IPAD's what broadband provider

[SUSANHORTON]

I am thinking of purchasing an IPAD as they are so light and portable. Would I be able to use it with an internet broadband dongle with a provider of my choice for example "3". This is currently how I use my laptop so was wondering if this also works for the IPAD?

Thank you
Sue

[RJ_Paton]

Sadly the answer is that the ipad cannot be used directly with the dongle.

Internet access is gained either by the built in system to access free wifi points (or your own network).
or
You can obtain versions which use a mobile phone type contract sim card to access the net

[SUSANHORTON]

Thank you for that, being a bit of a technophobe I have never understood it very well. If I went to buy one that used the sim card; would I be able to choose the provider, i.e unlocked or would it come with a designated provider?

Would I be able to buy one that does both; wi fi and sim?

Thank you
Sue

[ReadyDale]

Other (non-fruit based) tablet PCs are available.   

[SUSANHORTON]

I see, a similar product.

[[Ray]]

Hi

If you are only buying one because it is "light and portable" then my advice is don't

Whilst it is (very) good at somethings (esp instore training if bought from them),
it is a fruit-based view of life fitted into a box with restrictions.
You will need to check (that you are happy with) things like
+ keyboard usability (splits into fruit-based definition of "alpha" and "numeric")
+ filing of email history if you like to keep lots of mail
+ limit number of tabs open when browsing internet
+ try closing apps when you have anything wrong with your hands/fingers (!)
+ "no usb" connections
+ you have to use x-tunes
+ you can't play a cd/sdcard
+ maximum amount of storage available to you
+ ensure you are happy about getting things on and off it.
+ if you buy the one without simcard, you have to buy a new machine to change your mind
+ try taking a foto holding a plank (it) in the air
+ not good if you have more than 1 email address
+ whilst some people do use them for business they are definitely "not for business use"

There are lots of good light laptops around for similar money
 and you will therefore get something you already know.

Just my view.

Ray

Sent from my XPS18-aio   

[RJ_Paton]

Re SIM card .... The machines are locked to individual providers (usually)

Re other pads .... I am not aware of one running either iOS (Apple) or Android (most of the rest)which will work directly with the dongle you described . Possibly one of the new Windows 8 machines coming out could fit the bill (although W8 is pretty poor on a laptop it becomes almost reasonable on a touch tablet)

[smudwhisk]

+ whilst some people do use them for business they are definitely "not for business use"

I whole heartedly agree with this, but try telling my local council who are spending thousands on them for "mobile working", and this is when they have a major budget deficit.

[SUSANHORTON]

Looking at everyones comments, I am thinking to stick to my old laptop for now with a view to looking at the more up to date lighter laptops with wifi etc.