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iPad Pro Can I use new iPad as replacement for my laptop AND phone?

V

vyruzreaper

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 19, 2015
121
116
I want to be less connected than I am now. I love the IPP (have a 2018 model). With the new magic keyboard on it's way - my 4G LTE IPP can turn into a computer with connectivity.

Anyway I can find a carrier to give me unlimited data plan on the IPP without a cellular plan? I understand the IPP does not have a iPhone app - I've searched around and seems I can use Talkatone as a mobile # replacement, use WhatsApp/Signal/Imessage for SMS and possible even use google voice.

My ideal setup would be IPP 4G LTE, Magic Keyboard, AirPods Pro (for taking calls on the IPP), Apple Watch for certain notifications (while I'm at work/home), Apple Watch + AirPods for gym, IPP + CarPlay for navigation (this ones seems a bit clunky) and when I'm out you cant reach me :p


Anyone else on this vibe?
 
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E

ed.

macrumors regular
Jan 31, 2008
219
179
It really depends on what you mean by 'less connected'. If you mean that a smartphone is too engaging / tempting and you end up spending (wasting) a lot of time on it, what you propose might be an interesting strategy. You do need an iPhone to set up your system - but you can get a super cheap one (that supports iOS 13 and maybe 14), use it to set up everything and then just leave it at home.
I'm not sure how calls are handled with Apple Watch - I suppose the cellular version duplicates your mobile number and it should work even if the phone at home is off. For the iPad I think this is not the case and the cellular connection only works for data. However, if the phone at home is on and the iPad is connected as well (which should be via cellular), I think Apple offers a sort of call forwarding - so you could technically also answer calls made towards your phone via the iPad.
 
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okieoutwest

okieoutwest

macrumors regular
Sep 14, 2019
225
272
I'm totally with you on wanting this, and it can work! If you're fine, as it sounds like you might be, with not being reachable when you're not carrying your iPP, then I think you're all good. You *would* still need an iPhone to set up the AW but it doesn't have to have a mobile plan attached.

I've been using a similar set up, but still have an iPhone SE with a plan parked at home on a dock so my Watch can get calls anytime. I find this really, really useful actually as well as peace of mind that I'm not missing that 1 emergency phone call from a family member.

Some things to think about use cases you might find frustrating, and wishing you still had a phone for when you leave the house - that the Watch can't do independently or do very well:
* When I might need to use the Lyft app (no AW app for Lyft, not sure if there is an Uber one, which might solve this for Uber users)
* When I expect to do a *lot* of navigation, as the watch maps is OK for generally pointing me in the right direction in a city I'm familiar with and being somewhat discreet; not great in terms of all-day battery life for being a tourist in a new city and it feels very exposed to get out an iPad on the street.
* If you use messaging apps other than Messages, you'll always need a phone with you, as the standalone capacity for 3rd party messaging apps isn't there yet (at least for Telegram, not sure about Whatsapp as I haven't used in awhile)
 
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O

Osamede

macrumors 6502a
Oct 28, 2009
816
513
It's not only Apple. I had a Galaxy phone and Gear S watch and Samsung also crippled them in the same way. Sad.
 
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MiniApple

MiniApple

macrumors 6502
Sep 3, 2020
361
465
okieoutwest said:
I'm totally with you on wanting this, and it can work! If you're fine, as it sounds like you might be, with not being reachable when you're not carrying your iPP, then I think you're all good. You *would* still need an iPhone to set up the AW but it doesn't have to have a mobile plan attached.

I've been using a similar set up, but still have an iPhone SE with a plan parked at home on a dock so my Watch can get calls anytime. I find this really, really useful actually as well as peace of mind that I'm not missing that 1 emergency phone call from a family member.

Some things to think about use cases you might find frustrating, and wishing you still had a phone for when you leave the house - that the Watch can't do independently or do very well:
* When I might need to use the Lyft app (no AW app for Lyft, not sure if there is an Uber one, which might solve this for Uber users)
* When I expect to do a *lot* of navigation, as the watch maps is OK for generally pointing me in the right direction in a city I'm familiar with and being somewhat discreet; not great in terms of all-day battery life for being a tourist in a new city and it feels very exposed to get out an iPad on the street.
* If you use messaging apps other than Messages, you'll always need a phone with you, as the standalone capacity for 3rd party messaging apps isn't there yet (at least for Telegram, not sure about Whatsapp as I haven't used in awhile)
Click to expand...

I don't have the same use cases, but I've received the same tip by https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-watch-as-the-only-phone.2252667/?post=28851657#post-28851657

Do you have to leave your SE on or can you switch it off completely after the initial AW cellular set up?
 
okieoutwest

okieoutwest

macrumors regular
Sep 14, 2019
225
272
MiniApple said:
I don't have the same use cases, but I've received the same tip by https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-watch-as-the-only-phone.2252667/?post=28851657#post-28851657

Do you have to leave your SE on or can you switch it off completely after the initial AW cellular set up?
Click to expand...


I haven't experimented a lot, so can't remember offhand every quirk of the various combos, unfortunately.

What pops to mind tho is that SMS texts will not come through with your phone off but your watch on. They have to go to the phone first, be recognized by iCloud, then fwd'd to your watch via the cloud.

iMessages work ok whether the phone is on or off. This has something to do - my best guess - with how phone & SMS protocols are different? Perhaps others can chime in here too.

It is very much that the phone is still the brain, and the watch is a somewhat independent agent but not truly independent.
 
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Jimbo Limbo

macrumors regular
Aug 13, 2015
141
137
Toronto
I also would prefer to be able to use just an iPad Pro and an Apple Watch. Apple requires you to have an iPhone when you have an apple watch. This is disappointing, I agree.

I decided to respond to this by buying a cheap used iPhone SE (2016) to use with my AW 5 LTE. For the most part, the phone sits at home.
 
A

Allan in T.Dot

macrumors regular
Jul 14, 2010
206
37
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hot on the vibe although my current setup is different as I am on a Samsung tablet and will be switching to IPP with LTE once I can find one here in igloo-town.

To answer your question is a bit tricky.

(a). Don't live in the states so I can't talk about plans. If you can't find an unlimited data plan, just get a cell plan with unlimited data and insert the SIM into your phone. You'll be paying a bit more probably as you won't be able to make calls on your IPP and you will need a VoIP for calls. Note - do some research as some providers may block the ability to use the SIM in a tablet.
(b). VoIP may even give you SMS capability so no need to bother your friends/fam to get WhatsApp/Signal/iMessage if they don't already have it.
(c). I don't have Apple Watch....can you even use it as a standalone device? I swear, I read that you want to be LESS connected!!
(d). Good luck finding a solid mount for your tablet in the car on the dash. I still haven't found a good solution for this and if you have a IPP 12.9" it'll be interesting...unless you live in Texas where big is everything (Canadian LOL)!!





vyruzreaper said:
I want to be less connected than I am now. I love the IPP (have a 2018 model). With the new magic keyboard on it's way - my 4G LTE IPP can turn into a computer with connectivity.

Anyway I can find a carrier to give me unlimited data plan on the IPP without a cellular plan? I understand the IPP does not have a iPhone app - I've searched around and seems I can use Talkatone as a mobile # replacement, use WhatsApp/Signal/Imessage for SMS and possible even use google voice.

My ideal setup would be IPP 4G LTE, Magic Keyboard, AirPods Pro (for taking calls on the IPP), Apple Watch for certain notifications (while I'm at work/home), Apple Watch + AirPods for gym, IPP + CarPlay for navigation (this ones seems a bit clunky) and when I'm out you cant reach me :p


Anyone else on this vibe?
Click to expand...
 
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