Going round in circles

I_have_spoken

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/reviews/9923056/The-10-best-tablets.html

Maybe Nexus 7 (32GB, WiFi + Mobile data)? However there's supposed to be a new Nexus 7 launched at the end of July so you could either hang on for that, or try and get one of the existing stock at a very knock-down price.

elektra

How much data do you think you will use while you are away ?

Have you looked at www.ovivomobile.com

get a data only sim which gives you 750MB every month or

you could get a phone sim with them and get 150 minutes voice,250 texts, and 500MB data every month, you could then use this sim in a dongle or get a cheap smartphone and then maybe not need tablet or laptop.

for the Ovivo sim you pay £15* once and this £15 stays as credit on your sim for you to use if go over free allowance (which is reset every month)

*Can't find this price listed on their website but I believe that to be most recent price.

googler

Deleted_User wrote: »

I have been advised to get an Ipad 3 16gb Wi Fi + 4G.

We have a caravan and I want a lighter way of keeping up with family, bank etc when we are away rather then taking two heavy laptops and a mobile Dongle.

Now..... I know I can use it at home by connecting to my sky router, can someone explain to me how it works without using the dongle and I presume you have to sign up with a provider for the 4G???? Is it possible to get a deal where by you only pay for the internet etc when we are travelling???? so I do not have to pay a monthly amount, but a set amount for say 1 months use when we are away.

If you get a 3G or 4g iPad, you can get a SIM from Orange (possibly others) that only bills you for the data you use, at 5p per Megabyte, or something like that. You can switch the 3G on and off as you like, so when you return home, switch it to WiFi only and you won't be using any of your data allowance from the SIM

HereAgain_2

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thanks for the advice, yes I do have a mobile phone buts its a PAYG, just to keep in touch with my OH when I am out in case he needs me.

NATPC 9.2" Economy Android Tablet PC - 5 point Capacative Display Touchscreen with DUAL CAMERAS - Android 4.0 ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich

I found this on Amazon would something similar to this do the job? using a prepaid sim card.........cannot see on the info how you would use a sim P resume there is a slot for it somewhere.

I will mull over all the suggestions made and do some more research. My present mobile dongle contact has almost finished which is why I am looking for an alternative, its cost me over £100 just to use if for a few weekends amd a weeks holiday in the van.

Seriously, don't waste your money on a Tablet unless you actually need to carry it out and about whilst on holiday. If it is to stay in or around the caravan...it's a waste of money.

As to your dongle, you can re-use it. You just need to take the contract data SIM out and to put a PAYG data SIM in. Voila!
If you wish to change networks, you may need to unlock the thing.

If you buy a Tablet, then you will have to buy a MiFi unit, which is a standalone MiFi unit. Figure on around £50 upwards for that, though there are deals available. Otherwise, it is a Tablet with built in 3G/4G, but you pay a premium for those. £300+ is not unusual.

A Netbook and your existing modem is your least expensive option, at perhaps £120 all in.

A WiFi only Tablet plus a PAYG MiFi unit, perhaps £180 upwards.

10" Tablet with built in 3G, perhaps £300/£350. Someone may wish to correct my figures on the Tablets.

HereAgain_2

I_have_spoken wrote: »

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/reviews/9923056/The-10-best-tablets.html

Maybe Nexus 7 (32GB, WiFi + Mobile data)? However there's supposed to be a new Nexus 7 launched at the end of July so you could either hang on for that, or try and get one of the existing stock at a very knock-down price.

7" screen? If space is at a premium, perhaps.

Humphrey10

HereAgain wrote: »

The iPad is a bit of a joke though. As even after you paid out for the thing, you then need some accessories..

What are these imaginary accessories you think you need for the iPad? Both of mine came with a plug and cable to charge them, I can't think what other accessory could be needed.
I did choose to buy a case for both of them, but that's something I've bought for every laptop, tablet computer, or smartphone I've owned, it's not a special thing invented for iPads.

For the OP: A recent article about netbooks and tablet computers:
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/buying-advice/tablets/3450587/netbook-vs-tablet/

Supatramp

You don't need a tablet with built-in 3G.

Simply buy one which will accept a dongle, and you're sorted. I'm away regularly in my caravan, about 2 weeks in 4, and have a '3' dongle on a rolling monthly contract for £5.11 pm. It is used with my laptop but since getting a cheapie 7" tablet I can also use it with it.

HereAgain_2

Humphrey10 wrote: »

What are these imaginary accessories you think you need for the iPad? Both of mine came with a plug and cable to charge them, I can't think what other accessory could be needed.
I did choose to buy a case for both of them, but that's something I've bought for every laptop, tablet computer, or smartphone I've owned, it's not a special thing invented for iPads.

For the OP: A recent article about netbooks and tablet computers:
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/buying-advice/tablets/3450587/netbook-vs-tablet/

What if I wanted to connect my iPad to the TV? Can I use a standard HDMI cable?
Al least one can buy a generic case and not have to pay Apple £35 for the privilege.

As to that article.... it should come with a large pinch of salt. I have a Netbook that can sleep for days and it's a lot easier to type on than having to use my thumbs on a Tablet.
Also, it cost considerably less than an iPad.

Not that I have anything against Tablets. My girlfriend has a iPad 4 64GB with 4G capability and thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread. But she uses it everywhere, not just on a caravan holiday and it cost more than £600 £659 at Apple UK.

HereAgain_2

Supatramp wrote: »

You don't need a tablet with built-in 3G.

Simply buy one which will accept a dongle, and you're sorted. I'm away regularly in my caravan, about 2 weeks in 4, and have a '3' dongle on a rolling monthly contract for £5.11 pm. It is used with my laptop but since getting a cheapie 7" tablet I can also use it with it.

Not so fast...as they don't accept all USB modems, so she may still need a new modem.

Supatramp

A wee bit of research would be a heck of a lot cheaper then a mifi unit!

And a dongle plus a 5m extension cable is a lot easier to position correctly than a mifi unit.