The other option is to buy a PHS 300 by Cradlepoint or similar device (it is the one I have). It takes a 3G USB stick and makes it so you can use it over wifi. I use it with my MBP and iPad with the Virgin USB stick (it is on the sprint network). On their website they show which ones are compatible.
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Is there a way to get 3g on a wifi iPad?
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The other option is to buy a PHS 300 by Cradlepoint or similar device (it is the one I have). It takes a 3G USB stick and makes it so you can use it over wifi. I use it with my MBP and iPad with the Virgin USB stick (it is on the sprint network). On their website they show which ones are compatible.
Thanks. Found links to both. But according to this, http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband, it will be just as expensive. Actually, more. It kind of looks like right now, the Ipad 3g is the best deal on the market.
If you already have a Sprint account and smart phone just upgrade your Smart phone to a model that does 3G and tethering. Why pay a data plan on your phone plus pay another data plan for the iPad 3G. Share your phones data plan.
If you only want 3g on the iPad then the iPad 3G is the best option to go with. At $30 unlimited it is a great deal. If you need more than your iPad on the connection then a mifi or overdrive if you want a monthly contract, or something like the PHS 300 and a pay as you go USB stick with no contract is the best option.
It all depends on your usage needs.
Carlos E said:
That is a good question. It all boils down to math. I have an older smart phone that they allow on the plan I am on. I only pay like $75 total for unlimited internet and that is for 2 phones. If I upgrade to a newer smart phone, I will HAVE to go to paying around $145 per month. So, basically, 2x as much or $70 more. So that would be the worst option.
Ironically, the phone I have is a palm centro and allows me connect a laptop via USB cable or bluetooth to the Internet. Bt sucks...but the USB connection works great...used to use it all the time. But...no compatibility with the iPad.
Supposedly your palm centro is on the compatibility list for the PHS300. That may be your option if you are able to tether with it.
http://www.cradlepoint.com/products/phs300-personal-wifi-hotspot-3g4g
Click on supported devices in the box and look under sprint phones.
If it's cheaper then get the 3G iPad.
That sounds like a lot of hardware to carry to get internet access on the iPad. Palm Centro, USB cable, Cradlepoint and iPad.
My wife has an iphone that we considered tethering, and she probably will once she trades her Macbook for the iPad. However, having to have one device so that another works kind of sucks.
As she is never without her phone, that would mean that my wife and I would always have to be together in order for me to use the internet while out and about.
I think that I'll take the $130 charge instead.
As she is never without her phone, that would mean that my wife and I would always have to be together in order for me to use the internet while out and about.
I think that I'll take the $130 charge instead.
a lot of hassle physically and to configure... just to get 3G.
plus, the battery life of those device (when tethered) cannot last long enough to provide 3G connection that would last as long as the iPad battery life (10 hours).
I have had option of 3G or WiFi iPad. Finally got myself a WiFi version only, for the following reasons:
1. I have a little device, we called it "Pocket WiFi". In fact, it is a 3G router. Very small and you can use it to share 3G Data for upto 5 devices at the same time. That means my MacBook Air, iPad and also iPhone can use it at the same time.
2. The speed of my "Pocket WiFi" is much faster than the 3G iPad.
3. I can watch HD Youtube with my iPad by using the Pocket WiFi. I can also make Skype call too.
1. I have a little device, we called it "Pocket WiFi". In fact, it is a 3G router. Very small and you can use it to share 3G Data for upto 5 devices at the same time. That means my MacBook Air, iPad and also iPhone can use it at the same time.
2. The speed of my "Pocket WiFi" is much faster than the 3G iPad.
3. I can watch HD Youtube with my iPad by using the Pocket WiFi. I can also make Skype call too.
Attachments
One word: Overdrive
I had the same decision to make: iPad "WiFi only" with third party 3G/4G hotspot or iPad "WiFi + 3G." I have been able to test both side by side.
Some insights:
1. Averaging many side by side tests in various locations through the town, the download speed of the iPad "WiFi only" using Sprint 4G Overdrive portable hotspot is 1.5x faster than the iPad "+3G."
2. The average upload speed of the Overdrive is 3.5x faster.
3. As for locating the iPad, the "WiFi only" located itself faster and more accurately than the "assisted GPS" clad "+3G." In fact, sitting in my office, the "+3G" locates me 9 blocks East of my actual location. Plus, if you really want a GPS "opinion," the Overdrive has an "assisted GPS" that's accessible via Safari and is more accurate than the "+3G" GPS.
4. The Overdrive can be used by up to 5 devices. (We use it for two iPads, two MacBook Pros, and one iPhone.)
Conclusion: I'm taking the "+3G" iPad back to the Apple Store and keeping the "WiFi only" iPad and the Sprint 4G Overdrive portable hotspot.
One caveat: it's true the Overdrive's battery lasts only 3 hours during active use, (36 hours on standby), but...
a) I have WiFi access most of the time through other means,
b) I turn it off when not in use, and
c) I can charge it on the go using the same automobile charger I use to charge the iPhone (using the Overdrive's own USB power cable).
I had the same decision to make: iPad "WiFi only" with third party 3G/4G hotspot or iPad "WiFi + 3G." I have been able to test both side by side.
Some insights:
1. Averaging many side by side tests in various locations through the town, the download speed of the iPad "WiFi only" using Sprint 4G Overdrive portable hotspot is 1.5x faster than the iPad "+3G."
2. The average upload speed of the Overdrive is 3.5x faster.
3. As for locating the iPad, the "WiFi only" located itself faster and more accurately than the "assisted GPS" clad "+3G." In fact, sitting in my office, the "+3G" locates me 9 blocks East of my actual location. Plus, if you really want a GPS "opinion," the Overdrive has an "assisted GPS" that's accessible via Safari and is more accurate than the "+3G" GPS.
4. The Overdrive can be used by up to 5 devices. (We use it for two iPads, two MacBook Pros, and one iPhone.)
Conclusion: I'm taking the "+3G" iPad back to the Apple Store and keeping the "WiFi only" iPad and the Sprint 4G Overdrive portable hotspot.
One caveat: it's true the Overdrive's battery lasts only 3 hours during active use, (36 hours on standby), but...
a) I have WiFi access most of the time through other means,
b) I turn it off when not in use, and
c) I can charge it on the go using the same automobile charger I use to charge the iPhone (using the Overdrive's own USB power cable).
You are correct that it is an extra piece to carry. For me it is worth it because I need it for the laptop as well. It is very light and I have a pocket in my case that it fits perfect. It is also a good option for someone that has a phone that is compatible that is able to tether, since you can use the data plan you already have and not spend an extra $15 or $30 a month.
But the trades offs are the batteries do not last near as long as the iPad 3g. 2-3 hours battery for the cradlepoint since it powers whatever device. For me I probably don't need it to last much longer than that and I can always get a spare battery if I find otherwise. It is an extra piece albeit light but you will need to remember it too. If you are not tethering and have a USB stick then you could end up paying more if you are only using it for your iPad.
For the guy with the phone that tethers and already has a wifi iPad it might be a viable option that will save up to $360 a year, and is $100 on Amazon for the 3G only version (I have the 3g/4g version). And if you are using your phone odds are the 2-3 hours battery life is a moot point since the phone will be the same thing. For me, that needs it for my laptop as well as the iPad it is a good option for a pay as you go, since there are some months I won't need it and I was paying $60 a month even when I didn't use it prior to this.
You just have to weigh the option out for yourself and what is important to you. The router is a little bigger than the iPhone and is very light weight. It all depends on what you need/want to do.
But the trades offs are the batteries do not last near as long as the iPad 3g. 2-3 hours battery for the cradlepoint since it powers whatever device. For me I probably don't need it to last much longer than that and I can always get a spare battery if I find otherwise. It is an extra piece albeit light but you will need to remember it too. If you are not tethering and have a USB stick then you could end up paying more if you are only using it for your iPad.
For the guy with the phone that tethers and already has a wifi iPad it might be a viable option that will save up to $360 a year, and is $100 on Amazon for the 3G only version (I have the 3g/4g version). And if you are using your phone odds are the 2-3 hours battery life is a moot point since the phone will be the same thing. For me, that needs it for my laptop as well as the iPad it is a good option for a pay as you go, since there are some months I won't need it and I was paying $60 a month even when I didn't use it prior to this.
You just have to weigh the option out for yourself and what is important to you. The router is a little bigger than the iPhone and is very light weight. It all depends on what you need/want to do.
I use a Mifi that is unlocked for the ATT network. Performance is great, but I occasionally pull the SIM and run on a USB connector when I am only using one device and I need lots of speed.
Thank you. I am 1 year into a Sprint 3g contract. I have a 3G USB stick so I'm trading it in for an Overdrive when I get an iPad.