I am about to purchase the new IPad but need some advice regarding the use of same in Portugal. At present I use a vodafone dongle for internet connection in Portugal as I do not have wi-fi or land line instaled.
Will I be able to use a similar set up with the IPad. Apple recomend IPad with 4G capeability but does Portugal have a 4G service available.
Urgent advice required
DeeCee

I'm not sure if Portugal has 4g yet, but I have an ipad 2 with 3g and use a vodaphone sim card and it works great.
Hope this helps.

Hi,

The 4G service in Portugal is slowly being rolled out, but lots of areas have it. Your iPad will still work perfectly well on 3G. Their advice is more of a helping-hand to the phone companies to sell their more expensive 4G data packages.

Scott

4G is getting advertised heavily in Portugal now, check individual carriers websites for coverage.

You are best off getting a SIM card specifically for iPad use. For example, my Vodafone PAYG is Portugal is on Vita Total Smartphone and gives me 500mb per month - this is enough for my iPhone which is connected to my WiFi anyway most of the time, but probably not enough for heavy use of an iPad, especially if you plan to download or stream any video.

B

I am also considering buying a tablet, either iPad or Samsung Galaxy10.1. Will my Vodafone dongle sim card fit, or do I have to buy another one?

The iPad and iPhone both use a smaller micro-SIM but it is possible to cut the original one down yourself, there are templates on line. We managed to cut two down for iphone with no problem, but of course you only get one go at it - if your hand slips you have no SIM card any more....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02uJce64_gM

Thanks for the info guys, heres one for IT expert, will the sim from my dongle work in the new IPad?. Dont want to pay vodafone for another if the one I have is compatable.
DeeCee

You know, I was just sitting here wondering about that.....I'm an IT consultant too but it's not something I've tried.

I THINK it will, but I'm not 100% sure. When you plug in a dongle, it joins the 3G network, but you then use the dongle software to connect and the software monitors the bandwidth you use.

All the iPad will do is join the network, like a smartphone does - it won't have the software to authenticate you. It would be wise to check this with your network to make sure you still get the appropriate amount of data usage for in return for the credit you put it.

Based on a quick glance, both TMN and Optimus have specific ipad tariffs, seperate to their dongle options.


http://www.tmn.pt/portal/site/tmn/me...005401650aRCRD

Yes it will, but like someone said it has to be cut down to microsim size.
The vodaphone shop in the Grand Plaza in Tavira kindly did it for me for nothing
The ipad has the software built in to connect to networks - just like a mobile phone.

The SIM cards from the dongle will not work in your iPad as they use software for authentication. You need to get an iPad-compatible micro-sim from Vodafone, which shouldn't cost you very much at all.

Thanks again, the replys above should lead to some interesting conversations with the Vodafone people when I get out to Portugal next month.
DeeCee

My view is that it is better to buy the WiFi version of the iPad (at significant saving) and put some of that money towards on of these ...

http://www.vodafone.pt/main/Particul...e_hotspot_R201

That will give you WiFi all around the house and the ability to connect your iPad, laptops, smart-phones and any other internet hungry devices you wish simultaneously. TMN and Optimus both have similar gadgets if the signal is better in your usual workspace.

I've looked on the Vodafone website and although it gives the price of the R201 it doesn't give rates or whether there is the option of pay-as-you-go. Another question, will a tablet need a security program such as Norton or do they come already installed.

Update: Just returned from the Vodafone shop having bought the R201 which cost €29 and I can plug my existing dongle into it and have WiFi around the house for up to five devices. Many thanks MrBife, you have saved me extra cost of the Galaxy 3G (€100), plus the cost of the Microchip and having to take out a new Vodafone contract, Cheers!

Sounds like the answer to my problems! Could you answer a couple of q's please?
Does it have to remain connected to one of your devices all the time?
Do you think it would work with a TMN dongle or SIM?
Can you plug in an external aerial to improve performance?

I bought my R201 from Worten and the salesman said that all I have to do is plug my dongle into it, it does not have to be connected to a device,that is the beauty of it. As soon as my WiFi Samsung Galaxy arrives in store, I will let you know how it performs. As far as I am aware it will work with a TMN dongle but pop into Worten/Radio Popular who will advise you.