Why Teather?

[tttexxan]

To each their own. It does hurt battery life if you use it for prolonged periods of time but for the short bursts of time I generally need 3G on my iPad, it's a perfect solution--saves me $360/yr (at current data prices, of course ). And yes I'd need the larger data plan because even with periodic usage via MyWi, used about 600 MB last month.

Its called a plug use it------I used 5 gigs last month Ummmmmmmm who cares

 

[tbayrgs]

Its called a plug use it------I used 5 gigs last month Ummmmmmmm who cares

Easy chief, if you'd read carefully, you'd see I'm a proponent of MyWi. I only slipped in to amount of data used to head off the 'if you only use it sporadically, get the cheaper data plan, it's cheaper' comment. And believe it or not, there are actually places where one might not have access to an outlet.

For most most people, I think MyWi is a great/cheaper alternative to the iPad's native 3G but if you're on your phone constantly AND need frequent 3G access and/or are a heavy data user, it's probably not the best solution.

 

[PreetinderBajwa]

Why so much discussion - pls pardon my ignorance

Hi everyone,

I have a US version of the 64GB wi-fi only iPad. I paid Top USD for it a week after it was launched in the US (the iPad is not going to be available here in the next couple of months also I reckon).

I have the device (similar to pic i have attached), its a mi-fi and allows up to 5 devices to be connected. I got a regular Data only plan, plugged the sim card into this mifi and my iPad runs like a champ along with my laptop and anyone in my family can connect their device also if they need to (like a second iPad which !! ) and I connect my iPhone to it when I need a 7.2mbps connection).

The deal was even sweeter when the company I got it from (not 3) offered HKD 1500 supermarket coupons... (equal to 5 months of monthly price), the mifi device was free of cost and all I had to do was give them a copy of my iPad purchase bill.

Isn't something like this available in the US ? like a data plan and a device like this and many of the family mobile devices (wifi capable) would work on the road.

BTW this device is pocketable so no big deal about the intrusive size.

Though the iPhone tethering would reduce number of devices or cost of 2 bills (which are fixed for unlimited data in both the cases) wouldn't tethering eat your iPhone's battery.... plus the mifi device has a faster 3G data connection as iPhone currently handles 3.6 mbps only if I am not mistaken.

Just sharing my thoughts....

 

[jclardy]

I was contemplating adding tethering to my plan until I realized that iPhone tethering is only BT or through USB. Since the iPad can' connect that eliminates 50% of the reason that I would sign up for tethering.

Apple should buy MyWi and integrate it into the OS, then maybe when the iPhone goes to Verizon tethering will be free like their Palm OS devices.

 

[tbayrgs]

Apple should buy MyWi and integrate it into the OS, then maybe when the iPhone goes to Verizon tethering will be free like their Palm OS devices.

Never going to happen--eliminates need to purchase 3G iPad (Apple loses revenue). Same reason why Apple doesn't allow tethering of iPad to iPhone.

 

[Spudracer]

...and with a 3G unit, you get that functionality at that time as well, only you can use 3G now when you need to.

The problem with the tethering debate is that there are two common use cases that aren't easy to differentiate in plans: Opportunistic Tethering, and Contingency Tethering. Opportunistic use is continuous, with no regard for the inherent limitations of a wireless utility. It becomes a home or office internet substitute, and leads to excessive use. Contingency use is for places between home and office without WiFi, or when traveling.

Contingency tethering should not be charged a $20 premium per month... $5 might be reasonable, but it really should be free.

Opportunistic tethering is quite damaging to the telco if the service is considered unlimited. It is unrealistic to think that this type of use should be free, even if you are within the 2GB limit, because you will saturate your connection when you do use it.

The pseudo-intellectual has arrived. Love the invention of terms like opportunistic and contingency. Here, let me try. I would like to claim "evacuation event" usage for those long moments in the bathroom where access to information is critical and your router has crashed.

 

[tbayrgs]

The pseudo-intellectual has arrived. Love the invention of terms like opportunistic and contingency. Here, let me try. I would like to claim "evacuation event" usage for those long moments in the bathroom where access to information is critical and your router has crashed.

Nice.

 

[phpmaven]

The pseudo-intellectual has arrived. Love the invention of terms like opportunistic and contingency. Here, let me try. I would like to claim "evacuation event" usage for those long moments in the bathroom where access to information is critical and your router has crashed.

Invention of terms? You need to get out and read a bit more son.

 

[mac jones]

The pseudo-intellectual has arrived. Love the invention of terms like opportunistic and contingency. Here, let me try. I would like to claim "evacuation event" usage for those long moments in the bathroom where access to information is critical and your router has crashed.

His arguments are rather well put and cogent. Perhaps those are industry terms. Also, your scatological reference is telling.

 

[DisneyRicky]

I do't have a 3G, so I don't tether. But I do want to know what the point is! 2 Gigs of internet (when on a computer) is nothing!

 

[raymond lin]

One thing people forget is the battery life, tethering kills the battery on the iPhone and you are running 2 devices at the same time, not to mention the battery on the ipad is much longer, the iPhone will die before the iPad.