I pad costs

[nikonian bob]

With regard to the I Pad,which hasn't been released here yet, When I purchase, Do I have to open a contract with a service provider such as Telecom to access the internet or can it operate with a prepaid option as my phone is ? Thanks

 

[lareneg]

Here in the UK, networks have special iPad tariffs - for example, O2 charge £10/month for a 1 gigabyte allowance (that's not a fixed term contract, so you can cancel it with 30 days notice). O2 also include unlimited WiFi usage on any of their OpenZone networks, which are fairly extensive (I believe that many phoneboxes in large cities are now OpenZone WiFi points, and many Cafés etc. have a BT OpenZone network).

There are also Pay As You Go plans - for example, Orange charges 5p/MB which is better for light usage.

I assume that similar tariffs will be in place in Australia. It's worth noting you can't put a normal SIM card in the iPad - you need a special microsim, which means you can't just pick up a normal Pay As You Go SIM card.

 

[2blue4u]

I assume that similar tariffs will be in place in Australia.

Im sure that's the case but it's hardly relevant as Robert is in New Zealand. I do hope he's not offended

if ongoing costs are a problem and you have good access to wifi then don't buy a 3g version. Simples!

 

[Chappers]

Robert

As Julian said here in the UK most if not all the major providers have options for the iPad. In most cases it's a one month rolling non contract service. The UK does have one of the most competitive mobile markets in Europe, and as a result there is a lot of choice re service/ tariffs .

I would suspect that when the iPad hits NZ then that's the only time you'll find out exactly what tariffs will be available.

 

[mid_gen]

I haven't chopped up my existing mobile broadband SIM to see if it works in the iPad, although there is no reason it wouldn't.

The only reason the iPad uses a microSIM is to force people onto 'iPad' data tariffs.

 

[hollis_f]

If you want to use your iPad with a 3G phone signal then the MiFi is a good option. It will take any sim and it uses the 3G data signal to broadcast it over WiFi. Use the one device to connect your iPhone, iPad and laptop with the one sim and one data package.

 

[lareneg]

I haven't chopped up my existing mobile broadband SIM to see if it works in the iPad, although there is no reason it wouldn't.

The only reason the iPad uses a microSIM is to force people onto 'iPad' data tariffs.

I saw a funny video by the BBC of a reporter trying to do it with scissors, failing horribly and recommending that other people don't do it because it probably doesn't work anyway. Well, if you don't wield scissors like an absolute moron and try being sensible and using a craft knife instead...

 

[wcavanagh]

It works fine, posting this from my iPad with cut down iPhone sim in right now.

 

[roystonparera]

The iPad's design represents a new paradigm in terms of electronics cost structure and electronic content. You either want to buy one of the current models, or hold out for a 3G. Either way, it's going to cost you anywhere from $499 to $829, plus tax. I think that it is depend on you that which iPod ou want to buy, you can easily search on internet for more details.