I just ordered a Galaxy Tab (Sprint version) it was the only model available. I was told when I ordered that it would require NO CONTRACT, such as the one that is offered with Sprint. I am now reading on several internet sites that while it is possible to by-pass the 3G activation message on the other models (T-Mobile, and Verizon), this is not possible with the Sprint model (without rooting), and it cannot be used with Wifi only.
Click to expand...

If you don't want to use Sprint's 3G data service, you should return the device because there are better options available.

Option 1]
Buy the GSM version from T-Mobile or AT&T. The GSM version has 16GB of internal memory, as opposed to the 2GB offered in the Verizon and Sprint version. GSM devices are also able to be unlocked for use on other GSM carriers and the network activation prompt is easily bypassed.

Option 2
The Verizon Galaxy Tab is now available for $500 without a contract (though you may have to activate it for a month to get past the activation prompt)

Option 3
Wait for the WiFi only version to be released. It is expected to cost around $500 with no need for carrier activation (but you might as well buy the 3G version from Verizon for the same price)

Option 4
Wait for the new Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" tablets to be released. Tomorrow is the Consumer Electronics Showcase and there will be a bunch of manufacturers releasing new tablets running the latest Android software and Tegra 2 processors. If you buy a Galaxy Tab now, it will already be out of date and most likely, it will never be updated to Android 3.0

I hope this information will help you make your decision.
 
NunyaBidnez said:
If you don't want to use Sprint's 3G data service, you should return the device because there are better options available.

Option 1]
Buy the GSM version from T-Mobile or AT&T. The GSM version has 16GB of internal memory, as opposed to the 2GB offered in the Verizon and Sprint version. GSM devices are also able to be unlocked for use on other GSM carriers and the network activation prompt is easily bypassed.

Option 2
The Verizon Galaxy Tab is now available for $500 without a contract (though you may have to activate it for a month to get past the activation prompt)

Option 3
Wait for the WiFi only version to be released. It is expected to cost around $500 with no need for carrier activation (but you might as well buy the 3G version from Verizon for the same price)

Option 4
Wait for the new Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" tablets to be released. Tomorrow is the Consumer Electronics Showcase and there will be a bunch of manufacturers releasing new tablets running the latest Android software and Tegra 2 processors. If you buy a Galaxy Tab now, it will already be out of date and most likely, it will never be updated to Android 3.0

I hope this information will help you make your decision.
Click to expand...

I agree, I know that most likely I will have to end up flashing my Tab in order to even get a Honeycomb feel, but to me it is very much worth it to have the tab right now.
 
Pertinax said:
With all the tablets coming out you may want to wait a few weeks and get a WiFi only tablet with a Tegra 2 chipset. There will be a flood of these being announced at CES this weekend.
Click to expand...

That's my strategy.. we have a Galaxy Tab in the family (kid's), but I'm thinking that my Fascinate covers a lot of the ground that an activated Tab would cover, and more, obviously, with the phone ;), so going with a wifi only tablet seems like a good next step.
 
NunyaBidnez said:
Option 2
The Verizon Galaxy Tab is now available for $500 without a contract (though you may have to activate it for a month to get past the activation prompt)
Click to expand...

You can get by the activation on the VZW Tab (all tabs? I would assume so), when it's at the prompt to activate use your volume buttons:

Hit vol up 1 time

vol down 2 times

vol up 3 times

vol down 4 times

this worked on my vzw tab and it hasn't asked to activate again, just using wi-fi
 
cultldr said:
You can get by the activation on the VZW Tab (all tabs? I would assume so), when it's at the prompt to activate use your volume buttons:

Hit vol up 1 time

vol down 2 times

vol up 3 times

vol down 4 times

this worked on my vzw tab and it hasn't asked to activate again, just using wi-fi
Click to expand...


lol, very high tech. Sounds like programming a car starter remote.
 
cultldr said:
You can get by the activation on the VZW Tab (all tabs? I would assume so), when it's at the prompt to activate use your volume buttons:

Hit vol up 1 time

vol down 2 times

vol up 3 times

vol down 4 times

this worked on my vzw tab and it hasn't asked to activate again, just using wi-fi
Click to expand...

It's like entering the old cheat code for Contra on the NES. up up down down left right left right B A start
 
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