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Upgrading the Wi-Fi model..?

O

One Love 1867

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 17, 2009
186
0
Sheffield, UK
I'm incredibly interested in an iPad, but although it's primary use would be at home, there are times when I would need to take it away from my Wi-Fi comfort spots and out into the wider world.

As such, I don't really think I need 3G, and therefore only intend on buying the Wi-Fi model. However, will it be possible for Wi-Fi owners to purchase one of the Micro network cards (or whatever they're called!) afterwards and sign upto 3G later on or as and when required? Or will it be a case that if I go for the Wi-Fi model that will be it?
 
The wifi model won't have the radio chips necessary for 3G, so a Wifi model will always be a Wifi model. Since no contract is required for the 3G model if you think you will ever need 3G you should get that one and activate it when you need it.
 
One Love 1867 said:
I'm incredibly interested in an iPad, but although it's primary use would be at home, there are times when I would need to take it away from my Wi-Fi comfort spots and out into the wider world.

As such, I don't really think I need 3G, and therefore only intend on buying the Wi-Fi model. However, will it be possible for Wi-Fi owners to purchase one of the Micro network cards (or whatever they're called!) afterwards and sign upto 3G later on or as and when required? Or will it be a case that if I go for the Wi-Fi model that will be it?
Click to expand...

No. The wifi model lacks the required internal hardware. You could get a MiFi type device/application for your phone and tether it via WiFi to your iPad, though (this is what I do now, using my phone, and will do with the iPad).
 
One Love 1867 said:
I'm incredibly interested in an iPad, but although it's primary use would be at home, there are times when I would need to take it away from my Wi-Fi comfort spots and out into the wider world.

As such, I don't really think I need 3G, and therefore only intend on buying the Wi-Fi model. However, will it be possible for Wi-Fi owners to purchase one of the Micro network cards (or whatever they're called!) afterwards and sign upto 3G later on or as and when required? Or will it be a case that if I go for the Wi-Fi model that will be it?
Click to expand...



I dont think the wifi has the hardware for 3g or the micro sim slot. In pics the 3g has a black bar onthe top back of the ipad. Hence $130 more for 3g.
 
I'm pretty sure this is a one-time decision: 3G or not 3G.

Same with 16 vs 32 vs 64 GB.

For which reason, after first planning to get the basic $499 model, I'm now more and more inclined to jump for the whole $829 maxed-out deal. I don't know for sure how much I'm going to use or love this device, but I'm hoping (and planning) for the best.
 
mozartwon said:
Just use Verizon's MIFI 2200, the Ipad will recognize it as just another "hot
Spot"
Click to expand...

Technically, that'd work, but financially, it makes little sense. After paying for that a couple months, you're better-off getting the 3G iPad & ATT's month-to-month deal. If they get the price of the MIFI down to like $10/month, it'd be a great gadget.
 
vini-vidi-vici said:
Technically, that'd work, but financially, it makes little sense. After paying for that a couple months, you're better-off getting the 3G iPad & ATT's month-to-month deal. If they get the price of the MIFI down to like $10/month, it'd be a great gadget.
Click to expand...

True, but remember, some of us have multiple devices that we can use with this (up to six).
 
Cheers for the help guys.

I've got an iPhone too so the tethering issue might not be a bad option but.. then again I might just go 3G from the off.

It'd be lovely if Apple could drop us folks in the UK some pricing plans so I could make a decision based in part around that!
 
I've been going back and forth and ultimate (well for now...) have settled on the Wifi model. Like you, I have an iPhone as well and have come to the conclusion that if I really need to tether (assuming that Steve Jobs e-mail is correct) I can just jailbreak my iPhone and install that MiFi (I think that's the name?) app that basically turns your iPhone into a router using the 3G network... the iPad then can just connect to that.

I'm sure I'll regret it.. but that's what the 2nd version is for, right?
 
JonHimself said:
I've been going back and forth and ultimate (well for now...) have settled on the Wifi model. Like you, I have an iPhone as well and have come to the conclusion that if I really need to tether (assuming that Steve Jobs e-mail is correct) I can just jailbreak my iPhone and install that MiFi (I think that's the name?) app that basically turns your iPhone into a router using the 3G network... the iPad then can just connect to that.

I'm sure I'll regret it.. but that's what the 2nd version is for, right?
Click to expand...

That would be awesome IF it works. I have a PSP and since it can't create adhoc connections, it can't connect to the MyWi created hotspot.

If the ipad can't create adhoc connections, I would assume it would be the same. It might be one way to prevent people from tethering even if they have jailbroken phones.
 
vini-vidi-vici said:
Technically, that'd work, but financially, it makes little sense. After paying for that a couple months, you're better-off getting the 3G iPad & ATT's month-to-month deal. If they get the price of the MIFI down to like $10/month, it'd be a great gadget.
Click to expand...

Some of us also already have a Verizon MiFi because we travel a lot, and it is cheaper and more convenient than getting internet connections at $10 - $16 per day depending on where we are staying... plus extra charges at airports and other places during travel.

I think that an internal 3G would be more convenient than using a MiFi... but since we already have (and pay for) a MiFi already... we are probably better off without the extra monthly charges. The $130 one time charge is "in the noise". The recurring charges are what adds up. OTOH... I may determine that the iPad is sufficient for use while traveling that we do not need to bring a laptop... in which case we would discontinue our Mifi service and switch to the cheaper iPad service.

Having said that... I still have not decided if I want the 3G model because of the GPS.

/Jim
 
My main reason for considering the 3G would be for the Assisted GPS capabilities built in. I see where the MiFi is GPS enabled. Not sure of the difference, but would the MiFi provide the same GPS capabilities as the 3G version?

I see that the MiFi could be used for a laptop in a none WiFi location. There is a new MiFi 2372 that is tied to ATT and has "A-GPS and gpsOneXTRA™ support" . Would that be identical to the 3G function of the iPad?
 
I wish there was an option but as others have said, it seems internal.

I have always been interested in a Mifi but I don't travel enough right now to be willing to spend that amount of money. The value of it is fantastic though.
 
If they won't even let us convert glossy to matte or vice versa (which is easier) on the MacBook Pro, then I doubt it.

Oh, it's also missing the internal cell radio chip as well as the plastic bar on top to prevent the signal from being obstructed. Also, there's no slot for the card as Apple didn't bother to put one with the others missing.
 
msduncan said:
That would be awesome IF it works. I have a PSP and since it can't create adhoc connections, it can't connect to the MyWi created hotspot.
Click to expand...

MyWi doesnt really create an ad-hoc hotspot, your PSP will see the hotspop that it creates as just another network it can join.. I don't see why this would not work.
 
More and more public places get free WiFi, and come on. Now a days kinda like everywhere you go there's some open WiFi network.

And remember: the 3G version has an ugly black strip on top of it which is even visible at the front.
 
One Love 1867 said:
I've got an iPhone too so the tethering issue might not be a bad option but.. then again I might just go 3G from the off.
Click to expand...
Except that apple is not going to let it be tethered. This isn't a case of taking a blind eye to jail breaking but rather slamming the door on people. You need/want 3G access, you'll need to but the unit, not hack or tether a wifi model.
 
maflynn said:
Except that apple is not going to let it be tethered. This isn't a case of taking a blind eye to jail breaking but rather slamming the door on people. You need/want 3G access, you'll need to but the unit, not hack or tether a wifi model.
Click to expand...

as said before, the Ipad doesn't know or care what it's connected to. A jailbroken Iphone, or winmobile, or android phone outputs an open wi-fi signal. The Ipad is just connecting to it, like connecting to the wi-fi at starbucks.
 
citi said:
as said before, the Ipad doesn't know or care what it's connected to. A jailbroken Iphone, or winmobile, or android phone outputs an open wi-fi signal. The Ipad is just connecting to it, like connecting to the wi-fi at starbucks.
Click to expand...

Exactly.
 
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