Lapdock?

[devils3023]

I would consider a lap doc if I didn't have to pay for more data. ATT&T requires a tethering data plan for theirs. I'd expect Verizon to do the same, even if you have unlimited data on your phone.

Really? That's the first I'm hearing about that. Your not really tethering, just linking the phone up to a larger display and keyboard. Isn't tethering when you use your phone as a modem for another device such as an actual computer or ps3/xbox? I know the mobile hotspot feature is extra. Anybody else heard of this? Would seriously kill my plans for getting the lapdock if true.

**EDIT**
Ok, so just looked into it and you don't have to pay more if you use it with wi-fi only...phew!!...Still doesn't really make sense to me why we should have to pay for even more data...I guess with the bigger screen people are more likely to stream movies and stuff. Oh well, ill be using it on wi-fi only then.

[Trusstopher]

Does running a lap dock modify the UI at all or is it just your phone on a bigger screen? I don't see how they could justify requiring a tether package for that and not for using HDMI to an external monitor.... and I'm going to be p*ssed if I have to pay the tethering fee to use my HDMI feature

[ConqSoft]

Well, you get a full keyboard also, which will make it easier to use more data more quickly, in theory.

[Trusstopher]

can't these newer phones handle a blue-tooth keyboard/mouse?

[devils3023]

Does running a lap dock modify the UI at all or is it just your phone on a bigger screen? I don't see how they could justify requiring a tether package for that and not for using HDMI to an external monitor.... and I'm going to be p*ssed if I have to pay the tethering fee to use my HDMI feature

It does change the UI when displayed on the lapdock but you still only have access to what is currently installed on your phone. It's not like tethering to your personal computer where you can run heavy data consuming software programs and are using a faster processor. Makes no sense to me that they will charge more to use the lapdock on the network. There is no fee to use the HDMI mirror mode, and the only difference between that and the lapdock is the use of the physical keyboard instead of the phone as the input device.

[DoctorV]

Does running a lap dock modify the UI at all or is it just your phone on a bigger screen? I don't see how they could justify requiring a tether package for that and not for using HDMI to an external monitor.... and I'm going to be p*ssed if I have to pay the tethering fee to use my HDMI feature

If I remember right the UI is a little bit different when it's connected to the lapdock. No you don't need to pay for a tethering package for the lapdock or for hooking it up via HDMI cable to an HDTV. Tethering means that you're using your phone as an access point (internet connection) for other devices such as a laptop or desktop computer. The lapdock just changes the way you interact with your phone and that's all. The lapdock is just slapping on a glorified keyboard and monitor to your phone; it's useless by itself.

[devils3023]

If I remember right the UI is a little bit different when it's connected to the lapdock. No you don't need to pay for a tethering package for the lapdock or for hooking it up via HDMI cable to an HDTV. Tethering means that you're using your phone as an access point (internet connection) for other devices such as a laptop or desktop computer. The lapdock just changes the way you interact with your phone and that's all.

I hope that is true, but AT&T requires a $45 4gb tethering package for the lapdock unless you use it on wi-fi only.

[DoctorV]

I hope that is true, but AT&T requires a $45 4gb tethering package for the lapdock unless you use it on wi-fi only.

Whhhhaaattt? That sounds ludicrous! Are you sure about that? That seems absurd when all you're doing is essentially just changing the way you interact with your phone. If they're going to do that then why not charge people the $45 4gb tethering package if they use a bluetooth headset or use a stylus pen to interact with the screen?

[Donsell]

This is the source. I didn't know you could buy it but promise to only use wifi. I'll try to check on that when I get the chance. UPDATED: Motorola Atrix Lapdock $1450 (you thought it was expensieve when announced huh) » Android Phones, Android Tablets, News, Tech, Gadgets And More, Thedroidguy

[DoctorV]

This is the source. I didn't know you could buy it but promise to only use wifi. I'll try to check on that when I get the chance. UPDATED: Motorola Atrix Lapdock $1450 (you thought it was expensieve when announced huh) » Android Phones, Android Tablets, News, Tech, Gadgets And More, Thedroidguy

That's insane. I hope Verizon doesn't pull that garbage. As if the lapdock wasn't overpriced enough. I would hope the $30 Unlimited data plan would cover it and if not then the lapdock idea will die a really quick death.