What is Apple’s mobile iPad?
Now available with the UMTS version of Apple’s tablet computer will be iPad via mobile phone card. And there are other differences. The test shows whether it is worth it.
While Apple’s iPad in Germany is not yet available, the company now supplies in the U.S., the second model of its tablet computer: Besides the standard iPad with Wi-Fi (wireless so the opportunity to go over wireless networks, online) since there is now this weekend with the iPad 3G is a variant which can also transmit data via mobile. In Germany, both models are probably the same time in late May on the market. But for whom is worth the extra cost for the more expensive mobile version?
External borders, the iPad 3G from the Wi-Fi model, only by a thin plastic bar on the back and a flat SIM card slot. Even the packaging is identical for both models. Only a small sticker on the back provides information about each type. Size, shape and weight are up to a barely perceptible difference in weight of 50 grams unchanged.
UMTS: Online via mobile
Under the thin plastic bar on the rear panel conceals the antenna for the wireless coverage via UMTS, the most important feature of the iPad 3G. Although this does not look as elegant as the Wi-Fi model, but improves the radio strength, because the plastic signals through a better conductor than aluminum. Fortunately, Apple has let this apply function over form, so that was even with the practice test in the poor for their UMTS reception infamous city of Los Angeles ever had a good data connection. Compared to the iPhone 3G cuts off the iPad at the signal strength, even a little better. Website seems the iPad via the UMTS connection usually load a bit faster than the iPhone.
Like the iPhone and the iPad 3G is shipped in the U.S. with a preinstalled SIM card of the mobile operator AT & T. Unlike the iPhone, iPhone 3G,and the card slot is not at the top, between the stereo mini-jack and standby button attached, but on the side surface.
The device has no SIM lock, so it can theoretically be used with maps of each mobile operator. Theoretically, the only reason, because Apple uses the iPad 3G are still relatively unknown micro-Sim technology: the compact Micro-Sim cards are much smaller than regular phone cards (12 x 15 millimeters x 25 millimeters instead of 15) – and yet not available from any wireless service provider. This situation could change soon, because Apple will use the tiny micro-SIM cards allegedly at the fourth-generation iPhone. Other manufacturers are expected to follow the trend to smaller SIM card also. Current SIM cards can be cut while in principle to the new form factor, since both types of cards containing the same chip and thus differ only by the size of the extra plastic carrier. However, this is about the reliability and the warranty provider is not recommended.