Is it possible to use a 3G wireless card with the iPad?

I was wondering, if I were to buy the wifi version could I just buy the USB extension and then plug in my wireless card and it'll work?

Most likely no..the USB connector is likely custom like the other devices and will only be used to connect to a PC as a device so it can charge/transfer stuff..

Regards

Raz0rEdge said:

Most likely no..the USB connector is likely custom like the other devices and will only be used to connect to a PC as a device so it can charge/transfer stuff..

Regards

Click to expand...

Dumb question here: Won't it just be a matter of time where some vendor makes a "custom" to USB connector so you can connect to some other device? What in the iPad would prevent this?

Of course, I don't see a need to connect to some WiFi device if the iPad already has WiFi. However, something you can connect your flash memory card for backup would be useful.

Just curious...

jom

Ryasaurus said:

I was wondering, if I were to buy the wifi version could I just buy the USB extension and then plug in my wireless card and it'll work?

Click to expand...

No, but if you were stupid enough to pay for a Verizon MiFi 3g pocket sized router at the ridiculous rate of 60 bucks a month for 5GB of data, then you could connect to that.

Even if it could, seems like it would make more sense to get the built-in 3G. That way you get the GPS as well, and as pointed out above, it is likely cheaper in the long run.

gbtjom said:

Dumb question here: Won't it just be a matter of time where some vendor makes a "custom" to USB connector so you can connect to some other device? What in the iPad would prevent this?

Of course, I don't see a need to connect to some WiFi device if the iPad already has WiFi. However, something you can connect your flash memory card for backup would be useful.

Just curious...

jom

Click to expand...

If the only thing preventing you from connection random devices to the iPad or any other device was a connector, that would be simple enough..but the connector is only one part of it..the software running on the device has to support the thing being plugged in..and I'm pretty sure the iPad doesn't have the software or rather has the software locks to prevent random devices from being being usable..

Regards

It's called a business and business need. The Verizon product as I see it is focused towards business and for a business to provide the functionality 60/month is part of the cost of doing business. By the Way - as a business you are not limited to 5G - its Unlimited and if you are a large business the cost per month is actually close to 1/2 of what you listed.

I plan to use my Unlimited MiFi with the Ipad - I anticipate it will be the perfect companion since no software is needed on the client which is another problem with USB key devices.

DarkestRitual said:

No, but if you were stupid enough to pay for a Verizon MiFi 3g pocket sized router at the ridiculous rate of 60 bucks a month for 5GB of data, then you could connect to that.

Click to expand...

An almost identical product from Clearwire can be used with the iPad too.

Here's an excerpt from a story on no contract iPhones:

The mobile hotspot, called the Clear Spot, costs $139.99 to buy, or $4.99 a month to lease, and there is a monthly charge of about $40, said Mike DiGioia, a spokesman for Clearwire.

"It costs a bit more than the 3G service, but the 4G service offers faster speeds — 3 to 6 megabits-per-second downloads, with bursts over 10 megabits per second — and is flexible in that it can be used with many devices," and not just the iPad, he said.

Service plans "don't have usage caps and contracts aren't required, though there are often discounts for people who sign a service agreement," he said.

Link to the story (bad link removed)

Also Sprint has this device from Sierra Wireless:

The "Overdrive" 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, made by Sierra Wireless and resembling a small router, can connect up to five Wi-Fi devices at the same time, including laptops, gaming devices and even smartphones from other carriers. "Make your iPhone 4G," Sprint brags on its Web site.

The Overdrive costs $100, after a rebate and with a two-year contract. The monthly plan is $59.99 for unlimited 4G usage, Sprint says, and a 5-gigabyte cap for 3G usage.

Taken from this news story on 4G networks/phones. LINK (bad link removed)

namination cushy

MiFi was zero dollars with a 2 year contract - not too bad considering its way more functionality than the usb stick it replaced.

By the time most folks are able to use 4G (or should I say realize the true performance) we will be on our Gen 2+ Ipad's.