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[Request] [Jolla Tablet] Connectivity 3G/4G [answered]

asked 2014-11-19 11:26:20 +0200

yroll gravatar image

updated 2014-11-27 16:19:04 +0200

Hi, I really think you should add 3g/4g connectivity for the tablet. Also make it easy to connect to the jolla phone for internet sharing etc

Ordered the tablet and i hope i'll not regret it :)

Update: If we reach 2.500.000$ there will be an option to upgrade for only 30$

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The question has been closed for the following reason "the question is answered, an answer was accepted" by simo
close date 2015-08-10 03:36:10.689597

Comments

2

but it will cost than more.... sure, LTE/3G was nice to have and i really want it... but i think, it will cost to much.

cvp ( 2014-11-19 12:28:02 +0200 )edit
9

Depending on brand and quantity you can get a UMTS/LTE module for $10-$40* and I'd gladly pay that extra (plus some extra profit for Jolla) to have my Jolla tablet UMTS/LTE enabled.

*) this is us, a small telemetry/embedded systems producer

Mohjive ( 2014-11-19 12:31:40 +0200 )edit
4

Let's just push for it and maybe they will add it! :D

yroll ( 2014-11-19 12:37:21 +0200 )edit
4

Adding mobile connection (3G/4G LTE) would be an advantage over other competitors Nokia N1, Nexus 9 and Ipad Mini 3. Let's hope Jolla will be unlike others :)

Jolla095 ( 2014-11-19 12:48:51 +0200 )edit
3

For me it is a deal breaker for a tablet. I haven't preordered yet but I'll follow in case this happens :)

nande ( 2014-11-19 12:50:28 +0200 )edit

13 Answers

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26

answered 2014-11-22 18:37:42 +0200

stezz gravatar image

Thanks for the suggestion. We have considered this already in the pre-study phase and adding a modem to the tablet complicates by several order of magnitudes the project.

  • More certifications
  • More variants or less countries we can serve
  • More expensive
  • SW work more complex

On top of that the amount of tablets sold with wifi only outwheighs the modem ones 3 to 1 so we could probably not cover the costs.

Long story short: very hard this will happen for this product.

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Comments

5

More variants or less countries we can serve

@stezz: Unrelated to the tablet, but in the context of other future Jolla devices (like the second handset). What do you think about using unversal LTE modems like this one:

They can remove this whole issue of segmented devices for different regions altogether. Is it a possibility?

shmerl ( 2014-11-24 00:35:31 +0200 )edit
5

I agree with shermel. Much like the N9 had for 3G back in it's day there are universal modems for LTE, no need for different devices for different markets. I think many interested in your products, including myself would appreciate that for your next handset. Tablet is fine as it is.

salyavin ( 2014-11-24 01:05:12 +0200 )edit

Universal modems for LTE still need software to support it and devices need those additional certifications. For a phone product modem needs to be integrated to SoC, using external modem chip is not practical in that space because of added complexity, increased power consumption and manufacturing cost. As far as I know, Intel will have their first SoC with integrated modem out sometime during 2015, but I don't know anything more detailed about it yet.

MSH ( 2014-11-24 15:14:14 +0200 )edit

As far as I know, Intel will have their first SoC with integrated modem out sometime during 2015

Then second Jolla handset should use that when it's ready. Pushing out another device (I don't mean the tablet) which won't work in many networks would be very bad. It's hardware that's a limitation in the current device, not software or certification.

shmerl ( 2014-11-24 18:21:48 +0200 )edit
18

answered 2014-11-20 01:21:48 +0200

nodevel gravatar image

updated 2014-11-22 15:07:35 +0200

I am against this idea.

Including such features would only add costs, likely result in a limited market availability (no US market) and possibly even the size of the tablet (adding a SIM card slot).

I don't see the need for such connectivity on a tablet when internet sharing from Jolla (phone) works great. I even have a SIM card slot on my laptop, but don't ever use it as creating a wi-fi hotspot on Jolla is 1) easier 2) much cheaper.

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Comments

2

Well, that is what I implied: adding a modem logically transforms into adding a standard USB host port and porting the complete modem support from the mainstream Linux. (As well as other suggested devices - storage, eth, serial and IR converters, DVB tuners, etc.) If one does not need a modem - do not buy it; if does - buy and use the modem up to your particular needs.

As to power consumption - well, wifi and BT are also taking power from the battery and not from the god. Just keep an eye on what hardware you are using at the moment. When using a modem - switch off wifi, hardly you need them both working at the same time. (Unless you deliberately use them together, e.g. build an acces point.) When sitting on a wifi connection - take away the modem. Saving power by just being offline in no-wifi areas is hardly what a user actually wishes 8-))

iourine ( 2014-11-22 13:11:14 +0200 )edit
8

answered 2014-11-19 12:48:35 +0200

hwicha gravatar image

Absolutely agree. 4g is a must nowadays.

Alos, Audio-Video out, to connect to TV for example.

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Comments

2

if this time they implement USB OTG (or whatever is it called), you'll have the option to have video out with a tiny adapter

c.la ( 2014-11-19 12:54:05 +0200 )edit
3

not an answer

AL13N ( 2014-11-19 18:06:30 +0200 )edit
5

answered 2014-11-22 15:20:54 +0200

ramoth gravatar image

For me using the phone as hotspot wherever required is definitely good enough. "On the road" I wouldn't use a tablet but do my stuff simply on the phone.

Also reality shows that most users use their tablets either at home or at work, where wifi is available in any case. I agree there are people for whom mobile connectivity is a must. There we should have solutions available, maybe a second edition of the tablet with WiFi in, which would be more expensive then. Also usb solutions may be okay.

What I would personally prefer is kind of a mobile Hot Spot as a separate device, just a small box you can carry in your pocket without screen or other battery consuming stuff inside, basically only battery+Wifi device where all your mobile devices could connect to. These devices are available, you can connect several mobile devices to them wheneever needed and only need 1 sim for all your devices mobile connectivity.

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4

answered 2014-11-22 12:11:20 +0200

mike7b4 gravatar image

There is probadly plenty of reason there ois no modem.

  1. Higher price
  2. Draining battery faster
  3. More debugging/testing
  4. Antenna problems
  5. Design issues
  6. Patent issues

and so on...

It's better use development to make sure Wifi hotspot on Jolla Phone works flawlessly between tablet and phone.

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3

answered 2014-11-22 10:46:49 +0200

shinc gravatar image

Using cellphone as a 4g connection with tablet works, but it is carrying yet another device with you, and also eats the battery - which is a big thing in times of smartphones needing daily(or shorter) charging. And not everyone lives near free wlans. In general the HW specs looks ok now, but maybe not upon time of release...

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Comments

1

Agreed also the jolla phone won't last for long with wifi hotspot + 4g giving it to the pad....

yroll ( 2014-11-22 12:20:47 +0200 )edit
3

answered 2014-11-22 11:54:36 +0200

mariner gravatar image

Using 3g/4g connection is far more secure and private than public wifi. This fits exactly with what should be Jolla's philosophy and should be built in as standard - no dongles.

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It's not really more secure - it depends on how much you trust your operator. It's advisable to use VPN anyway.

shmerl ( 2014-11-24 00:37:17 +0200 )edit

No - wifi is insecure. Google already hacked everyone's login details. Public wifi is even more insecure. 3g/4g is more secure - you need a special scanner to hack into the cellular signal.

mariner ( 2014-11-24 10:22:56 +0200 )edit

Carrier has access to all your communication. So such security is very relative. To have some level of security you need end to end encryption.

shmerl ( 2014-11-24 10:24:09 +0200 )edit
2

answered 2014-11-23 00:23:01 +0200

bmwebb gravatar image

updated 2014-11-23 00:23:27 +0200

Other than the cost increases there is another compelling reason NOT to have LTE/4G capability in that it allows a better distribution for the device.

You don't have to go through all that mobile operator compliance crap when it is LTE/3G capable. Utilising an already operator approved device connected to the tablet is a piece of cake. I do this regularly with my Samsung Tablet which is WiFi only and my phone is the WiFi hotspot it connects to.....simple.

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2

answered 2014-11-28 21:27:03 +0200

Lepias gravatar image

Since you plan to include 3.5G connection why dont you make the Jolla tablet to make and receive regular GSM phone calls?

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0

answered 2014-11-19 22:47:50 +0200

iourine gravatar image

updated 2014-11-19 23:11:18 +0200

Really, two interconnected drawbacks:

  1. A cellular interface is required, not to be bound to wifi hotspots. (A frequent application of a tablet is browsing the Internet/mail/etc. while commuting by public transport.) An interchangeable one is highly desired, in form of either a miniCard slot or a USB dongle, to accomodate for a variety of cellular technologies, sub-technologies, RF bands and operators worldwide (e.g CDMA 450 that definitely does not deserve to be built-in).

  2. A USB host port is definitely needed, with support for, at least, usb-storage and all modem types (as supported by the Linux mainstream). Additionally, usb-serial and usb-ethernet would be helpful for professionals. As one can see, IR adapters are also asked for.

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Hmm. I live in Ohio, where cellular service is still very spotty (and, unless you're using Verizon, practically nonexistent outside of the major cities). In a rural area, you're more likely to find a public wifi hotspot than a local cell tower. Anyway, I have absolutely no problem with wifi-only devices; even if Jolla does add celluar to their tablet, I'd prefer they continue to provide wifi-only versions (so I'd not have to pay for something I can't use).

Copernicus ( 2014-11-22 15:35:41 +0200 )edit

Well, Ohio is not the entire world - there are other locations, with local conditions varying from similar to right the opposite. I think a standard USB2.0 port + external third-party modem (when/where needed) would be suitable for both cases. (Specifically USB 2.0 - as of now, the newest 3.0 has problems recognizing some modems.)

Hm... Ohio? Did Jolla made an agreement with the US patent trolls? (And, probably, with FBI and NSA, too?) According to Jolla's earlier statements, you have no chance to purchase its products legally in the US until, at least, your local patent legislation is changed.

iourine ( 2014-11-23 09:52:51 +0200 )edit

I have much more chance of a cellular connection in remote areas of UK than wifi.

mariner ( 2014-11-24 10:27:54 +0200 )edit

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Asked: 2014-11-19 11:26:20 +0200

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Last updated: Nov 28 '14