iPad - questions about purchasing...

3DataModem

(1) Are US 3G iPads locked to AT&T ?

(2) Are US 3G iPads locked to US ?

(3) Can any phone SIM be used in an iPad ?

(4) Can someone provide info on reliable US suppliers of iPads ?

banquo

1. Nope

2. Nope

3. NO - European sim models are different, and if you buy a US iPad with 3G then it's likely your iPad won't take Irish sims: they literally won't fit into the iPad. That's the best guess for now, we'll have to wait and see. But DO NOT get a 3G US iPad.

I'd love to be wrong about this.

4. Someone else here might be able to, I can't

Gregor Samsa

banquo wrote: »

3. NO - European sim models are different, and if you buy a US iPad with 3G then it's likely your iPad won't take Irish sims: they literally won't fit into the iPad. That's the best guess for now, we'll have to wait and see. But DO NOT get a 3G US iPad.

I'd love to be wrong about this.

I think the issue is that Apple are using the Micro SIM (3FF SIM) in the 3G iPad - basically SIM that's just a little larger than the metal contact area on a regular sized SIM. They'll be using the same format in Europe (Micro SIM is a standard defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute), so telecoms companies offering iPad data plans will sell the smaller SIM - you won't be able to use a regular SIM, like the one you currently have in your phone. As far as I know, you can't get them here yet, but I assume carriers will start selling them once the iPad officially launches here.

Some info here: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipads-micro-sim-explained/

and here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro-SIM

Edit: the first SIM cards were the size of credit cards, so while this new format might be seen as inconvenient, it's not the first time the technology has got a smaller format.

seamus

As above, they take Micro SIMs, but since the 3G iPad hasn't been released yet, there should be no concerns about buying one from the US.

Seeing as the worldwide launch has been delayed, we'll probably see both the standard and 3G versions arrive here at the same time.

For the first while I would say that carriers will offer the micro-SIM, but only on new data-only contracts and you won't be able to switch your existing contract onto a micro SIM.

chrislad

I got the WiFi version but I also got one of those 3 mifi routers unlocked for my broadband sim. Works a treat.

banquo

Yeah, Graham on here has one and he said its the biz.

Also, more than one person can use it simultaneously.

Simon201

As I suspected when I first read about the iPad's 'Micro Sim' you can simply cut down your ordinary 3g sim to fit the sim tray in the iPad. Yes it can be risky if you mess up (you'll have to get your operator to issue another one...) but it's quite possible -
http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/how-to-make-your-own-ipad-micro-sim-681020

I had to do it to two of my sims after purchasing a dual sim adaptor for a Nokia phone a while back. It all worked (although not in my iPhone).
The only issue with this is -
a) Will the connection etc actually work with your particular tariff/contract which is obviously set up for use on your phone.
b) You will have to make up a full size sim adaptor to take the cut down sim to put it back in your phone.

I guess we'll see a lot more about this when Apple start selling the 3g version.

rizzee

Sure in the next year or two everyone will be using micro sims even in their normal mobile phones.