Development without activation?

[michaelee]

Hi folks,

First, my apologies if this has been answered elsewhere -- I scanned through the FAQs, did a quick search, and skimmed the pages in this sub-forum and couldn't find an answer.

I'm looking to purchase a few devices for Android 2.0+ development, but do not need access to live telephony / carrier-supported features. I know the "official" Android development machine can be purchased for $399, but the hardware's getting a bit long in the tooth.

So my question: can the Nexus One be purchased, unlocked, for $529, then used without activation for development? Will GPS and other non-carrier supported features function normally?

Thanks!

[kevindaledavis]

Simple answer is YES.
:nexusx:

You can connect to the internet through WiFi without a SIM card.

[michaelee]

Fantastic! Many, many thanks.

Is this fact documented anywhere officially so I can convince the pointy haired boss of it easily?

[kevindaledavis]

There are a lot of people on here or the Google support forums using VOIP over WiFi as their only connection. Search for VOIP WiFi. That might narrow it down some.

When I traveled to Asia for 3 weeks, I didn't want to pay GSM rates for international text, voice, and data. I regularly connected to various hotspots to get Google Voice text messages and browse the internet. I just took my SIM out. The phone gave me a No SIM message on the lock screen, but no other complaints.

You can't get paid Android Market apps with WiFi only. I don't know if there are other issues.

GPS works but you need an internet connection to get to Google Maps. You can't get some gross location features to work without carrier connection (tower location features). Some apps might require carrier connection.

[alphawave7]

Fantastic! Many, many thanks.

Is this fact documented anywhere officially so I can convince the pointy haired boss of it easily?

Plus, it's widely known the Nexus is not a 'locked' device to any one carrier...it can still be cost-subsidised, but not locked in the conventional sense..a SIM swap (or in your case, no SIM) is all it takes..the phone could care less.

[duvi]

I used it without a sim when I first got the device.

I've since made it my primary, but it is possible.

[michaelee]

Thanks for the additional info! Looks like I'll be purchasing around 5 of these for development purposes -- I'm pretty stoked about finally getting my hands on one of these outside the emulator!

[duvi]

Thanks for the additional info! Looks like I'll be purchasing around 5 of these for development purposes -- I'm pretty stoked about finally getting my hands on one of these outside the emulator!

congrats... get some protection for them. Haa.