How does a tablet connect to the internet?

miss_scrooge

Thinking about getting a tablet well more like winning one
Just wondering how it connects to the internet I know dongle works on them but how to get internet without one.

Tyler_Du

They normally connect to a local wifi hotspot

miss_scrooge

Don't know much about wi fi What happens if you're indoors (at home) do they still connect with one is it automatic.Thank you for helping I'm a bit dumb when it comes to technology.

Arachne_2

Do you have a wireless router at home, or just a plain ol' modem?

If it's a wireless router, you should be able to connect to that - it's what I do with my laptop.

Edit: Assuming you don't end up with a tablet that connects via 3G, that is. Personally I'd opt for a wi-fi version, there's quite a few wi-fi hotspots around.

Deru

WiFi hotspot or 3G. You need to select the WiFi network then enter a password the first time.

Some tablets have 3G built in but they cost more than the WiFi only version. For that, you would either use a Pay as You Go or a contract SIM.

A dongle is unlikely to work. You would need a MiFi (wireless dongle). That would require a SIM.

ALTERNATIVELY....if you have n Android phone or iPhone on a contract that supports Tethering (Portable Hotspot), you can use your phone as a modem if your data allowance allows. This is only while you`re out and don't have WiFi access.

miss_scrooge

Arachne wrote: »

Do you have a wireless router at home, or just a plain ol' modem?

If it's a wireless router, you should be able to connect to that - it's what I do with my laptop.

Edit: Assuming you don't end up with a tablet that connects via 3G, that is. Personally I'd opt for a wi-fi version, there's quite a few wi-fi hotspots around.

I have a modem don't even know what 3g is so will get wifi thank you.

miss_scrooge

Deru wrote: »

WiFi hotspot or 3G. You need to select the WiFi network then enter a password the first time.

Some tablets have 3G built in but they cost more than the WiFi only version. For that, you would either use a Pay as You Go or a contract SIM.

A dongle is unlikely to work. You would need a MiFi (wireless dongle). That would require a SIM.

ALTERNATIVELY....if you have n Android phone or iPhone on a contract that supports Tethering (Portable Hotspot), you can use your phone as a modem if your data allowance allows. This is only while you`re out and don't have WiFi access.

Do some tablets have 3g and wi fi in at same time.Don't have an i Phone just have a simple phone with no internet.Will get a wifi one then not paying and going don't want to pay an arma and a leg for it.Just hope I don't win one with just 3g in it.Does the password come with the tablet or can you make one up.Thank you

NiftyDigits

miss_scrooge wrote: »

Do some tablets have 3g and wi fi in at same time.Don't have an i Phone just have a simple phone with no internet.Will get a wifi one then not paying and going don't want to pay an arma and a leg for it.Just hope I don't win one with just 3g in it.Does the password come with the tablet or can you make one up.Thank you

It better to have one that supports 3G, as all that have 3G support will also be able to utilise WiFi.
3G capability is useful for when there are no WiFi Hotspots available. I wouldn't purchase a Tablet without the ability to place a data SIM within. But many do purchase WiFi only Tablets.

cat1122

Hi can someone help.. I am buying a tablet witch only had wi-fi if I got a mifi would it work & how does it work?????????

DCFC79

cat1122 wrote: »

Hi can someone help.. I am buying a tablet which only had wi-fi if I got a mifi would it work & how does it work?????????

You would have been better of starting your own thread, a mifi is what you could/would use for when your out and about. The mifi lets you insert a sim card and it connects to the network eg EE, O2 etc. A mifi would work as the tablet will connect to it via wifi.

Miss scrooge did you have any other questions ?

Humphrey10

NiftyDigits wrote: »

It better to have one that supports 3G, as all that have 3G support will also be able to utilise WiFi.

My first iPad was a 3G one, I used the 3G twice. Personally I'd never pay extra for a 3G tablet again, it's just not something I would ever use - the only times I use my iPad on the internet are at home, where I have wifi, round friends and family houses, where they have wifi, and in hotels, where they have wifi. Also in lots of other places they have wifi too now, shopping centres, trains, coffee shops.
Unless you think you might use the 3G internet, don't pay extra for it "just in case".