Apple iPad SIM Card Buyers Guide

A buyers’ guide to Apple iPad SIM cards

There has been much debate as to how useful the Apple iPad will prove to be. After all, it’s a gadget that does a little bit of everything, although doesn’t come with all of the features or technical specification that will allow you to throw your traditional computer away. However, as with all things Apple, the iPad has fantastic looks and a quality build and finish albeit at a fairly high-price.

Perhaps the most appealing thing about the Apple iPad though is its portability. Netbook computers are all well and good, but there’s something about this device that makes you want to take it with you on your travels rather than sigh and reluctantly sling a laptop over your shoulder.

The freedom of iPad SIM cards

Of course, portability equals freedom and added to that, the iPad comes with the capability for accessing your online world with ease. Unfortunately you can’t make calls with it as yet, so don’t forget the mobile phone when you leave the house.

However, getting onto the internet and sending and receiving emails is a dream with this bit of kit and you can use it in much the same way as you would with a mobile broadband-enabled laptop.

There are some subtle differences between using a traditional mobile broadband technique for getting online, such as the humble dongle, or with a built-in card, mainly because the iPad doesn’t have any way of connecting a USB device like the dongle. It’s not like connecting to the web using a mobile phone SIM either, because they won’t work in this device.

Apple and the iPad SIM

More importantly, if you really want to get the most from your online activities you should also spend the extra money and get a 3G version of the iPad device. Without this you won’t be able to access the mobile broadband network, you’ll instead be limited to accessing online content via Wi-Fi. That’s acceptable enough, but if you’re spending a few hundred on the iPad it seems logical to go the extra mile and get the
added benefit of getting kitted out with an iPad SIM card 3G option.

The main difference with hooking up to your online activities with the iPad is that you’ll need to get yourself a special micro SIM card. This nifty little piece of plastic works along the same lines as a traditional SIM card but it’s much smaller at around half the size of a regular mobile one. The great thing about this little powerhouse SIM is that it will get you access to the nationwide 3G broadband network.

Stay connected on-the-move

The only downside to the new micro SIM for the iPad device is that deals still aren’t that plentiful. However, if you pick through what is available and decide on a deal that suits your needs then installation and setup is wonderfully easy. Simply insert the iPad micro SIM into the device, then connect your iPad to an Apple Mac computer or Windows PC.

After you’ve done that, launch iTunes. You’ll need to follow the on-screen instructions or use the guidelines that should have come with your new SIM card. Remember that, especially considering deals are fairly limited at present, you’ll need to keep an eye on the terms and conditions of usage. If you’re a lightweight user then this shouldn’t worry you, but anyone who is connected to 3G mobile broadband in a big way might want to add extra data allowance to their package.

Where to look

Comparison tables on a website like Broadband Genie will give you an overview of deals that are available, what sort of terms are on the table and how to get yourself the best possible price. Remember that you can always tap into an available Wi-Fi network too, which includes the likes of hotspots at places like airports, cafes and fast food outlets.

Be sure to check with your mobile provider on their terms and conditions for overseas use too as this could potentially be very costly if its an available option. It may be better to buy a micro SIM from a local network provider when you finally get to your destination. It’s essentially a case of employing the ‘buyer beware’ philosophy. Aside from that, the iPad mobile computing experience makes an excellent new web browsing and emailing option for anyone.

About the author: Chris Marling writes on behalf of www.broadbandgenie.co.uk, the independent comparison website for broadband, mobile broadband and iPad SiM cards.

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