# i want a handheld device thats not a phone **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 16, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003 "2017-02-16T20:04:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mikecurtis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikecurtis/32/3284_2.png) [@mikecurtis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikecurtis)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/1 "2017-02-16T20:04:25Z")
do they still make things like the ipod? i basically want a smartphone thats not a phone. the only things i’m finding out there are mini tablets but theyre huuuuuge! i would like to be able to: 1. connect to internet via wifi 2. run apps. 3. take pics 4. whatever else i’m not thinking of 5. most importantly; carry it in my pocket! basically do everything you can do with a smartphone without having to have a phone contract! i’m also not an apple fan, but thats not a deal breaker if thats all thats available. any suggestions? mc ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/2 "2017-02-16T20:11:45Z")
Just purchase a pre-paid phone and don’t activate it. I have an LG Volt for Sprint prepaid that I use exactly like you describe. It’s my mini-tablet. When it first turned on after purchase it spent about 10 minutes trying to connect to Sprint to activate, but that was all. I don’t have any nag screens or anything. It’s just like a tablet. YMMV, not all phones will work exactly the same. Some phones will have nag screens every time you turn them on and some may not allow you to bypass the activation. Another alternative is to buy a used phone from craigslist. Likely it won’t have a service plan, so you can see it in person if it can still be used without a plan. You can also buy unlocked versions of the premium phones, but they’ll cost more since they aren’t being subsidized by the carrier. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/3 "2017-02-16T20:15:24Z")
You can get a pay as you go smartphone for a very low price and just not sign up for the contract or just get minimal front end contract for few bucks and let it expire. Some phones require you put in contract data before activating all features but many do not. I have 2 little Motorola G’s with nice feature sets I got for 30 each I use in just that way for mini tablets around the house. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/4 "2017-02-16T20:18:49Z")
> [@mikecurtis](#): > > do they still make things like the ipod? i basically want a smartphone thats not a phone. the only things i’m finding out there are mini tablets but theyre huuuuuge! > > i would like to be able to: > > 1. connect to internet via wifi > 2. run apps. > 3. take pics > 4. whatever else i’m not thinking of > 5. most importantly; carry it in my pocket! > > basically do everything you can do with a smartphone without having to have a phone contract! i’m also not an apple fan, but thats not a deal breaker if thats all thats available. > > any suggestions? > > mc [iPod Touch](https://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPod-touch-16GB-Generation/dp/B011SLD1NC/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1487276298&sr=1-3&keywords=ipod+touch). Literally exactly what you listed, that’s what it does. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/5 "2017-02-16T20:19:52Z")
Those don’t really exist anymore. (Or so I’m told whenever I look for one, because I’d like one to replace my very nearly dead Galaxy Player.) The closest is to buy an unlocked phone (or “pay as you go” phone) and never use it as a phone. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/6 "2017-02-16T20:21:06Z")
There are very small tablets - 7 inch - and if you go the phone route, something like a Note II, 3 or 4 can be had from Swappa at a very reasonable price. I’ve used my Note II as a pocketable tablet that happens to have phone features for five years, and only now, with going to almost paperless news and entertainment reading, have I felt the need to upgrade to a bigger tablet. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/7 "2017-02-16T20:38:17Z")
> [@leftfield6](#): > > [iPod Touch](https://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPod-touch-16GB-Generation/dp/B011SLD1NC/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1487276298&sr=1-3&keywords=ipod+touch). Literally exactly what you listed, that’s what it does. Woohoo! I loved my iPod Touch, until I finally had to get a smartphone (I wanted a smartphone but didn’t want to pay for data. My work got me one.) ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/8 "2017-02-16T20:53:08Z")
There’s this, but it looks pretty poor: > **[Kurio KURIO-C13200 4-Inch Android Tablet - Red : Amazon.co.uk: Computers &...](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kurio-KURIO-C13200-4-Inch-Android-Tablet/dp/B00LFVCEU2)** > > Product Description The Ultimate Android Pocket Tablet for children is preloaded with games, educational activities, ebooks and multimedia apps; as well as access to Google Play and Kurio Store for more options. Set up to four independent... ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/9 "2017-02-16T21:11:40Z")
Just be careful if you do decide to get an iPod Touch. They are more expensive than you’d pay for a comparable android device, and if you get an older/used one it won’t take the latest iOS version and so won’t be able to use most itunes apps. The “just buy a phone with no phone plan” is a pretty good theory. Also you can buy a prepaid phone with a small amount of time on it, and then your handheld device that’s not a phone can also make emergency phone calls. Since I assume that you’re not against your phone being a phone, you just don’t want a monthly charge for the damn thing. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/10 "2017-02-16T21:23:41Z")
I use my old Samsung Galaxy S3 like this. It doesn’t have phone service on it, but I use it in my house, where it’s connected to WiFi. I keep it upstairs since I don’t live with my phone permanently attached to me. I don’t see why you couldn’t stand outside a cell phone store & offer to buy someone’s old phone for a few $ after their new one is activated. Tell _them_ to do the factory data reset so that you don’t have access to any of their pictures/contacts/emails/apps. If it’s an older Samsung, or other model, which has replaceable batteries you can buy a new one (if necessary - not holding a charge) cheaply on e-bay. ---
**Author:** ![mikecurtis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikecurtis/32/3284_2.png) [@mikecurtis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikecurtis)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/11 "2017-02-16T21:23:52Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > Just be careful if you do decide to get an iPod Touch. They are more expensive than you’d pay for a comparable android device, and if you get an older/used one it won’t take the latest iOS version and so won’t be able to use most itunes apps. > > The “just buy a phone with no phone plan” is a pretty good theory. > > Also you can buy a prepaid phone with a small amount of time on it, and then your handheld device that’s not a phone can also make emergency phone calls. Since I assume that you’re not against your phone being a phone, you just don’t want a monthly charge for the damn thing. when i talk to retailers about buying a phone without a plan they look at me like i have 2 heads = why would i possibly want such a thing? but your last line sums it up pretty well. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/12 "2017-02-16T21:28:09Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > Just be careful if you do decide to get an iPod Touch. They are more expensive than you’d pay for a comparable android device, and if you get an older/used one it won’t take the latest iOS version and so won’t be able to use most itunes apps. > > The “just buy a phone with no phone plan” is a pretty good theory. > > Also you can buy a prepaid phone with a small amount of time on it, and then your handheld device that’s not a phone can also make emergency phone calls. Since I assume that you’re not against your phone being a phone, you just don’t want a monthly charge for the damn thing. Even if you don’t have a contract, all phones must be able to call 911 per FCC regulation. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/13 "2017-02-16T21:29:38Z")
> [@mikecurtis](#): > > when i talk to retailers about buying a phone without a plan they look at me like i have 2 heads = why would i possibly want such a thing? You can always just buy an unlocked phone online via numerous retailers, manufacturer stores, Amazon, eBay, etc. ---
**Author:** ![mikecurtis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikecurtis/32/3284_2.png) [@mikecurtis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikecurtis)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/14 "2017-02-16T21:52:21Z")
i didnt know there was such a thing as an unlocked phone. cant for the life of me figure out why the phone retailers didnt clue me in. :rolleyes: mc ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/15 "2017-02-16T22:19:14Z")
You don’t need an unlocked anything to use it as a pocket/wifi-only tablet. Locking refers only to the ability to assign the phone to any provider network you want. If Verizon gives you a phone on a deal or plan, they co-own the phone until you’ve paid off the contract. But if you’re going to skip connecting to any phone network, locked or unlocked means almost nothing. Buy any phone that pleases you on [Swappa.com](http://Swappa.com). One from one of the minor providers might be a better buy since it would have fewer takers. Unlock info is also often on the net, if not complete rooting so you can do all kinds of useful things the maker/provider don’t want you to. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/16 "2017-02-16T22:30:00Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > The “just buy a phone with no phone plan” is a pretty good theory. Agreed - especially now that: [ul] [li]Modern handsets never have a stub antenna (so they don’t look explicitly like a phone)[/li][li]The cellular radio can usually be turned off (so the redundant phone components are not consuming much power)[/li][li]The remaining ‘phone-like’ features such as microphone, speaker, volume buttons are useful within non-phone apps[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/17 "2017-02-16T22:34:03Z")
One provider last year was having close-out sales on an “old” model. _Very_ cheap on Amazon. It was trivial to bypass the setup up screen. So I got one. But I decided it would be nice if I could make calls. I got the same model but from a pay as you go provider with a cracked screen off eBay for cheap. Swapped MB with my phone. Unlocked it, rooted it and activated it on Tracfone. Frankenphone. (I bought a second and then fixed the screen on the eBay phone. So 3 of basically the same thing. Portable little Android devices. Mp3 players. Etc.) It is really easy to get a “new old” smart phone for $20 or less. ---
**Author:** ![standingwave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/18 "2017-02-16T22:50:35Z")
Got ninja’d on the IPod Touch so here are Cnet’s [Best Android alternatives to the iPod Touch](https://www.cnet.com/news/best-android-alternatives-to-ipod-touch/). ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/19 "2017-02-16T23:24:06Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > You don’t need an unlocked anything to use it as a pocket/wifi-only tablet. Locking refers only to the ability to assign the phone to any provider network you want. True. My point was just that if the guys at the store are giving you static about not buying a phone plan, you don’t need to buy a phone through the store. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2017, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003/20 "2017-02-16T23:25:14Z")
I can’t really suss spending so much on a limited device, when the same thing, with an unwanted and ignorable function, can be had for much less. If I were to remove three icons from my Note II (Phone, Contacts, Voicemail) there would be no sign left it had phone capabilities. And it’s an awesome little tablet/media device. The devices in the CNet article are kind of like paying a premium price for a three-legged horse. 🙂 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-handheld-device-thats-not-a-phone/780003.md?page=2)