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Do you find a smartphone or tablet better to do shops with online MSC aps?

January 17, 2020 07:09PM
I have been using smartphones to take pictures on my shops. I downloading them to edit them and to file the shops. My question is this, How many of you use a tablet? Do you find the tabet better than a smartphone? If so which brand and what operating system and how old is the operating system on the tablet or phone? In most of the areas of my shops, WIFI or internet is poor to none. I do use Maritzcx app on simple shops that do not take a lot of time when I can , Presto when I have service but I have not used any others.
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More About Phone Shops
January 17, 2020 07:46PM
It's the same amount of time with either a tablet or a phone, if you're doing exactly what you're saying: "downloading them to edit them and to file the shops."

I highly suggest uploading directly from your device first, then organize later, as I found that method to maximize the time I have to make sure I'm submitting my reports on-time.

Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
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January 17, 2020 07:56PM
I found that my Samsung tablet is bulky to use on shops. I prefer (and am used to) the size of my Samsung phone. Otherwise, the features and usability are the same.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
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January 17, 2020 09:12PM
I have always avoided shops that require a SmartPhone, as I have zero interest in purchasing such a device and then paying a monthly usage fee. This article suggests a table is a usable shopping substitute. Is that correct? If so, please share the particulars.
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January 17, 2020 09:13PM
@shopperbob wrote:

I have always avoided shops that require a SmartPhone, as I have zero interest in purchasing such a device and then paying a monthly usage fee. This article suggests a table is a usable shopping substitute. Is that correct? If so, please share the particulars.

What monthly usage fee do you speak of?

Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
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January 17, 2020 09:15PM
@shopperbob wrote:

I have always avoided shops that require a SmartPhone, as I have zero interest in purchasing such a device and then paying a monthly usage fee. This article suggests a table is a usable shopping substitute. Is that correct? If so, please share the particulars.

You'd still likely have a monthly fee if you wanted the tablet to connect while out and about. A tablet is just a smartphone with a big screen.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/17/2020 09:34PM by JustForFun.
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January 17, 2020 09:16PM
@JustForFun wrote:

@shopperbob wrote:

I have always avoided shops that require a SmartPhone, as I have zero interest in purchasing such a device and then paying a monthly usage fee. This article suggests a table is a usable shopping substitute. Is that correct? If so, please share the particulars.

You'd still likely have a monthly fee if you wanted it to connect while out and about. It's just a smartphone with a big screen.

He is referring to a usage fee for a smartphone, if I’m reading his response correctly...

Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
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January 17, 2020 09:30PM
@Tarantado wrote:

@JustForFun wrote:

@shopperbob wrote:

I have always avoided shops that require a SmartPhone, as I have zero interest in purchasing such a device and then paying a monthly usage fee. This article suggests a table is a usable shopping substitute. Is that correct? If so, please share the particulars.

You'd still likely have a monthly fee if you wanted it to connect while out and about. It's just a smartphone with a big screen.

He is referring to a usage fee for a smartphone, if I’m reading his response correctly...

Yes indeed. If he expects smartphone-like roving connectivity on the hypothetical tablet, then a usage fee / monthly bill would likely apply to that device also. If he's content to use it only on wifi then he may be able to avoid the fee.

Or are you referring to some other "usage fee" other than the carrier's fee? I have owned several tablets and have never had monthly fee other than those related to the purchase itself (he says he expects to buy it outright, I believe, so that wouldn't apply) or the carrier's cellular usage fee to connect it. But maybe you're familiar with some other that i have not encountered?
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January 17, 2020 09:58PM
I much, much prefer a tablet. Depending on the app, I can complete all entry for the shop but am able to submit only where I can access wifi. Sometimes that's ok and sometimes not so I've always got a smartphone too. It's a personal preference which one you use.
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January 17, 2020 10:17PM
The following answers provided me with the information I needed: That I was far too ignorant of a tablet and its capabilities.

justforfun replied-- If he's content to use it only on wifi then he may be able to avoid the fee.

You'd still likely have a monthly fee if you wanted the tablet to connect while out and about. A tablet is just a smartphone with a big screen.

Thank you.
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January 18, 2020 01:28AM
No, a Tablet is not a smartphone with a bigger screen. You cannot call 911 from a tablet. The tablet uses the Internet to make a phone call. It can use the cellular network or wi-fi. But if I was using wi-fi I would have a VPN app on the tablet so not every Tom Dick and crooked Jane can snoop your data and steal the passwords to your bank.
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January 18, 2020 12:25PM
If my tablet leaves the house, I use my phone's hotspot to connect. Using public wifi is very risky.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
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January 19, 2020 07:43AM
@2stepps wrote:

No, a Tablet is not a smartphone with a bigger screen. You cannot call 911 from a tablet. .

Agreed, calling on a tablet is not like a smarphone in the least. It can be done but essentially none of the normal calling methods or apps work and you're left with second rate work-arounds and wifi calling. But within the context of ShopperBob's actual question about usefulness as a shopping tool the calling functionality is of no concern. At least for me, it's rare that I take or place a call while actually on a shop with the exception of phone shops of course.

I've found it pretty tough to take a discrete photo using a tablet, too. Maybe it's a skill I would improve it I stayed with it.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2020 08:02AM by JustForFun.
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January 19, 2020 08:03AM
@shopperbob wrote:

The following answers provided me with the information I needed: That I was far too ignorant of a tablet and its capabilities.

justforfun replied-- If he's content to use it only on wifi then he may be able to avoid the fee.

You'd still likely have a monthly fee if you wanted the tablet to connect while out and about. A tablet is just a smartphone with a big screen.

Thank you.

You're welcome.
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