Anyone using the iPad with 3G?

Tracyk_2

I really quite fancy one - I was tempted with the iphone - but can't be arsed with the tiny screen for internet browsing.

I've been using a friends this weekend on the wifi - and it's great - but how good/fast is the 3G option.

I reckon I would need it -as I'm not always in a wifi hotspot during the day when I'm going round different clients.

boxst

It depends where you are -- in London my iPad zips along on 3G, out where I live (East Sussex) then there is hardly any reception (on O2) and it drops back to Edge or GPRS and that is very, very slow.

Steve

Tracyk_2

I am outside Glasgow - how could I tell if it would be ok? Should I try and borrow someones and try it in a few places I'd likely to be?

boxst

Choose which network you would like and have a look at their coverage on their website. O2's is here for example: http://www.o2.co.uk/coveragechecker.

Of course borrowing one and trying yourself would always be better.

Steve

jayme1

just for you knowladge the ipad 2 might be coming out april time

vikingaero

Whichever network you go for, just be aware that the 3G networks are very "bursty" in the download of data. One minute nothing seems to happen, and the next a whole wodge of data comes down the line.

amcluesent

>I'm not always in a wifi hotspot during the day when I'm going round different clients.<

Don't overlook using a 3G phone as a wi-fi hotspot, then you're only paying for one data tariff.

d123

I use my iPad on 3G, one thing I would say is to steer clear of o2, their 3G service is the worst of all the networks.

I have found that 3 actually offer very good service and reliable downloading speeds, I tend to buy PAYG sims off eBay and use them till the data allowance is used up and then replace with another one. Currently using a 3 month / 3GB sim that cost me £7.

T-mobile also offer a good value bolt on which is £20 for 6 months.

Tracyk_2

Thanks d123.
Do you use up all the 3GB in a month - or do you run out/have some left?
amcluesent - how do you mean - use a 3g phone as a wifi hotspot?

bcl999

Tracyk wrote: »

I am outside Glasgow - how could I tell if it would be ok? Should I try and borrow someones and try it in a few places I'd likely to be?

Apple store in Buchanan Street has a 14day return policy. Go & buy one, use it in the places you are going to be in and see how you get on. If no use, take it back by the date on your receipt for a no-quibble refund. (John Lewis has a longer return policy (28 or 30 days) but I have heard of some JL stores (London Oxford St, for one) trying to make a charge (20%, i think) as it will not be in wholly "saleable" condition if you use it.)

BTW, the few times I have used mine in Glasgow city centre, not in a wi-fi place, it's been very slow.

Hope this helps.

d123

Tracyk wrote: »

Thanks d123.
Do you use up all the 3GB in a month

No, I've never used more than 1GB in a month, I use my iPad on 3G 4 or 5 days a week (browsing and email mostly). My 3GB sim will last me the 3 months it's valid for.