iPad 2 3G? And Navionics Etc.

[Ayachtie]

Hi, not strictly a boat question, sorry, but you lot seem to know _everything_!!

If one buys an iPad 2 with the 3G option, can you simply insert your mobile phone SIM and then use it on the internet over the 3G allowance from your mobile phone contract?

And/or can you plug an internet dongle into it and connect that way also?

Seems a discount is to be had if you go for the WiFi only option, and I already have a dongle.

And how good are iPads as navigation devices? Presume I could install the Navionics mobile app on it relatively cheaply? I have Navionics on a smart phone running Android, cost me £20, and it's absolutely fantastic. Full charts for the whole of the UK and more.

Thank you!

 

[Paul_G]

The Wi Fi only option does not have GPS, although others will probably be able to advise on plug in GPS modules for iPad.

The SIM will need to be a micro SIM the same as the iPhone 4. it will work without the Sim card being inserted although it will show "no sim" at the top of the screen. If you want really small casual use then Orange do one with no monthly charge although it is a fairly penal 5.1p per Meg, to a max of £40.

 

[Cookee]

In addition if you have an Iphone or similar that will produce a wifi hotspot you can use that to access the internet when out and about - it's what I do!

Have a search on here - there are a few more threads about this, especially the usability in direct sunlight and robustness or otherwise of the Ipad.

 

[philip_stevens]

I have a Bad Elf GPS (BE-GPS-1000 from Bad Elf) plug-in for my iPad2.

It works with the vast majority of maps and charts, and on a recent train trip to London, showed the train speed, course and distance - on its way up to 125mph.