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iPad 2 - 3G or mobile wifi?
MidnightFalcon
25-07-2011
I'm thinking of getting an iPad but I'm in two minds whether it go for the model with inbuilt 3g or to buy mobile wifi.

Does anyone know the pro's and cons of these options? Any advice would be gratefully recieved.
spanglysteve
25-07-2011
Wi-Fi
Pros:
* Hardware is cheaper
* Little ongoing cost

Cons
* Can only access internet in areas where wi-fi is freely available or where you will need to pay for it

3G
Pros
* You will be able to get online anywhere you have a phone signal on your chosen network (although speed will vary depending on whether you have GPRS, Edge, 3G HSPDA in the area you are in


Cons
* The hardware is more expensive
* Depending on your level of usage you may find you have to take an 18 month airtime contract


It might be worth checking if your curreny airtime package on your mobile phone allows you to tether. Tethering is where another device uses the data connection through your mobile) If it does you can set your phone up to be a wi-fi hotspot (like a router you may have in your house) and your ipad will pick up the signal from that and use it at no additional monthly cost (provided you stay within any relevant data allowance on your mobile contract.

The only real disadvantage of this option is that if your mobile runs out of battery (and creating a wi-fi hotspot will use your battery quite a bit) you have no internet on either your phone or your ipad.
MidnightFalcon
25-07-2011
Originally Posted by spanglysteve:
“Wi-Fi
Pros:
* Hardware is cheaper
* Little ongoing cost

Cons
* Can only access internet in areas where wi-fi is freely available or where you will need to pay for it

3G
Pros
* You will be able to get online anywhere you have a phone signal on your chosen network (although speed will vary depending on whether you have GPRS, Edge, 3G HSPDA in the area you are in


Cons
* The hardware is more expensive
* Depending on your level of usage you may find you have to take an 18 month airtime contract


It might be worth checking if your curreny airtime package on your mobile phone allows you to tether. Tethering is where another device uses the data connection through your mobile) If it does you can set your phone up to be a wi-fi hotspot (like a router you may have in your house) and your ipad will pick up the signal from that and use it at no additional monthly cost (provided you stay within any relevant data allowance on your mobile contract.

The only real disadvantage of this option is that if your mobile runs out of battery (and creating a wi-fi hotspot will use your battery quite a bit) you have no internet on either your phone or your ipad.”

Thank you.
Erlang
25-07-2011
Don't forget you only get assisted GPS with the 3G version.
Gormond
26-07-2011
If you can tether to your phone get wifi, otherwise get 3G.
sotek
26-07-2011
Originally Posted by Gormond:
“If you can tether to your phone get wifi, otherwise get 3G.”

Absolutely. Unless GPS functionality is essential, if your phone has the ability to operate as a wifi hotspot then the 3G version is simply a waste of money.
Save Rod Marsh
02-08-2011
Just jumping on the back of this topic....I have a mobile broadband 3 dongle, have done for years and always worked well (shock I know).

I'm now wanting an ipad2.

Am I correct in thinking that if I purchase a separate 3 mifi dongle, either from 3 or from the likes of Amazon,and put my 3 mobile bb sim card into the mifi dongle, I will be able to purchase an ipad2 with just wi-fi?

Apologies if this does sound a bit thick and basic but sometime technology baffles me...lol.
iain
02-08-2011
i think it also depends on where you envisage using your iPad.

if i ever bought one, i think it would probably be limited to use within the home - my phone and laptop cover my away from home needs. in which case i'd probably only ever get the wifi one.

Iain
Saint_Errant
02-08-2011
I got a wifi version and a 3 Mifi unit so I can pay as you go as well as power phone, computer etc via wifi when infant too with no contract. Plus it's cheaper than the combined cost forna 3G iPad and I can use it with future models if I choose to upgrade.
Save Rod Marsh
02-08-2011
Originally Posted by iain:
“i think it also depends on where you envisage using your iPad.

if i ever bought one, i think it would probably be limited to use within the home - my phone and laptop cover my away from home needs. in which case i'd probably only ever get the wifi one.

Iain”

I'll mostly be using it at home, especially with the iphone battery not being the best, but as I get decent 3g coverage across most of the area I'm with, I've heard of people taking their mifi with them out and about, and in some areas get a better signal than there mobile.

I think I'll be going for the wi-fi one only.
Save Rod Marsh
02-08-2011
Originally Posted by Saint_Errant:
“I got a wifi version and a 3 Mifi unit so I can pay as you go as well as power phone, computer etc via wifi when infant too with no contract. Plus it's cheaper than the combined cost forna 3G iPad and I can use it with future models if I choose to upgrade.”

Now you have convinced me , going to nearest 3 shop and see if a can negotiate an upgrade to mi-fi, but I'll fight em if they want their netbook back lol.
MidnightFalcon
02-08-2011
Thanks for your posts everyone, I eventually settled on the 3G version as I'll using it on the go a lot and my phone can't tether. Should be arriving any day.

Now I've just to decide on a network......
Gormond
02-08-2011
Originally Posted by MidnightFalcon:
“Thanks for your posts everyone, I eventually settled on the 3G version as I'll using it on the go a lot and my phone can't tether. Should be arriving any day.

Now I've just to decide on a network......”

If your looking for cheap then T-Mobile do £20 per 6 month, so the equiv of about £3.33 a month.

Other than that you could buy a 3 sim from amazon for £12 for 3 month. But you will have buy a new sim every 3 month.
iMacMan
02-08-2011
I use MyWi on my iPhone (jail broken) to make the most of my old unlimited data contract with O2.
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