[sleemo]

Hi, does anyone use the Bell or Rogers MiFi device with their iPad? How do you find it? Any opinions as to which would be better, overall, for Internet use, 3G or MiFi?

I don't care about the contract aspect of MiFi since my work will cover the cost. My iPad didn't come with 3G capabilities but I can exchange it for one that has 3G so I'm wondering if I should bother with 3G or go for MiFi. One plus with MiFi is I can share it with other devices.

 

[Larry]

I have the 3G model. I also considered going with a mifi type device. Here are some pros/cons:

Pros:
- can share with other devices if you have that need
- no restrictions on what you can download/view since iPad thinks it is using WIFI

Cons:
- need to carry around another device and remember to take it
- potentially shorter usable time based on battery/etc.
- locked into one Carrier (unless you get another "mifi")
- no protection against some heavy data usage not usually permitted with 3G


Use of an iPad/mifi is perfectly fine - in fact Verizon is selling that combo now in the States.

 

[sleemo]

Thanks. One thing I have noticed and wonder about is with the 3G data plan you get up to 5GB for $30 and with MiFi for $30 you only get up to 500MB. What's up with that?

 

[protospam]

I had the same idea - it seemed like a good idea at the time, but I am now looking at dropping the MiFi. Notwithstanding the premium price/GB vs. a 3G plan, I didn't find the Mifi to be particularly reliable - frequent lockups, drop offs, short battery life. I've had to replace the device twice now..
I wouldn't recommend it for business use.

 

[sw8689]

So my iPad isn't 3G, I didn't think I would need it, but a few times I have wished I had when traveling. Is mifi the way I would resolve my mistake in not getting 3G? Or does the Apple store upgrade to 3G within a certain amount of time?

How does mifi work?

 

[hugh]

See MiFi Mobile Hotspot comes to Rogers for more info.

Bell also offers the device and I'm not sure about Telus. Each have their own data plans.

 

[Wayne]

So my iPad isn't 3G, I didn't think I would need it, but a few times I have wished I had when traveling.

But if your travelling is to a different country and you use the 3G radio on your iPad then be prepared to grab your ankles and bend over.

 

[99semaj]

iPads sold in Canada (or any other country except for USA and Japan) are not carrier locked, so you can easily purchase local microSIMs and data plans wherever you travel.

 

[sleemo]

Or does the Apple store upgrade to 3G within a certain amount of time?

You can exchange it for a 3G model within 30 days, paying the difference.