How does a tablet connect to the internet?

NiftyDigits

Humphrey10 wrote: »

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".

Can't say that I have EVER depended on WiFi when out and about...as I always have 3G access.
Each time I have tried to use complementary WiFi, it either fails or it just unbearably slow.
Not something on which I would depend.
Not suggesting that one should buy a 3/4G Tablet. Just suggesting that having a 3G option is wise. I have a MiFi, so am covered.

Girlfriend has an iPad 4 and uses the 3G aspect regularly.

Paul_Varjak

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

All tablets have WiFi. Some have WiFi and 3G. Expect to pay £20-£40 more for a tablet with 3G. My Chromebook has both WiFi and 3G. You can get an OVIVO SIM card (to use with 3G) for £15 which gives you a free 500MB/month free data plan; very useful when you are not near a WiFi hotspot.

The UK is awash with FON free WiFi hotspots. I live in a small village and have access to two free FON hotspots from my home. Even if my own internet connection is down, I can make use of a FON hotspot for both internet and phone calls.

If you are a BT customer, then you have an almost innate ability to use free FON hotspots. If you are not with BT, simply buy a FON router and you can join the FON network that way to get access to free FON hotspots. You have to operate your own FON hotspot from home in order to use other FON hotspots for free.

happybucket

Deru wrote: »

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.

Am very ignorant. Assuming tethering means you are literally connecting phone and ipad together by a usb cable ? Does this need 3g or not?

NiftyDigits

happybucket wrote: »

Am very ignorant. Assuming tethering means you are literally connecting phone and ipad together by a usb cable ? Does this need 3g or not?

No, it doesn't. For example, some Smartphones have the ability to create a Wireless Hotspot. So instead of just being able to use the Internet on the phone itself, you can connect a tablet or computer to the newly created Wireless signal. That is Tethering. You can also use other methods to tether.

It's basically the action of using the Internet from a mobile telephone for other units. Some tariffs forbid it's usage.

paddedjohn

If buying the 3g model there is no need to get buy an expensive contract to get connected, you can get a 3 sim card off ebay for £10.25 which lasts for 3 months and gives you 3gb of data.