[>AndyUK84<]

Hi Guys,

I know this has probably been asked numerous times, but I am going to be getting my new iPad hopefully at the weekend, however I have been umming umming and ahhing over the last few days on whether to get a Wi-Fi Only or 3G New iPad.

Part of me thought I can save the extra cash I would spend on getting the 3G Model and get a larger size Wi-Fi model, but I have a friend at work who got the 16GB Wi-Fi Model but wished she had got the 3G Version.

I have considered Tethering from my iPhone as an option, but I understand this really drains the battery quickly I hear?

I really cant decide, part of me thinks sod it and just get the 3G version and have been looking at the 32GB iPad, I can get a small discount through work if I buy through our Apple Purchase programme but only works out about £12 saving obviously better than a poke in the eye!.

Any thoughts welcome

Thanks All

[Chanser]

For me personally I got the Wi-Fi version because the 4G doesn't work in UK at all. If your roaming a fair bit then definitely get the 3G/4G 32GB model.

[wildy74]

You will benefit from increase 3G speeds in the new iPad if you are in an area that has been updated to so called 3.5G.

Personally I couldn't be bother with tethering the iPad ( I tether with iPhone and laptop and my battery does get hit) and like the fact that my iPad is always connected, in fact it would take me as 2 or 3 times as long to switch personal hot spot on and off as it would to quickly go on the net on the iPad.

Ii have had an iPad 1 and new iPad which is 3G.

[JazzG]

I've got it and definitely don't regret it, in fact a mate of mine recently had a play with my iPad and he has the non 3G version of the iPad 2 and said he will definitely get the 3G version. If you never take it out of the house no point but if you do then I'd say it is worth it, so much more convenient.

Doesn't matter if the UK network supports 4G, I'm not getting it because of 4G I'm getting it because of the 3G!

[Azzin]

This is a really simple question to answer, as it's subjective and doesn't really matter about anyone's opinion.

1. Does your mobile provider allow tethering at no cost?
2. If there's a charge, how much extra is it per month/year (vs additional cost of 3/4G iPad)
3. Do you "need" (not just "would be nice") to have online access on the iPad while you're out & about?
4. If you do, is it for long periods of time?
5. If it is and you think it may afffect the life of your iPhone battery due to tethering, get a 3/4G model.
6. If it's only for short periods (while grabbing a quick coffee somewhere), then get the Wi-Fi model and tether to your phone.

[interbear]

You should also consider whether or not you are a multi device person / family. I'm going to buy the WiFi only version of iPad but will use it with a MiFi device. MiFi is great - uses the 3G network to provide a WiFi signal to up to 5 devices....so, if you are out and about with family and have an iPad, iPod touch and/or laptop on the go, MiFi can provide wireless access to all of them. I use it with my iPod Touch and laptop. it's superb. So I don't really need the wireless version of iPad.

Pretty flexible and also, if you are in a dodgy 3G signal area, you can put the Mifi on a windowsill and still sit on the sofa browsing on your iPad.

You can buy MiFi via 3 or unlocked via ebay. I did the latter so that I can use it in France too.

[>AndyUK84<]

Dammit I still cant decide!

That seems good that you can use it abroad, do you just buy a Pay As You Go Three Sim with say 12GB on for example, can this be used abroad?

Might put the £100 I would of spent on a 3G 16GB towards a 32GB Wi Fi Only

How much did your unlocked MiFi Device cost you if you dont mind me asking?

[Bbnm]

I think 32 pads are the min really, 16s are not good for most. Wish I could of afforded the 64 tbf, was getting the 16' but was out of stock on ordering so 32 it was and gladly so.

I've been with network 3 for years, the iPad speed tests can run at 5meg down and o.5 up. The max I got via a 7.2 dongle and d 100 router was 3 down and 300 kb up.

Now that's using the same service afaik, although my iPad states 3 g, when it must be running the hsdpa .

So afaik as it stands now, the iPad using the same service at the same location performs a third better than pc and laptop.

Was surprised and don,t know exactly why, but it seems the tek on the iPad makes this so.

So when they sort the hotspot ability out on the iPad, I will then test to see if I get the same speed on my laptop via the pads hotspot.

Edit had a think, I think the extra speed is around the 40 percent extra claimed by three if you use their, prenuim dongle stroke mi fi. My dongle the 169 was at time of contract the fastest.

So the iPad is merely capable of utilising network threes speed ability just as it,s own latest tek is able too. My dongle as stated before, is upto 7'2 compliant, so to have it trumped by 40 percent by these newer dongles is a tad annoying.

Iam definetly not going to renew my dongle contract in 6 months time.

[>AndyUK84<]

Originally Posted by Bbnm

I think 32 pads are the min really, 16s are not good for most. Wish I could of afforded the 64 tbf, was getting the 16' but was out of stock on ordering so 32 it was and gladly so.

I've been with network 3 for years, the iPad speed tests can run at 5meg down and o.5 up. The max I got via a 7.2 dongle and d 100 router was 3 down and 300 kb up.

Now that's using the same service afaik, although my iPad states 3 g, when it must be running the hsdpa .

So afaik as it stands now, the iPad using the same service at the same location performs a third better than pc and laptop.

Was surprised and don,t know exactly why, but it seems the tek on the iPad makes this so.

So when they sort the hotspot ability out on the iPad, I will then test to see if I get the same speed on my laptop via the pads hotspot.

Edit had a think, I think the extra speed is around the 40 percent extra claimed by three if you use their, prenuim dongle stroke mi fi. My dongle the 169 was at time of contract the fastest.

So the iPad is merely capable of utilising network threes speed ability just as it,s own latest tek is able too. My dongle as stated before, is upto 7'2 compliant, so to have it trumped by 40 percent by these newer dongles is a tad annoying.

Iam definetly not going to renew my dongle contract in 6 months time.

Thanks for the information

Does the new iPad support HSDPA+?

I think I am going to go for a 4G iPad, I assume I would be able to use a Pay As You Go Mobile Broadband Three Sim Card abroad?

Also is it just a case of inserting the Sim Card into the iPad and the SIM is activated? Is there anything else I need to do?

Cheers

Andrew

[Azzin]

While UK SIMs "work" abroad, you will get charged HEAVILY for using data by roaming onto a different network, so be VERY careful.

[>AndyUK84<]

Originally Posted by Azzin

While UK SIMs "work" abroad, you will get charged HEAVILY for using data by roaming onto a different network, so be VERY careful.

Thanks for that, what about if its a Pay As You Go Sim with say 6GB on it, surely you can only use whats on the SIM?

[Bbnm]

Go over the limits at your peril, if it,s still one quid a meg on payg then in 5 mins of browsing, you're sunk a tenner.

You can set it up to not to work after so much data, again if that is relying on threes tracking then its prone to give incorrect figures.

You find out the prices for abroad before you go there, afaik non uk roaming is never part of any uk price plan.

As regards pad, insert micro sim, even when on, it will detect and work, perhaps with the need to switch the carrier setting on and wifi off, as afaik it defaults to wifi.

[>AndyUK84<]

Hmmm I am wondering if to just go for a Wi-Fi only model, just dont think its worth taking the risk in using a Pay As You Go Sim Abroad.

[Bbnm]

Have you looked at the network three deals ....

Your current cash and intended usuage will determine what you should get.

Take size for instance, got 32 want 64 ....

[>AndyUK84<]

Apart from buying SIM Cards in the country you are travelling to is there anywhere you can buy them before you go?

I have looked on a well known auction site, but there is not many countries on there apart from some in Europe, ideally I would like to buy before I get out to the country when I am going on holiday.

[Bbnm]

Is porn that important on holiday lol

[Azzin]

Originally Posted by >AndyUK84<

Hmmm I am wondering if to just go for a Wi-Fi only model, just dont think its worth taking the risk in using a Pay As You Go Sim Abroad.

Get a 3/4G iPad if you "need" one, just don't use the SIM data when you're abroad as it is VERY expensive.

[P Adams]

Hi All

Buying my first iPad and pretty much decided on a 64GB 3G (will use it for work as well – graphic designer)

I'll be travelling to the east coast of the USA later this year and will be using it on the road in the 'country' (although hotel WIFI will be an option at some point)

Any advice on a PAYG SIM for use in America for two weeks when I get to Boston?

[>AndyUK84<]

Hi Guys

I think I have decided I am going to go for a 32GB 4G Model as currently John Lewis seems to have these in stock at the moment, and I think not having to fart around with a Dongle will be easier.

Does anyone else think it seems that Wi-Fi Only Models are hard to come by at the moment?

Also is it possible to ring Apple stores to check what stock availibility is like? I am tempted to get one from my Lakeside store as get small discount from work of around £14, but is it worth the hours drive as would probably cost that in petrol? So could just use click and collect at John lewis and get it sent to my Waitrose store which is about 5 minutes away.

Wonder what I should do people?

[Azzin]

Andy-what do you NEED?

[>AndyUK84<]

Originally Posted by Azzin

Andy-what do you NEED?

Sorry mate, I know I am a pain! The wife has this every day lol.

Well I would possibly take the iPad away if I went on holiday abroad, but probably would not use 3G. Dont really take it out and about as I work in an office and I am not mobile for my work.

So taking the above into consideration a Wi-Fi only model probably will suit my needs fine

[nheather]

Also is it possible to ring Apple stores to check what stock availibility is like?

I too am waiting for the wifi models to come into stock. Reckon it will be a few weeks yet.

The online Apple ordering system states 1-2 weeks, but then it said that last week so it could just be a generic statment for out of stock items.

I briefly had the same question as you. Not that I would use the 3G\4G but that I like the idea of having a GPS in the iPad. I wasn't prepared to spend more so like you I considered 32GB 4G or 64GB wifi.

I've decided to stick with the wifi as I reckon I will use the extra memory much more than the GPS.

Looking at stock situations it would seem that the take up of 4G and 16GB models has been much lower than Apple anticipated as they are still pretty plentiful in stores.

Cheers,

Nigel

[P Adams]

Originally Posted by P Adams

Hi All

Buying my first iPad and pretty much decided on a 64GB 3G (will use it for work as well – graphic designer)

I'll be travelling to the east coast of the USA later this year and will be using it on the road in the 'country' (although hotel WIFI will be an option at some point)

Any advice on a PAYG SIM for use in America for two weeks when I get to Boston?

Any thoughts anyone

[crazzy kopite]

Is anyone using their phones to tether to the iPad yet. I am currently paying £15 a month for 10Gb and looking to get a phone for £30 a month and just use the phone to tether to the iPad and cancel the £15 a month iPad tarif.

[Azzin]

Originally Posted by crazzy kopite

Is anyone using their phones to tether to the iPad yet. I am currently paying £15 a month for 10Gb and looking to get a phone for £30 a month and just use the phone to tether to the iPad and cancel the £15 a month iPad tarif.

I tethered my iPad 1 and I now tether my iPad 3.

Both from my iPhone 4 on 3's One Plan.

[crazzy kopite]

Thanks I might get the iPhone 4s then and cancel the £15 a month that way I get new phone and still works out about £5 cheaper. How do you tether from your phone to iPad?

Does tethering use much battery?
Is surfing the net via tethering faster than 3G sim?
I might get the iPhone 4S weekend and then just sell it once the new iPhone/galaxy s3 is released. If I bought an iPhone would it work better with an iPad than a galaxy as it's an apple product?

Thanks in advance

[nheather]

Do some providers still charge to tether or have they all dropped it now.

Cheers,

Nigel

[Azzin]

Only 3 permit it at no extra cost on the One Plan AFAIK.

[dashfield]

I believe O2 allow it too. I went into the O2 store over the weekend to ask about adding an extra SIM to my contract to use with my new iPad and the guy said don't bother, just tether it to your iPhone.

So now I don't know what to do, should I save some money and get the WIFI only version and always tether it, or keep the 4G version and get a data SIM card.

I'll be using the iPad on the train, out and about quite a lot, but if the tethering really drains my battery, that could be a problem.

So confused.....

[5to1]

Originally Posted by nheather

Do some providers still charge to tether or have they all dropped it now.

Cheers,

Nigel

On personal plans it tends to be only the more expensive tariffs/data bolt ons which allow tethering. For example t-mobile only allow it on there top data bolt on, most people I know are not on those plans.

At the moment few networks enforce that policy unless you take the proverbial and hammer through data or are unfortunate enough to live in an area with congested cell(s). However, the costs for data outside bolt one are punitive, therefore I wouldn't advise taking the risk unless you are on a pay go tariff. The potential bill you could receive would probably make you drop your iPad in shock :/