using i pad

[Tanith Greatrex Ball]

Hi .

 

Im getting an ipad to bring across with me but im confused as to how I can use it if I don't have wifi or broadband where im staying, I know in the uk I can get a my fi to create my own wifi zone, but can I get something similar Oz side, Also is it better to go for a contract phone or PAYG?

im a complete numpty when it comes to techy stuff so any advice would be greatly received.

Thanks in advance Tanith

[sawdoctor]

Hi Tanith, im sorry im not too clued up ether , I normally just ask mates to sort it out ..........hope you can sort it out ........

[Admin]

Hi Tanith

Various companies offer 3g/4g wifi modems

 

 

Telstra (fastest, best coverage, not the cheapest)

 

contract - http://www.telstra.com.au/internet/m...%20broadband_e

(You'd need the Telstra Mobile Wi-Fi 4g device)

 

Pay as you go (prepaid) - http://www.telstra.com.au/internet/m...s/#tab-4g-wifi

 

 

Optus (not quite as fast, not quite as good coverage, probably cheaper than Telstra)

 

contract - https://www.optus.com.au/shop/broadb...and/e5776/wifi

 

Pay as you go (prepaid) - https://www.optus.com.au/shop/broadb...ddevices/E5776

 

 

Virgin (uses optus network)

 

contract - http://www.virginmobile.com.au/mobile-broadband-plans

 

Pay as you go (prepaid) - http://www.virginmobile.com.au/prepaid-mobile-broadband

[fifi69]

Hi, I'm no techy either but this I what I know/have done re my iPad.

 

Firstly I waited til I got here to get mine, just for the ease, wasnt sure about warranty settings etc, OH brought his over though and Didnt have any probs, he did have to change a couple of things though.

 

Mine was cheaper to buy here than in the UK, especially taking into account wages. Have a look online they are more or less the same price pound for dollar. Mine comes with the right lead and plug, OH has to use adaptor. The UK one has pound sign mine is preset with $ no pound sign, but that must be easy to change.

 

A lot of people find that they can't get contract Internet etc when they first come due to having no credit history here, others get straight away, seems to depend on the shop:confused:. As for wifi we signed up for a payg virgin mobile dongle, different price bands for different usage. We pay $50 monthly and have enough usage for 5 of us in the house. Then if I want to to have wifi with me when I'm out and about, at the beach etc i just pop the dongle in my handbag and I'm good to go.

 

Sorry if this makes no sense, as I said I'm rubbish with proper names and terms of techy stuff but the above way of doing things is simple for a numpty like me.

[phil]

If your iPad is one of the models with 3G you can get an Australian SIM card and it will work fine (subject to coverage).

If your one is WiFi-only, then yes, you'll need a WiFi connection from a MiFi type device. You can pick them up fairly easily at any of the mobile phone shops.

In addition to an internet connection, you may want to consider changing the country your iTunes account is registered to. The bottom half of this page http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1311 has some steps. You may need an Australian bank card/other details in order to do that. Otherwise you may find you're unable to make iTunes purchases.

If you have any other online accounts (email, PayPal, eBay etc) it might be worth checking out their sites for instructions on how to change country too.

[Alan&Cat]

I did this when I arrived in Perth a month ago.

 

The first thing I did when I arrived was to go to the telstra shop and get one of the mobile wifi devices. Think it was $149 and that included a data allowance. Was really easy to do - I paid in cash and needed my passport as ID then you just top up as you run out of data. The signal is good and I've always had 4g. That said the download speeds vary significantly so at times even though it might say 4g, the speeds will be no better than 3G. The data packs are expensive as well. The device is battery powered as well which is handy when you need to be out using google maps etc.

 

When I came to get a SIM card a couple of weeks later I ended up going to Vodafone and I've found them far better than telstra. The signal coverage isn't as good so if you're living further out its a consideration. But I've never had less than 3G and the speeds are consistent. I paid $30 a month on a month by month contract for which the equivalent was $49 on telstra. Again, all I needed was passport and bank account details. They said I could email proof of address when that came through. So I'd definitely recommend Vodafone unless you're out in the sticks. Worth going into the store as they have deals not on the internet.

 

Have you bought your ipad yet? When I was in there, for the money I am spending on telstra data, I could have signed up with Vodafone and they give you a free ipad or ipad mini. When the ipad minis are updated I think I'll be ditching my telstra device and signing up for one

[Tanith Greatrex Ball]

Thanks for all the advice, got some food for thought there. My parents were talking about buying me an ipad mini as a leaving gift so that we can facetime, they already facetime with my step-sister in sydney so they know how it works, and as most of the family have some sort of "i" product i think i may suggest leaving it until im there and then getting sorted as Alan and Fifi have suggested. I love this forum, thanks guys you are making this all so much easier.