A Guide to iPad SIM Cards

A description of the iPad is: a small computing device that is not as powerful as the netbook but more portable than a laptop.  Some people view these devices as expensive eReaders, since they allow you to store digital copies of your favourite books.  The fact is that the iPad is actually much more than this and holds within it great power.  One of the main advantages that you get with an iPad is the ability to connect to the internet.  This can be done wirelessly in your home or when you are out and about.  However, if you want to connect when you are out of your home then you have to get a sim card for iPad.  This little card is what allows you to connect to the 3G network, or soon 4G, with the former available in 99% of the UK, and the latter rolling at the moment.  When you connect to the 3G network you do not have to worry about finding a wireless connection, although the speeds are not that great.

The SIM Card for iPad – Not Just an Ordinary SIM Card

When you are getting your iPad you should look at the dual connectivity models.  These models allow you to connect to the internet via wireless connections and mobile broadband connections.  While these models do cost more, the benefits you get far outweigh the additional costs.  If you do not want to pay more, then you can get a wireless connection only iPad; but this seriously limits what you are able to do.  When you get this model you will only be able to connect to wireless hotspots when out and about.  you will find that while there are a fair number of hotspots they are not as handy as a 3G connection. 

To connect to the 3G network you do not need a dongle like you would use with a netbook or laptop.  The iPad comes with ports that allow you to insert the sim card for iPad.  Even if you get the wireless only model you will not be able to use a dongle.  The reason for this is that the iPad does not have the USB ports that the dongle needs to connect.  You may be able to use a MiFi dongle should you have one.

When you get a sim card for iPad to connect to the 3G network it works in a similar manner to your mobile phone.  The card is what gives the iPad the connection to the 3G network - by using the modem that is inside the iPad.  Having the 3G connection allows you a lot of freedom to complete tasks that you would otherwise be unable to complete.  It is this connection that makes the iPad comparable to a laptop or netbook in terms of usage.  The use of these micro sim cards gives you the same power in a small device that you would get with the much larger laptop.

If you have the original iPad and a sim card for this device, when you upgrade to the iPad 2 you should be able to use the same sim card.  Again, if you have an iPad 2 sim card then you should be able to use this in the iPad 3.  The problem comes when you get an iPad Mini.  This device is not able to use the same sim card as the other iPads.  You have to get a special nano sim card for this device. 

SIM Card Providers

If you are looking for a sim card for your iPad you may be wondering which providers offer this.  The fact is that most of the top providers do offer these deals.  The problem is that the deals they offer tend to change quite regularly and you have to keep an eye on them.  You should check the websites of the major providers to find the deals they have.  You can also compare these deals on comparison websites in order to find the best deal for you.  It is best that you look at all the deals online because you may find an online exclusive which offers much better rates than any of the other deals.

How to get Connected

Once you have the sim card you need for your iPad you should be able to get online in no time at all.  The steps are very easy to getting online.  You simply have to insert the sim card into your iPad and then connect. 

iPad Micro Sim Card

it is important that you remember that the sim card used in the iPad is not the same as the one in your phone.  The iPad uses a micro sim card, which only the newer smart phones will use.  All the deals you look at will come with the micro sim card unless they state that the deal is for iPad Mini users.  These deals will come with a nano sim card; the iPad mini is the only device that actually uses this type of card.

Comparing Deals

Before you actually get the deal it is important that you compare all the deals you can.  Of course, you have to check the mobile broadband coverage of the provider before you include their deal in your comparison.  You should not simply look at the cheapest deal out there because it may not suit your needs. 

It should not be very hard to find the best deal for you.  If you are not going to be using the mobile broadband much then you should look at PAYG deals and ones that do not lock you into long contracts.  If you are set to use the mobile broadband connection often then you should consider fixed term contracts.  The reason for this is that these deals offer higher data allowances.

You have to consider what you are going to be doing with the iPad, where you are going to be using it and why you need one.  If you are going to be using it mainly in your home then you may not need mobile broadband at all because you can use your home wireless connection.  If you are using it for work then you should be getting mobile broadband from your company. 

Sam Jones was trying to find SIM card for iPad deals.  With the help of uSwitch and other services like it he could do this quickly and easily.