Community Chat

[Sparkle Babe]

I am so confused about I-Pads. I thought I would get my hubby an I-Pad for Fathers Day (he knows nothing about computers but I want him to learn). I went on the Best Buy website yesterday to order one & seems like there are two different kinds (you either get one with Sprint or AT&T for which you pay a monthly fee to access the internet OR you get one where your cable company has to install (I believe a Router) & there is no monthly fee. I don't know if I am correct on that since I don't know much about electronics myself. Can anyone tell me which is the best way to go. Hubby is getting ready to retire & I really don't want any additional monthly charges, yet I want access to the internet away from home if need be.

[gidgetgh]

If you're always going to use the iPad where there's a wireless connection (WIFI), you don't need the one with the Sprint, AT&T, etc. capabilities.

If there's a possibility that you'll be somewhere where there isn't WIFI, and you want to use your iPad, you'll need it then. You activate it only when you need it and pay for a "block" of usage. It's not a monthly charge and there's no contract. You should pick the one (sprint or AT&T) that has the most coverage for your area.

My husband and I recently travelled to visit family in PA and my aunt doesn't have an internet connection. I activated my AT&T coverage right there in her living room and used it during our stay with her. Then, I let it expire because we were back home. The block of coverage you get is good for 30 days or until you use it up, whichever comes first. Unused amounts expire after 30 days.

[glb613]

There are 2 types of iPads. One has Wifi only and the other have Wifi and cellular connection. You don't have to pay for the cellular connection if you have wireless at home. If you have either cable internet or DSL, you need a wireless router. You only pay for the cellular connection as needed which is 30 days at a time. I do know of people (my sister) who use a cellular connection as their only internet access but most don't. My iPad has both and I've never used the cellular connection.

The iPads with both Wifi and cellular are branded to a certain carrier. So if you buy an iPad with a Verizon connection, you can only use Verizon. The same is true if you buy one with AT&T or Sprint. So if you want an iPad with cellular capabilities, buy the carrier in your area with the best coverage.

You can find free Wifi at many places including hotels/motels. So you may not need to pay for cellular while traveling. A lot depends on where you go.

[Sparkle Babe]

Thank ya'll so much. You have explained very well; however, I still have to ask another question. Do I still have to get a wireless router no matter which way I go?

[brii]

Yes, you will need a wireless router at home.

You can activate a cellular plan when you are away from home, when needed.

[Sparkle Babe]

Thank you, Bril. I have another question. If I get an I-Pad with (4G LTE), what does that mean?

[brii]

On 6/11/2014 Sparkle Babe said:

Thank you, Bril. I have another question. If I get an I-Pad with (4G LTE), what does that mean?

4G LTE gives you the ability to browse the web, stream video, and download at an amazing speed - which is what you want.

[greamy]

Don't know about the technical stuff or advice on what to buy, just want to say, I love, love, my IPad and enjoy using it. Good luck with your research on what to buy.

[Sparkle Babe]

Okay, I am about ready to order but, hopefully, one last question which I am still not clear on. Can I order the WIFI only I-Pad (not a cellular branded one) & still get cellular capabilities should I be in an area where there is no WIFI?

[Sparkle Babe]

Okay, I am about ready to order but, hopefully, one last question which I am still not clear on. Can I order the WIFI only I-Pad (not a cellular branded one) & still get cellular capabilities should I be in an area where there is no WIFI?