On 11/08/2017 09:34 AM, David Wright wrote:
On Wed 08 Nov 2017 at 07:50:21 (-0600), Richard Owlett wrote:
On a regional mailing list I had described what I'm looking for as a
tablet. That seems to include things that fold. Although I *DON'T*
want a "smartphone", that physical form factor is desirable. It must
be available as "new" from a U.S. retailer.
I have a preference for x86 processors, that is not a requirement.
I would like to use with a USB keyboard.
It will be used for simple data collection and data will be
transferred to home system primarily via a USB flash drive.
I suspect I've some unrecognized assumptions.
Suggestions please.
TIA
If you want a smartphone but don't want a smartphone, it sounds to me
as if you want a smartphone with no SIM card.
I didn't know that was still possible. A few years ago a local Staples
had smartphones of one manufacturer [Lenovo ????] in 3 flavors - with
SIM, without SIM, and without possibility of installing a SIM card. The
last was attractively priced [wasn't sure if that was a promotional
gimmick or factory seconds]. I bought one of the later.
That convinced me to NEVER consider an Android device for many reasons:
1. The hype at the time was that Android was Linux and thus FOSS.
*NOT*!
It was supposed to be "free" in the sense of "free speech".
There is no logical grounds to not pay for value delivered.
I was paying for a physical device and should be able to use it.
2. The DCMA was used as specious justification for obstructing OWNERS
from freely using and modifying their personal property. If a SIM
card could be eventually installed there would be a possible
justification for preventing a purchaser from using/modifying the
device in desired manner.
3. At the time Google had an effective monopoly of "free"[*sic*]
software. It may have been free of immediate monetary cost, *BUT*
they required you to yield personally identifiable information to
have access to "free"[*SIC*] software.
It's possible that this
device will still be able to dial 911: my Galaxy 4 claims to be able
to do that, though understandably it's not something I've tested.
("They" still come out even if you hang up right away.)
*LOL* I've been a beneficiary of that possibility.
If it's being tracked that you're worried about, then put it in
Airplane mode to prevent that. (Unfortunately that stops the FM radio
in the Galaxy from working, but not the music/video players.)
That type of privacy is not a major issue.
Having held a Commercial Radiotelephone Operator's license ~50 years
ago, I have no particular problem with restricting who can create havoc
on the airwaves.
And,
of course, you can always keep it turned off when not actually
collecting the data.
No problem. "Airplane mode" and "turning off" extends battery life.
Not aware of any downside.
