ipads

[cbcmary]

ok, haven't asked a 'dumb' question in a long time. when you buy an ipad or tablet; do you have to pay for internet access separately from your cell phone. especially if you have no access to wifi.

thanks
mary

[prochlea]

the standard answer is yes - if you want wireless connectivity, outside of a WiFi environment, you have to pay for data separately. If you have the ability to turn your phone into a wifi hotspot, you could use that for data connectivity. Also - Verizon has just introduced plans that allow you to share data between multiple devices. This is likely coming soon on other carriers.

When you are purchasing a tablet, if you want data connectivity native to the device(not using wifi whether at home or through your phone) make sure you get a device that has the ability to connect via 3G or 4G. Most of the tablet manufacturers charge more to have that ability.

[cmchamp]

In addition, IF you want internet connectivity outside WiFi, you'll need to get a WiFi + Cellular version UNLESS you're going to use your cell phone as a hot spot.

[cbcmary]

I was actually asking this for my pastor; we've been talking about it and neither of us knew. He's been thinking about it because I told him some pastors are using the Ipad for sermon notes, etc. He has an iphone.
thanks
mary

[SterlingAug]

If you get an iPad with wifi only and you are near a wireless router, then you can use that for internet access.

[Mustangnaz]

As stated, you either have to have wifi or cellular (3G/4G) to have internet. If you get an Android tablet with a USB port you can use a cellular dongle for internet access. Otherwise you will need to have a phone with wifi tethering or a mobile hotspot device. This is the tablet I bought recently that supports cellular dongles (and is also a great tablet in general): http://www.zenithink.com/Eproducts_C91_2.php

[EricE]

It depends

With AT&T you can turn the iPad cellular wireless on and off as desired. I'm not so sure about Verizon (even though I own a Verizon iPad - I haven't needed to activate it yet).

Verizon just announced new family plans where you can share data among devices - depending on your usage and the number of devices, that can be quite an economical way to go. I think AT&T is either doing or contemplating something similar.

Finally, the AT&T iPad will work only with AT&T. However, the Verizon iPad will work with both Verizon AND AT&T. I took the SIM out of my iPhone, plugged it into my iPad and the data worked just fine. I couldn't get cell phone calls, but I hate phones anyway so there was no loss there for me

This also means you can get any GSM based pre-paid data card that uses AT&Ts GSM network (except those that use the TMobile GSM - different radios required) Here's one. Looks better than the deal I get on my iPhone now I may cancel my contract when it's up and switch to that! There has to be a catch...

Anyway, for the iPad at least I think the Verizon iPad is the most flexible since you can use it with Verizon OR AT&T - the AT&T iPad, from everything I read (unless something has changed in the last six months) can ONLY be used with AT&T - no way to add Verizon to it later - which stinks.

Also, with the Verizon version of the iPad, if you go overseas there is DEFINITELY allot more choice for pre-paid data cards. We are a backwater when it comes to choices in plans and carriers for cellular here in the states...

[ATaylor]

most places has wifi for free so no need to buy "wifi"
you would need 3g or 4g service and ipad if you need internet access where wifi was not available