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...

[patchoo78]

Soul, you can also buy a portable modem device which gives you your own portable Hot Spot.. All you do is put a sim card into the device and you can connect the iPad this way.. 

All you need is a sim card and to pick a data plan for how much data your Mum is likely to use.

They're not very expensive and most networks sell them (I know Optus and Telstra have them but depends on what each network have to offer)

A lot of people who buy the WiFi iPads usually have WiFi internet at home so they connecrt that way or by using hot spots as mentioned above. 

[gassani4men]

Patch, the 3G to WiFi modem device will set her back $150 at least and then she will need a separate data plan to pay for every month.

If she has a reasonable data plan on her phone already, smartphones act as WiFi hotspots in the same way as a modem.

If she's already using her data allowance on her phone then don't do it. But if she has a plan that gives her a reasonable amount of data but she isn't using it and it's just going to waste, just use the phone as a modem.

[2106greencat]

soul - are you more confused now than when you asked the question ? :^O

My eyes glazed over as soon as I saw the technical speak, I really need some tech savvy training :_|

[thesoulyearns]

Greencat... yes. 😞

I thought I was pretty tech savvy until this. Millions of people flock to buy iPads and have no problems, so guess I'm out of the loop. Mum's more in the loop than me! 😉

When she comes home, I'll try to tether her phone to the iPad. If that doesn't work, I'll either buy one of those portable modems or just get one with Wifi + 3G. What I've realised is that the iPad is a mini computer, so if you want the internet, you have to pay for it just like on a regular PC. That does make sense now. It's just about finding the right plan, really.

Thanks for all of your help.

[patchoo78]

Patch, the 3G to WiFi modem device will set her back $150 at least and then she will need a separate data plan to pay for every month.

I was talking WiFi to 3G and the ones I saw were all under $100 including one from Telstra

As I understand it, you can just get a prepaid 3G sim card and buy credit when you need it.. 

Perhaps I should have made myself clearer, when I said Portable modem, I meant Portable Hot Spot which works the same as it would if you use a Smartphone, it just doesn't have a phone.

Of course if she has a Smart phone she can use that

[thesoulyearns]

Patch, does the portable modem/hotspot have to be connected to the iPad to work or can it just be nearby?

[green.fields]

OK, I don't have an ipad, son has an android tablet, he connects via wifi to his home internet or mine or any hotspots available, Soulsmum can do the same with the wifi ipad. Leeching of neighbours is not the way to go.

Maybe something with this crowd might suit. I know people connected with these people  and they are happy with them.

http://www.oneseniors.com.au/promotions

[i-once-was-bump]

Thje ipad 3G takes a different size sim card to any other brands of phone or tablet so if choosing a plan make sure it includes a sim that will fit in the ipad.

A pocket wifi will sit on the table and do up to 5 devices and most companies will give them away free just to get you to sign up.

the pocket wifi needs a sim card for the 3g network (provider of your choice) or you can take the sim out of the phone and put it in the pocket wifi (if the phone is NOT an apple iphone)

By using the sim from the non-apple phone you can just increase the data allowance for the mobile phone.

[i-once-was-bump]

BTW the pocket wifi last about 4 to 5 hours on a charge with 3 items connected via wifi or you can just leave it plugged in if using it at home.

[thesoulyearns]

Thanks bump and roserobin - the pocket wi-fi sounds good. 🙂