SoftwareBuzz - Tech Blog (updates)

Posted: 11 Jan 2011 01:02 AM PST

The iPad is a mighty fine bit of kit, which appeals to gadget fans everywhere despite its high price tag. However, without a connection to the internet you're never really going to get full value out of it either. So, once you've acquired your Apple iPad then the next thing is to seek out a deal that'll get you up and running.

Although the iPad is available from some mobile providers as part of a contract setup right now, another route that's worth exploring is to buy one independently, and then seek out a pay-as-you-go iPad SIM card deal. By doing this you'll be able to enjoy all the trappings of a broadband connection, but without the tie-in that a contract often brings.

How to do it

One of the quickest and easiest ways of finding an Apple iPad SIM card deal for broadband purposes is to enlist the help of a free comparison website. Broadband Genie allows you to do just that, as they now have a dedicated section of the site that features everything related to the wonder that is the iPad.

What's more, when you search it's possible to select search criteria that fits your needs and requirements for mobile broadband. So, if you're a lightweight user then you may only require a package with less of a data allowance. However, if you like to download lots of online content, you may want to plump for a contract that will give you a more generous allowance.

What to buy

Remember that whatever route you decide to take, the Apple iPad uses specific SIM cards, that are smaller than the usual ones found on mobile phones and also unique to the Apple device. These come in both contract and PAYG variants, and the great thing about the contract deals is that many of them start from as little
as one month on a rolling basis.

With the Apple iPad still being a fairly new bit of kit, there aren't a massive amount of deals around, although there are still plenty to suit all kinds of online mobile broadband requirements. The iPad comes with Wi-Fi connectivity in its base-level incarnation, but to really exploit the potential of this device you really need to stump up the extra cash and buy the 3G version.

What are the benefits?

Having a 3G-enabled Apple iPad will allow you to have the flexibility of mobile broadband to connect to the internet pretty much wherever you go. Having said that, connectivity can be subject to coverage levels and also the amount of network traffic being generated. This is no different to the way mobile phones work, but issues like that and a fluctuating speed of service can be the occasional.

Downside of a mobile device like an iPad

Nevertheless, if you've got a 3G mobile broadband-enabled iPad, along with WiFi, it gives you the best of both worlds. Wi-Fi access is generally available all over the place and many outlets such as fast food restaurants, pubs and clubs all let you access their Wi-Fi for free. Airports, stations and the like usually charge, but this also gives you the added freedom of extra connectivity if the 3G connection

isn't too hot on occasions.

About the author: Rob Clymo writes on behalf of www.broadbandgenie.co.uk, the independent comparison website for broadband, mobile broadband and smartphones.

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011