Got my 7C (3G version) from US last week (a relative brought it back from US for me). Serial number is CAOKBCxxxxxx. Using it with a Maxis 3G broadband SIM.

And NO, cannot make phone calls via GSM no matter what SIM you insert (uses a micro SIM). However, you can use it to SMS but you have to download a 3rd party SMS app (there is no native SMS app in the OS). But separate charges by the telco will apply, I think. As for options of using 3G/2G network, there is only one option whereby you can tick and force the tablet to use 2G network only. If it is unticked, I assume it is in auto mode - 3G when there is 3G signal, and 2G when there is very weak or no 3G signal.

Oh, I am currently unrooted.

You probably can get one at Low Yat. Gotta shop around. Can't remember where I saw it already.

You can send SMS, so long as your SIM or plan supports it. But you would have to install a 3rd party SMS app. I installed GoSMS on my 7C (i.e. 3G version) and it can send SMSes just fine. No need to root or anything. Oh, I am a Maxis broadband (data only) plan and using the broadband SIM.

As for GSM calls, sorry, no can do. Don't think you are able to do it even if you rooted it.

This post has been edited by jpaq: Dec 17 2012, 08:21 PM

Luckily there is only the one "pure" Android firmware build on all Nexus 7 units. Unlike the Galaxy Nexus. Sucks balls if you have the yakjuxw firmware build. If I'm gonna have to wait for Samsung to release firmware updates on a Google Galaxy Nexus, I might as well get a Samsung phone. Which I did. Sold my GalNex (which was also running yakjuxw) and got myself an S3 few months back.

This post has been edited by jpaq: Dec 17 2012, 08:36 PM

Really "yak juw" (cantonese: eat banana)! LOL!

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Added on December 17, 2012, 8:44 pmBut bear in mind the SMS charges will be the normal full charge. Special or discounted rates will not apply.

This post has been edited by jpaq: Dec 17 2012, 08:44 PM

Sold the GalNex also because of the shitty battery life. However, I got the 4.1.1 update for my S3 about a month ago.

Aiseh bro, OBVIOUSLY if you have a plan with free SMS, then won't be full charge lah. No need to write until intestines also come out, right? But such a plan will normally come with voice calls, but if you can't make calls on the Nexus 7, for what?!

I already said I am using a broadband only SIM with my Nexus 7 and I have sent SMSes from it without any problems via a 3rd party app. You want me to SMS spam you?

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Added on December 18, 2012, 11:39 amIf you memang plan to root or already rooted, yes, why not. But if you don't want to root, then can get a 3rd party app like Go SMS. It's free after all.

This post has been edited by jpaq: Dec 18 2012, 11:39 AM

Search the Garage Sales. Many members can send to you. So far, I have dealt with sakurazz. Can be trusted. Another one would be tskhor. Although I have not dealt with him before, but he seems to get a lot of good feedback.

Just to clarify a little bit more regarding SMSes. You can send SMSes on the Nexus 7 WITHOUT rooting. Just install a 3rd party app like Go SMS Pro (free on Play Store). I have the N7 3G version and I have installed Go SMS Pro and have sent and received SMSes with it.

Looks good. Where did you get it from? And how much did you pay for it?

This post has been edited by jpaq: Jan 7 2013, 12:54 PM

Cool. Thank for the info!

I thought it never needed root? Not only now but from day 1.