iPad on AT&T MicroCell, any benefits?

[eq2675]

I just successfully added my iPad to my AT&T MicroCell and I now have the

"AT&T M-Cell" icon at the top left corner of my screen in addition to WiFi.

Since I don't know how to make incoming and outgoing calls from the iPads phone number is there any benefits to being connected to the MicroCell?

 

[eq2675]

 

[Capt T]

Doesn't that basically mean you are using your 3g to connect via your home internet service, by using your home internet via the micro cell? It would seem you would be better just to use the wifi in your home at that point.

 

[eq2675]

Doesn't that basically mean you are using your 3g to connect via your home internet service, by using your home internet via the micro cell? It would seem you would be better just to use the wifi in your home at that point.

If it's like my iPhone, all Internet data goes through the WiFi and phone calls go through the MicroCell. The benefit on the phone calls with the iPhone on the MicroCell is you get a 5 bar cellular signal in your home.

I'm not sure there is any benefit to having the iPad on the MicroCell, but it does work.

 

[Beaverman3001]

If it's like my iPhone, all Internet data goes through the WiFi and phone calls go through the MicroCell. The benefit on the phone calls with the iPhone on the MicroCell is you get a 5 bar cellular signal in your home.

I'm not sure there is any benefit to having the iPad on the MicroCell, but it does work.

But the Micro cell works over your wifi connection, it isn't some magical cell phone tower. It isn't any different than using wifi. There is no benefit to using it on your data only device.

 

[tekchic]

I have a Microcell at home but I keep my iPad's cellular data turned off unless I'm actually out and about. Home/work wifi is excellent so I'd rather it not be calling home to send data packets to ATT whenever it feels like it on my metered plan.

Haven't actually added the iPad to the Microcell though -- just using the Microcell for our iPhone 4 calls.

 

[panzer06]

But the Micro cell works over your wifi connection, it isn't some magical cell phone tower. It isn't any different than using wifi. There is no benefit to using it on your data only device.

Microcell does not use wifi. It uses a wired connection to your router or switch.

The only benefit Microcell offers is to users or small businesses that have broadband Internet but no wifi. In this case the Microcell would provide a more robust 3G connection for the iPad.

Cheers,

 

[nateo200]

Only benefit I see is that the iPad won't drain it's battery trying to stay connected to cellular if the base station is in your house. Pretty cool device though, verizons femtocell doesn't even support EVDO or data.

 

[xraytech]

I just successfully added my iPad to my AT&T MicroCell and I now have the

"AT&T M-Cell" icon at the top left corner of my screen in addition to WiFi.

Since I don't know how to make incoming and outgoing calls from the iPads phone number is there any benefits to being connected to the MicroCell?

No benefits. Use your Wi-Fi connection.

 

[bigddybn]

Microcell does not use wifi. It uses a wired connection to your router or switch.

The only benefit Microcell offers is to users or small businesses that have broadband Internet but no wifi. In this case the Microcell would provide a more robust 3G connection for the iPad.

Cheers,

I'd say the chances of a user being the type to own both an iPad and a femtocell device make it pretty likely he/she sprang for a 20 dollar wifi access point somewhere along the line.

 

[nateo200]

I'd say the chances of a user being the type to own both an iPad and a femtocell device make it pretty likely he/she sprang for a 20 dollar wifi access point somewhere along the line.

While I'll agree you make it sound like some finacial achievement....

 

[panzer06]

I'd say the chances of a user being the type to own both an iPad and a femtocell device make it pretty likely he/she sprang for a 20 dollar wifi access point somewhere along the line.

You would be amazed at the number of small businesses (and even individuals) that have either wired modems or in many instances direct connections to DSL or cable modems. That said, certainly the simplicity of adding wifi and the likelihood of any of those folks browsing this forum lessen the value of adding a microcell just for an iPad. It's main function is really boosting cell signals for cell phones. It works very well (even if its range is rather limited) with my iphone.

Cheers,

 

[bigddybn]

While I'll agree you make it sound like some finacial achievement....

Not a financial status at all. I meant more of a "tech saavy" class of user.

 

[macros73]

I have my iPad configured to use my Microcell for the marginal power savings and lower radiating signal strength. If I don't turn off the iPad 3G at home, at least it's connecting to the home femtocell (lower power consumption, lower tx strength), instead of the nearest tower.

Usually, I just leave the 3G off unless I'm going to be out and about with the iPad.

 

[nateo200]

I have my iPad configured to use my Microcell for the marginal power savings and lower radiating signal strength. If I don't turn off the iPad 3G at home, at least it's connecting to the home femtocell (lower power consumption, lower tx strength), instead of the nearest tower.

Usually, I just leave the 3G off unless I'm going to be out and about with the iPad.

How are the data rates over 3G with the femtocell? And yes your logic makes 100% sense unfortunately most don't care though.

 

[paulyras]

There's actually a downside. The microcells have horrid upload speeds. If wifi is an option, use it or (second best) if you have 3g service in your area, you're better off using that.