Do I need the 3G iPad or just wifi

Tracyk_2 · 20 September 2011 at 1:15PM

Most of the time I will be using the iPad in the house so guess I will just be using my wifi.

Is it worth the extra to have 3G for when you are out and about?

InsideInsurance · 20 September 2011 at 1:49PM

It all depends how much you need data outside of the house and what other devices you already have. Personally have both a laptop and an iPhone and so fairly often find myself needing data whilst out and about. Rather than have a different contract for each device the iPhone (as well as other smart phones) can create a "personal hot spot" - ie share its 3G connection wirelessly - so can use it for the laptop and the misses iPad and save having to buy the 3G version of the iPad or a dongle for the laptop

boxst · 20 September 2011 at 1:56PM

I prefer to have the flexibity of having 3G so that when I'm out of the house I can still get emails / look through the internet.

Depending on the data plan on your phone and the phone that you have, you may be able to just tether to that (as above, create a wireless hotspot). Certainly Android and iPhone can both do this.

Personally I have a Three 3gb/three month SIM card bought from Amazon for £11 in my iPad. You can't really argue with £4/month.

Steve

Tracyk_2 · 20 September 2011 at 3:46PM

How do you create a hotspot - is it a palaver or seamless (ish)?
I only have an old Nokia and a basic £10 a month Virgin voice and text package. So I could upgrade to a decent phone/tariff if it worked out cheaper than the 3G iPad option - but only if its not a faff each time you want to use it 3G.

InsideInsurance · 20 September 2011 at 3:58PM

For an iPhone, the first time you simply go into settings and turn on personal hotspot and it will give you a password. On your laptop/ iPad etc you turn on the wireless, find the name of your phone and enter in the password. Job done.

Next time onwards you simply turn on hotspot and wireless and its job done as the laptop/ iPad etc will remember the password.

I'm sure its as easy with Android but I am an Apple fan