Is the 3G version of the ipad2 worth getting, rather than the non 3G version?

The 3G signal on my smart phone is pretty dire, it is so slow so it is next to useless if you are looking for an instant service.

Does the 3G reception depend on where you are in the country, or which provider you are with? Does the ipad 3G work in the same way ..... will that be just as slow?


Any help much appreciated.

3G reception will depend on who you're with and where you are.

If you have crap 3G reception on your smartphone, and you use the same network for a 3G iPad or other tablet, that will also be crap.

I went for the WiFi only iPad 2. WiFi at home, WiFi at work, WiFi at hotels & coffee shops etc. etc. etc. For the odd occasion when I don't have WiFi (e.g. on a train) I just tether it to my smartphone (obviously that is no use for you though if you get crappy 3G anyway).

Thanks very much for your reply.

Thought I would check the nity gritty before I got the top spec ipad then realised that 3G was a waste of time.

Guess I will give the 3G a miss then.

Now for the 32GB v 64GB.

By the time I make my mind up the ipad 3 will be out!!

A great option is a mifi with the iPad. Apple charge £100 extra for 3G. A Mifi cost around £80. A mifi is a mobile hotspot which you can connect your iPad and any other wifi device to it such as laptops etc. just a thought.

The other advantage is that apps can't tell you're on 3G so they won't say you cannot connect as they will see wifi. .

It is cheaper if you buy the Ipad without the 3G option, you only need the 3G option to connect to the Internet, like with the Wifi option,
if there is no Wifi available in your area then you will need the 3G or the Mifi option (see above post) and pay the added Fees

Yes, you are right Ipad 3 is out around January time, so you better hurry up

That's a guess, it's unlikely we will see a new iPad in January.

I recently bought an iPad and was in the same boat wondering whether to get the 3G version, but decided that as I would have my iPhone with me always when out an about I would just use the wifi hotspot feature on the phone instead. Or just use the phone and not bother going online with the iPad

Plus the wifi version is cheaper

Not sure exactly what I will use the ipad for exactly, just thought I would get one just to satisfy my curiosity.

If it is anything like the Wii then it may used for the first few days then forgotten!! I would imagine there is far more to play about with on the ipad though.

Doubt I will need the 3G but thought I would get it 'just in case'. I know the ipad is small and thin, but it is not the sort of thing you can slip into your handbag on a daily basis. The fold up Sony version looks more ideal for that, but a fold in the screen could prove very annoying.

Second the Mifi option in my opinion it was a better Christmas present than the IPad.

How does this 3G work?

Do you have to buy some sort of plug-in card that gives you so many hours of internet?

Same as a phone really - microsim goes in the ipad2 and then you buy your monthly bundle or top up etc...

I'm on vectone - £5 a month for 512mb - I don't use it that much tbh - useful when I'm in uni class and the student wifi is out of bounds in the classroom (which is stupid and sucks) so I've been able to use the 3G then.

Also when I'm out to meetings with boss or clients, use the ipad to download a document or check a funding deadline etc then I can use the 3G (usually when in a meeting in a coffee shop etc with no wifi)

I'll prob switch form vectone cos my signal hasn't been great recently - gonna search out what the best signal is for my area and use it!

It won't be out in January the earliest will be March. Some rumours suggest it could even be a small upgrade then a 2s and the 3 will be later in the year

i have a crap phone anyway and the internet is crap on that. my wifi is crap on my ipod touch at home but its usually fine everywhere else if i had an ipad would that be the same as ipod touch or would the wifi have better connection ? sometimes it wont even let me connect to it on my ipod touch

if the building your in is very big and your at the very top floor would the connection be any good on an ipad ? it never works on my crappy phone

also can you buy a pen or something to use instead of your fingers for an ipad ?

Thanks.

I bought an iPad 2 today, I've been thinking of getting one for a while, I got the Wi-Fi + 3G 16GB or whatever it is version.

Now I just need to find a data plan thingy.

Try Three www.three.co.uk as they have the Biggest 3G coverage

Thank you, I didn't know that.

I was actually just looking at their website about half an hour ago, there's some sim card thingy (I haven't got a clue what I'm talking about) that has 3GB for £20 or something a month, pay as you go, I think I'd prefer something like that rather than a monthly plan.

That's what I have on my ipad, the three network seems to be quick and reliable. You forget you're on 3G sometimes. It will switch to your home / work wi-fi automatically when in range.

what does it cost if you take your iPad abroad? Is it like the iPhone where even if 3G is disabled, if it fails to pick up wifi it tries to connect to 3G anyhow, leaving you with a huge bill when you get home?
Also is there a site for iPad PAYG comparison tariffs please?

If data roaming is switched off then there's no reason why you should get a bill. If you're unsure, take out the sim card before you go!

I got a sim card from Three, installed it and the internet works ok but how do I know that I'm not still on the internet and using my time up (it's pay as you go), is it as soon as I press the main iPad return button?

This is what I usually do to switch my mobile data off:

1) Tap 'Settings.'
2) Tap 'Mobile Data.'
3) Slide the 'Mobile Data' switch to 'Off.''
4) When the data connection is switched off, you'll see iPad in the top left hand corner of the screen where the operator log and signal strength is located.

Double tap your "home" button until your open applications bar appears at the bottom of your iPad/iPhone, then hold a finger against one of the application icons until they shake and bring up the red and white minus symbol, which you can then use to close each application. Close Safari.

Thanks very much to you both.

You could get a roaming sim like maxroam or abroadband. They charge 42p mb for eu (maxroam) or 52p everywhere (abroadband).