[doorgunner69]

I was mildly intrigued by these tablet things until my brother visited with one. Then I found out that it could not do much of anything unless you had a "smartphone" and $$$ monthly data subscription.

Otherwise the thing was an oversize Palmpilot. Then again, I may be wrong and misunderstood him.

[Paladin2]

I have two (identical - one on the charger and one in use - then swap as needed) Android (former) smart phones that I use as PDAs getting their info off wifi (except for time/timezone which still comes through over the phone networks - no phone service for either)).

YMMV.

[GeronL]

The new IPADs does not need a “smartphone” but it needs a plan unless you just use it at home with the wifi

[Jonty30]

My surface has WiFi. Your brother may not have known how to activate it, or something.

He’s your brother and you know his backstory. I’m not here to judge. :)