Is it possible to have GSM phone (voice call) capability on a Windows 8.1 Pro system (e.g. a laptop/tablet with a GSM voice-capable mini PCI-E card such as Option's GTM671WFS)? And how would one go about getting it to work (assuming it is possible)? Is there even any software that would support such functionality?

I'm asking because I work remote, and while I'm fine with a phone + desktop while at home I'd rather have a single work-device to lug around when on-the-road. As I always have both phone + laptop on me if I'm working, I figured I might as well see if it would be possible to combine the two.

At this stage I'm considering battery life and other possible drawbacks as being irrelevant.

Anyhow, thanks in advance for any help in figuring this out.

• Edited by Jay Blorple Thursday, December 19, 2013 11:29 PM

Hi,

It depends on your tablet, if what you have is a GMS tablet with voice call, then youre able to enjoy this function, but for accurate information, I suggest you refer to the user manual for this model of tablet PC.

For software like these, I think you can use Skype to make calls, you can find more information in the following links:

Skype

http://www.skype.com/en/

Calling phones and mobiles

https://support.skype.com/en/category/CALLING_PHONES_SKYPEOUT/

Regards,

Yolanda

Hello Yolanda,

I think there's been a bit of confusion as to my question. As far as I'm aware of, there's not a single GSM-capable WIndows (7, 8 or 8.1) "Pro" (ie full versions of Windows) tablet or laptop on the market atm (not with voice-call capability - at least not advertised as such). Obviously, there are phones with Windows Phone 7,8 etc., but that's not what I'm interested in or looking at.

On the other hand, Skype, as far as I'm aware of, is not used to make calls on the GSM network, rather for calls over the internet - which again is not what I'm looking for.

What I'm asking is if it's possible (ie. if the full version of Windows somehow supports) regular GSM-network phonecalls, and if drivers and/or software exists to support this functionality - assuming one were to put in the necessary GSM-voice-call capable/supporting mini PCI-E card (this being necessary as, afaik, there aren't any systems sold with this kind of card already built in). And, while I've seen such cards for sale, they're usually through wholesalers, (apparently) without drivers (at least not drivers that I could find), nor have I been able to find software that makes use of such a card.

So, what all this boils down to is: Is it possible to, somehow, use my "full"-Windows laptop/tablet as if it were a regular phone, using the regular phone network, without needing an internet connection. I know - technically - the hardware exists, but I haven't seen any drivers/software which seems to support it, and as as far as I know it's not built-in functionality in "full"-Windows.

Anyhow, hope this clarifies it.

Regards,

J.B.

• Edited by Jay Blorple Saturday, December 21, 2013 10:40 PM

Hi Jay,

Yes, youre right, what Im referring to is not for windows OS,(sorry for my unclear description ) but for other system such as Android which comes with voice calling in some tablet models. So, up to now, Im afraid your goal to make a PC with windows OS to own a phone ability is a little hard to achieve.

Regards,

Yolanda

I think this is what you are looking for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpKQIdGu3cU