Just bought an iPad 1st Gen

[thesoulyearns]

OK, just bought an iPad 1st gen as a present for mum and completely stuffed it. Typical of me... figured the term "wi-fi" meant it already had the internet and it was ready to go. Turns out, no... you need to purchase the internet separately. (unless I'm wrong?)

So, I guess my question is: Can this iPad have 3G put into it, even though the model didn't actually come with 3G? Basically, I'd like her to browse the net and not worry about payment or anything, so she can use it at wi-fi hotspots, at home, etc. At least, that's how I think it works. She has a Kindle and is able to download books from home, and that came with wi-fi.

Thanks for any help...

[phorum_junkie*]

You don't need an international version of the Kindle, all you need is one with 3G (some are wi fi only)

I can use mine anywhere in the world either on wi-fi or 3G but as I said earlier it is absolutely useless for surfing the net.

I also have a Kindle Fire which only has wi fi but as long as I can find a mains socket to plug my mobile router in it makes a passable tablet.

[thesoulyearns]

Thanks weddingandfashion and everyone for your advice.

Bascially, I don't want her spending what little extra money she has on an internet connection. I know from personal experience that it can chew up money so fast and frankly I think it would be wasting her money. However... it seems that it has to be purchased and isn't free like the Kindle 3G unfortunately. As far as the internet, she wants to use the iPad for email and downloading/playing games, with general web browsing too.

weddingandfashion, how much does your iPad 3G internet connection cost you each month? If it's reasonable, I'll probably just sell this, buy one with 3G and then get a sim card so she can use it at home.

[thesoulyearns]

Just looking at internet plans, Optus has sim card 10gb plan for 12 months at $34.95 per month. Do you think 10gb per month would be enough for someone who may use it everyday for a few hours of browsing and also downloading maybe 2-3 games each month?

http://www.simonly.com.au/ipad-sim-cards/

[gassani4men]

I purchased my iPads with WiFi only. The reason for that is because I have about 4GB of data on my iPhone on a Telstra plan and I tether (use it as a WiFi hotspot/modem). Also, I hardly ever use 3G because I have WiFi in the house and I'm stuck in it most of the time (I operate a business from home). However, it depends on your usage.

I reckon that, the way mum will be using it, 1GB of data will be more than enough every month. Why don't you do a current comparison on Whirlpool? There will be plenty of info there about which company provides how much data for how much money. Just never go on a postpaid plan with 250MB of data per month. What will happen then is she will be paying about a dollar for every MB of data above that 250 and will quickly chew it up if she does not know how to use it.

I'd be looking at the Amaysim data plans first. They are cheap and on the Optus Network. Make sure you've got good Optus coverage in your area and then choose a 1GB plan. If she looks like she might be using her allowance up quickly, then you can discuss raising her plan to the next one up.

[gassani4men]

Sorry, Soul, we were typing at the same time.

10 GB should be a lot for her. I know newbies don't usually use that much. That being said, if she's prepared to pay that much, it will save you a lot in the future when she's not a newbie any more.

Do a comparison with Amaysim first though.

[gassani4men]

Oh, forgot to mention that Amaysim has no lock in contracts and you can purchase extra data packs as you go. Confirm it with them before you take my word for it but I think it's a good startup as you can get out of it at any time if you see there is a better, cheaper alternative elsewhere.

[thesoulyearns]

Thanks, weddingandfashion.

Mum has a Samsung smartphone (?) where she can use the internet there, so do you think there is a way of tethering that connection onto the Wi-fi only iPad?

[thesoulyearns]

By the way, I haven't worked out how to browse Whirlpool for iPad plan comparisons. Amaysim looks good for 1gb plans at $10 a month.

[gassani4men]

Yep.

Make sure she has a reasonable amount of data allowance from her phone provider first.

Then open Settings then select Wireless & Networks on the phone

The setting can be turned on using a setting called something like portable or WiFi Hotspot

It will give you a WiFi name and a security key

Go to the iPad Settings and choose WiFi

It should recognise the WiFi name on the Samsung phone. Key in the security key and you should be good to go.

Depending on her phone provider, I would also download an app on her phone that keeps track of her phone and data usage. If she runs out of data usage for that month you can turn off 3G or WiFi Hotspot so she can't use it until it's updated.

Try a google search for tethering from an android phone or android wifi hotspot.

I'm happy to do phone support when you're ready to give it a try. Send me a PM 🙂

[gassani4men]

By the way, I haven't worked out how to browse Whirlpool for iPad plan comparisons. Amaysim looks good for 1gb plans at $10 a month.

Go here:

http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/?action=search

Choose Wireless

Choose your state and other details

It'll come up with a list (I think :-))