Linking to phone to laptop

[MM22]

Hi, I have a simple Alcatel phone which does everything I need but rarely use it because I find the tiny touchscreen slow and error prone.  I'm a confirmed computer user and except for the odd voice call when the other end will only use voice (BT and my GP surgery), I use a computer for everything else.

I drive a Vauxhall Astra with built-in voice connection software via Bluetooth, I set this up once and then when I get in the car with the phone in my bag, it auto-connects as soon as the ignition goes on.  The car hardware is great, big touchscreen and decent speakers.  

I also have a Windows 11 laptop with Bluetooth and decent speakers.  So, is this a silly question?  Is there software which would allow me to connect the phone and use it via the laptop like I can in the car?  

I might actually make some calls if there is!  

[Oxonian]

@MM22 

Based on what you have described, I would consider a Samsung Galaxy A54. This is an excellent mid-range Samsung 'phone that will do everything that you want and is far cheaper than a "S" series.   

[MM22]

£450 - eeek!    May be peanuts to most people but as you've doubtless realised, phones are not high on my priority spending list ... for perspective, what does the 'S' series have that this one doesn't?   Thank you for the recommendation.

[Oxonian]

There is a comparison here :-

Samsung S24 Vs Samsung A54: Flagship vs. Budget Beast (youtube.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziVJpY71rmc

The "S" series has many enhanced features such as better cameras. However, the main day-to-day omission for me on the A54 is that wireless charging is not supported.

There is likely to be an A55 released in the Spring ? If so, it will be interesting to see how feature-packed that is. 😀    

[madasaf1sh]

@MM22 

Have a look at the used market for handsets such as CEX or BackMarket and Handtec, as they offer good deals..  

As a Pixel 6 can be picked up for less than £200  

[MM22]

Thank you, as I don't understand what a lot of the comparison points are, I guess the 'budget beast' is the one for me!  Big selling point that 'Link to Windows' is listed in the spec as pre-installed, which gives me confidence it might actually work.  Most negative point is that a friend whose wife has a Samsung says he hates the software as it's not intuitive.  Wasn't till that discussion I realised not all Android front-ends are the same, I expected it to be like Windows.  Every time I acquire new computer you get same old Windows and I tweak it till it looks like all my other devices.  I really didn't want to learn a new OS so my knowledge of Android is minimal.  I hate it!

[MM22]

Thank you, I'm scared of getting something that doesn't work and can't be sent back.  Always bought my handsets from O2 in the past so they can't blame malfunction on the handset provider.  First law of buying computer system - don't split suppliers then they can't blame each other ... But as O2 appear to have removed Pay & Go handsets from their website, I'm going to have to break my own rule.  I have a nano SIM which I would just swap into the new handset, question is, will it work?  🤔

[madasaf1sh]

@MM22 

Yes, the nano sim will work in the Pixel Phones, and I have a Pixel Fold connected to my Windows 11 laptop using the link to windows and it works for calls and SMS...

I know the stores still have PAYG phones on dispay and for sale if that helps..

[MI5]

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@MM22 wrote:

 ... But as O2 appear to have removed Pay & Go handsets from their website,

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The PAYG options are now being sold via giffgaff Buy Google Pixel phone | SIM Free | Pay Monthly or Buy Now | giffgaff

[MM22]

Oh wow, someone else who uses a phone connected to a computer ... everyone I've mentioned this idea to looks at me as though I've grown 3 heads ... you give me hope!  The only reluctance about going Pixel is that I can't find it as having the Link to Windows option pre-installed, which Samsung do.  I really thought it was going to work on my present Alcatel after installing the app, because both WhatApp and the car software were so easy to connect ☹️   I guess I should troll down to the local O2 shop and see what they have on the shelf, thanks for that info.

[MM22]

Thank you, I can also buy SIM-free unlocked handsets from my local Argos or Currys.  The only reservation about buying from anywhere other than O2 is if the phone doesn't do what I want then O2 will blame the handset. 
I guess I need to ask the specific question about installing Link to Windows to the manufacturer.  I did similar when I bought my last car and when I got it home, found it didn't have the feature specified.  Got a lot of money back from the garage as they'd confirmed in writing ... This is what I want to see before buying, extracted from the Samsung spec, can't find anything similar for Pixel: