Smartphone alternatives to getting a hobbying phone?

Imperius

Upstanding Member
Aug 23, 2012
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I've been thinking of getting a dedicated hobbying phone, but there are drawbacks to that and I'd much rather use a good app (or a good combination of apps) on my Android smartphone to get a "virtualized hobby phone".

The features I'd like to have include the following, and preferably free or at a reasonable one time cost.

- a separate phone number that only receives calls when I want (i.e. goes to a separate private voicemail when I don't want to receive calls on that number)
- a separate contact list that doesn't show up in my main contact list
- text messages to/from those in the above contact list do not appear in the "regular" text log
- phone calls to/from the above number do not appear in the "regular" call log
- some kind of security/password on all of the above so it is hard to find or view

Anyone know of such an app or good combination of apps?

Thanks.
 

Imperius

Upstanding Member
Aug 23, 2012
627
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just get a old skool blackberry!
LOL... thanks, but I am looking for a solution that uses my existing smartphone so that I don't need another physical phone.

Having a second phone would create more problems for me than it would solve.
 

basketcase

Well-known member
Dec 29, 2005
61,291
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Go old school and get a second sim card. Just switch it out when you want to hobby.
 

Imperius

Upstanding Member
Aug 23, 2012
627
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I've considered a second SIM, but that's still a relative PITA, and with today's technology doesn't seem necessary. I know one can run a virtual phone on a smartphone without incurring the additional costs of a separate SIM/account, and with the convenience of still being able to use your smartphone as usual.

I'm aware of the Burner app for iPhone that does some of what I want (although it's not available for Android yet), and I've seen some other apps in the Play store that do other parts. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with a single app that does it all, or a combination of apps that play well together.
 

Imperius

Upstanding Member
Aug 23, 2012
627
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Thanks for the suggestion. I took a look at Dell Voice. One needs to subscribe to get text messaging, and it looks like its contact list is shared with the phone's main contact list.

Multi-Sim Phones:
http://dx.com/c/cell-phone-599/cell-phones-511/multiple-sim-phones-530

As low as $30 from China. Don't laugh. Some work quite well!
That's really interesting. I wonder if the major manufacturers will incorporate such a feature into their flagship phones for sale in North America. Probably not for a while...

Assuming it works as I would imagine, this would be pretty much ideal.
 

danibbler

Active member
Feb 2, 2002
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Toronto
A couple of years ago, "China" phones with dual sims were very popular in Asia. Not only great for hobbying but very handy if you're constantly travelling.
 
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