Skyroam Gmate+

Skyroam's Gmate+ is a fairly novel idea in the ever-evolving smart-device space. How often do you come across a pocketable GSM/GPRS modem that allows for telephony functions and mobile data access (it's limited to slower-than-3G data rates, though) via Bluetooth on Google-powered tablets and iPads?
By extension, the device also transforms single-SIM Androids and iPhones into dual-SIM variants sans the inconvenience of carrying around two handsets at all times. In other words, it's a pretty awesome product with a unique yet desirable (and Bluetooth-dependent) premise.
Pity for some, you'll need to jailbreak your iOS device in order to use the Gmate+. In connection with that, a rooted Android is mandatory for GPRS connectivity. Frankly, it's not much of a downer for us as, say, a large-screen phone with a short battery life. With the exception of our iPhone 4S, all our gadgets are either rooted or has access to App Store alternative Cydia.
Still, we admit that it is most likely a deal breaker for some, especially those who are sticklers for warranty claims. That said, we'd still insist that the pros far outweigh the few cons. We'd even argue that Gmate+ is a godsend for turning our no-longer-new iPad into a tablet-slash-ridiculously-massive-phone.
Package contents
The Skyroam Gmate+ comes with the following:

• Gmate+
• 700mAh battery
• microUSB cable
• User manual
• Warranty card
• Fabric sling

Hardware
Save for the pulsating status indicator placed on the top center, Gmate+, with its plastic form factor, looks rather pedestrian and uninspired. The all-black number of our review unit does make it somewhat expensive-looking, though.
Up front, a thin layer of glossy plastic displays the manufacturer's logo in silver. Flipping it over reveals a removable rear cover with a smooth, matte--almost ceramic--coating, which makes for a comfortable hand-holding experience.
The power button sits on the left side--at the thumb position of your left hand--for convenient access when holding it in one hand. There's a Reset pinhole here as well, along with a microUSB connector. To be clear, Gmate+ doesn't ship with a wall charger, so if you don't already own one, you'll need a machine with a standard USB port for charging. It's either that or a wall or car charger with a USB port.
Moving on, the right side of the device features a full-size SIM card slot sealed by a rubberized flap.
Based on our testing, the 700mAh cell behind the cover is capable of up to three days of standby time, which includes about 150 SMS messages, 90 minutes of calls, and 60 minutes of 2G Web browsing.
Take note, however, that if you plan on keeping mobile data on for longer than usual (to send and receive texts via Apple's iMessage, for example), the paltry battery inside Gmate+ may have trouble lasting through a single day. Hopefully, future iterations will sport a high-capacity cell; we'll gladly tolerate the extra bulk if it means a longer battery life.
Inside, there's a Bluetooth radio for wireless pairing over the proprietary, short-distance technology standard (Gmate+ only works with Bluetooth-enabled hardware). The downside to this, of course, is that enabling Bluetooth eats up battery power on already-power-hungry gadgets; Androids and iDevices typically are, in case you're still unsure of what we're referring to. Again: This thing needs a bigger battery.

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  Skyroam Gmate+ screenshot

  Pairing the Gmate+ with our Android tablet

Screenshots: We paired our Android tablet with the Gmate+

Setup and usage
Now, on to far exciting stuff... putting Gmate+ into action.
We've already established that the device requires a jailbroken iDevice or a rooted Android, so let's just skip ahead. Besides, rooting procedures vary greatly for Androids--usually depending on the manufacturer. If you want to read up on jailbreaking and rooting, Google is there to help. Bear in mind, though, that doing any of the two may void your warranty. Needless to say, proceed with caution.
The first thing to do, granted your gadget is already jailbroken or rooted (that is, if you want to use Gmate+ for mobile data), is to download and install the Gmate client using Cydia (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android). After a successful install, fire up the client and pair Gmate+ with your gadget via Bluetooth. Use the client for calls and SMS texts; like it or not, besides the battery and signal-strength indicator in the status bar, Gmate+ comes with its own phonebook, dialer, and SMS software.
That's it! You're actually good to go! Easy peasy.
Verdict
Despite a handful of things to nitpick, the Skyroam Gmate+ is a peerless product that impressed us a lot. You will most likely need how-tos, additional software, patience, and a gutsy attitude to fully enjoy it, but if you can somehow get past jailbreaking or rooting your gadget--not to mention the wanting 700mAh battery--then it's easy to recommend to those who need it.
Gmate+ retails for P4,500 in the Philippines. For more info, visit Gmate Philippines' Facebook page.

• Skyroam Gmate+

  It's a pocketable GSM/GPRS modem that allows for telephony functions and mobile data access (it's limited to slower-than-3G data rates, though) via Bluetooth on Google-powered tablets and iPads? 

Photos of the product itself