4G equipped Android tablet?

[Deleted User]

Could anyone recommend a tablet, to fill the following requirements.

Running Android.

Built in 4G.

Decent sized screen - Say 9" and upward.

Supplied/optional hard case, Bluetooth Keyboard (not essential, but preferred).

For the hard case/keyboard, something like they supply for the Ipads, that makes it like a Netbook, would be ideal.

Johnmcl7

Off the top of my head it's a difficult set of requirements as there's not that many Android 4g tablets nor those with a 2 in 1 keyboard design, Asus used to offer them with their Transformer design but don't seem to now for Android, only Windows 10 same as some of the other 2 in 1 designs.

Samsung's outgoing Galaxy Tab S2 has a 4g version and a keyboard cover, although it's been discontinued it's still a pretty nice tablet particularly the screen:

http://www.samsung.com/uk/tablets/galaxy-tab-s2-9-7-t819/SM-T819NZWEBTU/

http://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-accessories/book-cover-ft810-galaxy-tab-s2-9-7/EJ-FT810BBEGGB/?catnm=All+Tablets&catid=4345

The new Galaxy Tab S3 has a keyboard cover as well although right now they don't seem to be offering a 4G version, just wifi:

https://shop.samsung.com/uk/samsung-galaxy-tab-s3-keyboard-cover-grey-300587/

The current Samsung Galaxy Tab A also offers 4G but I can't see an official keyboard design for it:

http://www.samsung.com/uk/tablets/galaxy-tab-a-10-1-2016-t585/?catnm=GALAXY+Tab+A&catid=4347

This one from Logitech looks like it may be compatible, it only lists the S2 but a link to it shows the Tab A:

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/type-s-keyboard-case-galaxy-tab-s

Google's Pixel C offers a decent keyboard designed for the tablet but there's no 4G option and the price is crazy then the keyboard is on top of that:

https://store.google.com/product/pixel_c

Lenovo have their odd Yoga book which is a very thin Android laptop almost but instead of a keyboard it has a capacitative screen, no 4G and the tablet part doesn't detach:

http://www3.lenovo.com/gb/en/tablets/android-tablets/yoga-tablet/Lenovo-Yoga-Book/p/ZZITZTOYB1F

Huawei offer a 4G version of their 8in Mediapad but it's smaller than you've requested, it's hard to find in the UK and there's no official keyboard option:

http://consumer.huawei.com/en/tablets/mediapad-m2/index.htm

I can't think of anything else close to your requirements.

John

[Deleted User]

How about a slim Windows Netbook/Notebook, of around 10"?

Johnmcl7

What sort of budget do you have in mind? Something like a Latitude 11 comes to mind:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-Latitude-11-5175-m5-6Y57-upto2-8GHz-4Gb-128Gb-WWAN-Win10-1Yr-RTB-WTY-MLL542/142220583014?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107083358%26meid%3Dc65ca7fa45f34311b760df09e43a5050%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D142220797788

It has two keyboard options, a Surface style one where it rests on a stand (it's compatible with the Venue 11 Pro keyboard as it's much the same hardware) or a more laptop one that it clicks into. I have a Latitude 11 with the latter keyboard and unsure about it, the keyboard isn't great and it makes the tablet far heavier plus it has a solid bump a the back which I find is not great for typing on your lap.

None of the Surface pro 4's offer onboard 4g, nor does the Galaxy Tab Pro S or similar Asus Core-m models either.

John

[Deleted User]

If I can't get something with built in 4G, then I may as well stick with my Hudl 2 and MiFi Dongle.

The whole point of getting a new tablet, is to do away with the Dongle while travelling, allowing me to conveniently use it while travelling by coach, train etc., and while walking.

Johnmcl7

There are quite a few options for builtin 4G as listed above but you always have to pay through the nose for that convenience and I suspect it's not that popular an option given how few models there are out there.

John

[Deleted User]

Also, I'm guessing the constant advancement toward newer technology (eg. 5G) means they become obsolete very quickly.

Replacing a 4G Dongle with a 5G one, is going to be a lot cheaper than replacing a 4G tablet with a 5G one.

Johnmcl7

The market isn't moving that quickly, 5G isn't even a ratified standard yet and it will be a long time before we see widespread deployment - the rest of the tablet's hardware will be obselete long before its 4G radio is.

Most people are content to use wifi on their tablets and use the wifi hotspot on their phone when outwith wifi hence the demand for cellular tablets is relatively low.

John

[Deleted User]

My phone doesn't work as a WiFi hotspot.

Johnmcl7

I wasn't suggesting to use your phone, just that I suspect many people do which reduces the demand for tablets with onboard modems.

John

50Twuncle

There are many available :
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1/253-5004955-6512007?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=4g+tablet