How to make the most of a 4G iPad 3?

1ZRed

I just got an iPad 3 4G version for my birthday and I'm wondering how I get get the best from it considering 4G isn't in the country. I'm not very knowledgable with the whole 3G/4G thing so that doesn't help.
As I understand it, the iPad 3 has LTE but will that come to Ireland when ever we get 4G?

Sad Professor

It only support supports the frequencies used by US 4G networks. So even when 4G does arrive here you won't be able to use the new iPad with it. It's false advertising and several countries are taking legal action against Apple over it. So unless you live in the US it's really only a 3G iPad.

1ZRed

Sad Professor wrote: »

It only support supports the frequencies used by US 4G networks. So even when 4G does arrive here you won't be able to use the new iPad with it. It's false advertising and several countries are taking legal action against Apple over it. So unless you live in the US it's really only a 3G iPad.

That's a disappointment. I thought the smart thing for the companies to do would be to standardise the 4G frequency
So since I'm stuck with only 3G, what are the max speeds I should expect?

bkehoe

I regularly get more than 10MBit with mine on a PAYG 3 SIM and with a PAYG Vodafone SIM.

1ZRed

bkehoe wrote: »

I regularly get more than 10MBit with mine on a PAYG 3 SIM and with a PAYG Vodafone SIM.

How does this work out then? Do I need to go on a plan to be able to use the 3G or can I top up like credit?
Honestly, I think the 3G iPad is a waste of money so far because I'm not able to utilise it properly.
Hopefully I'll sort things out but for now it's proving to be a bit of a headache!:mad:

bertie4evr

They've renamed it to WiFi + Cellular now because of its incompatibility.

Sad Professor

I hadn't noticed that. Good to see they backed down, though I guess they didn't have much choice.

TBi

bertie4evr wrote: »

They've renamed it to WiFi + Cellular now because of its incompatibility.

I bought one for a friend only a week ago and clearly said 4G on the box. Think i'll sue!

1ZRed

TBi wrote: »

I bought one for a friend only a week ago and clearly said 4G on the box. Think i'll sue!

You're some Good friend to be buying an iPad! It clearly said 4G on mine as well. I think I'll file a class action lawsuit on them too:p

TBi

1ZRed wrote: »

You're some Good friend to be buying an iPad! It clearly said 4G on mine as well. I think I'll file a class action lawsuit on them too:p

His money, i just got it for him

bkehoe

1ZRed wrote: »

How does this work out then? Do I need to go on a plan to be able to use the 3G or can I top up like credit?
Honestly, I think the 3G iPad is a waste of money so far because I'm not able to utilise it properly.
Hopefully I'll sort things out but for now it's proving to be a bit of a headache!:mad:

Strange logic of yours that the 3G iPad is a waste of money just because you haven't got a data plan for it yet - did you think 3G/4G access was free? You also have a GPS in it which the wifi only iPad doesn't have.

It's very simple - you can walk into any network operators store (or go on their website) and get a 30 day plan with an allocation of data, usually with prices starting from €5 a month specifically marketed for the iPad which will just work.

I personally use a 3 Ireland PAYG SIM most of the time (Vodafone one is for roaming in certain countries) as you get all you can eat data for 30 days after a 20 euro topup and at the end of that you can queue up 500MB data bundles that are valid for 30 days. My 3G usage is low so I don't need a huge data bundle.

ironclaw

If people base their consumer choices on the tech wording on a box or website, of which the tech in question they know nothing about, I don't blame the company involved. Especially given the wealth of knowledge available on numerous forums and sites. People always seem to blame the company or product when they themselves should have educated themselves before buying. Maybe its just me!

But to answer your question OP, 3G is perfectly acceptable speed wise for what you'll be doing on an iPad. There are plenty of decent plans out there. I'm with Meteor and never had a major issue with speed. Like all wireless devices, it depends where you live and where you intend to use the device i.e Indoors in the middle of no where ain't going to be 10MB/s.

1ZRed

bkehoe wrote: »

Strange logic of yours that the 3G iPad is a waste of money just because you haven't got a data plan for it yet - did you think 3G/4G access was free? You also have a GPS in it which the wifi only iPad doesn't have.

It's very simple - you can walk into any network operators store (or go on their website) and get a 30 day plan with an allocation of data, usually with prices starting from €5 a month specifically marketed for the iPad which will just work.

I personally use a 3 Ireland PAYG SIM most of the time (Vodafone one is for roaming in certain countries) as you get all you can eat data for 30 days after a 20 euro topup and at the end of that you can queue up 500MB data bundles that are valid for 30 days. My 3G usage is low so I don't need a huge data bundle.

I didn't think the 3G was free but I thought I could use my iPhone's sim with it.
For the moment, I don't need a data plan because I'm at home. When I start college though, I'll consider it (hopefully I'll be living away from home but that means no free wifi!:()
I'll ring Vodafone tomorrow. Was too busy the last two days and I don't even think the sim is activated.
Thanks for the help guys:)

Mellor

1ZRed wrote: »

I didn't think the 3G was free but I thought I could use my iPhone's sim with it.

You can.