How do I get a tablet WITHOUT internet or mobile?

Lee James · 2 Nov 2021 at 14:53

I don't use wireless devices, and don't own a cellphone. But I was wondering if it's possible to get a PDA/tablet that CAN'T connect to WiFi or a mobile network? (In other words, without a modem or radio transmitter.)

I'd just like a tablet I can use to view photos/videos, or maybe even read plain text files, from an SD card. But I want it to be completely offline. Preferably without any microphones or cameras because they creep me out and I take my privacy seriously.

d_brennen · 2 Nov 2021 at 14:56

Just turn the WiFi off?

VersionMonkey · 2 Nov 2021 at 15:16

Lee James said:
I'd just like a tablet I can use to view photos/videos, or maybe even read plain text files, from an SD card. But I want it to be completely offline. Preferably without any microphones or cameras because they creep me out and I take my privacy seriously.

Sounds to me like you are wanting somthing closer to a "digital photo frame" than a tablet.

But otherwise, some sort of networking (at least WiFi) and cameras and microphones are now pretty much inherent to the tablet form factor. Best you can do is put it into "airplane" mode and remove permissions for the cameras and microphones, but you might still need to have it on WiFi for initial set up.

Lee James · 20 Nov 2021 at 00:42

Sorry to go quiet here, I just moved house and was without internet for a while.

VersionMonkey said:
Sounds to me like you are wanting somthing closer to a "digital photo frame" than a tablet.

THANK YOU! That is exactly what I want! I had no idea such things existed! :-)

Perfect!

Thank you!

Semple · 20 Nov 2021 at 08:15

Lee James said:
Sorry to go quiet here, I just moved house and was without internet for a while.

THANK YOU! That is exactly what I want! I had no idea such things existed! Perfect! Thank you!

You might find they're shocking for reading text files on, and not sure how smooth video playback would be. I'm not sure if photo frames have a battery either.

Lee James · 20 Nov 2021 at 13:39

Semple said:
You might find they're shocking for reading text files on, and not sure how smooth video playback would be. I'm not sure if photo frames have a battery either.

Thanks for the great advice. Looking at images is the main thing I need it for - anything else is a bonus. I don't mind about the power. I'll only really be using it indoors and could always figure out a portable power solution if I needed it. :-)