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Geeky stuff

Very dim question about iPad mini, probably

19 replies

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 28/11/2013 13:18

I've bought an iPad mini for dh for Christmas.

I have absolutely no idea if it comes with a SIM card, or if it even needs one. I've never had an iPad before. It says in the box that it come with plug etc but no mention of a card. I don't want to open it because if he decides to buy himself one I can send it back as long as it's unopened.

Help!

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Dontletthemgetyoudown · 28/11/2013 13:20

Is it a wifi ipad or a 3g one? if its 3g then you need a sim card, if it just runs off of wifi then you don't need a sim card.

wifi means he ill only be able to go online where there is a wifi signal, if he can use a sim then he can he go on the net wherever he can get a signal for 3g.

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 28/11/2013 13:25

Oh that's brilliant, thanks. I knew there'd be some clever MNer about!

We use the wifi at home but he might want to use it when he's out so might be best to put a SIM card in it later. (Why does my autocorrect keep capitalising that?)

Will his sim from his iPhone 3 fit in it, do you think, or does it need the micro one like I've got in my iPhone 5?

Sorry for so many questions. It's a Chrissy present and it's got to be RIGHT!

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smable · 28/11/2013 13:28

it really depends did you buy the ipad mini with 3g because most of them only have wifi you can't put a sim card in the wifi only version

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 28/11/2013 16:42

It just says with wifi. Doesn't mention 3g so might not have it?

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GoldiChops · 28/11/2013 22:46

Mine is just wifi, no 3G. It has no slot for a sim, no need for one. Did you sign a contract or anything? Mine I just bought, like anything else, just a product not like a phone contract.

I use my wifi at home and work, can use it in coffee shops etc with free wifi. You can also use a phone as a wifi hotspot, apparently, I'm no expert but this is what my own research has told me. But you can do a lot on it without internet access, I have kindle and iBooks, magazines, lots of games, spotify, you can save web pages to read later when offline.

GoldiChops · 28/11/2013 22:46

The 3G one is more expensive.

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 28/11/2013 22:54

I reckon I've just got the wifi one then. It was £250 reduced from £270 with a gift voucher. Does that sound about right?

You're a mine of information, thanks very much!

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GoldiChops · 28/11/2013 23:07

I only got mine less than a month ago, after tons of research, so it's all fresh in my head! Mine is 32gb and was £289 originally, I paid £258 for it. But with the retina one out now the original is reduced..... is yours retina or original? Does it say cellular on the box?

ThenSheSaid · 28/11/2013 23:35

What does it say on the receipt?

Where did you buy it I am curious

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 28/11/2013 23:46

Right, hang on, I'll dig out the receipt.

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Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 28/11/2013 23:51

Bugger, I've hidden it upstairs and dh is asleep! I've looked it up online and it says 'Cellular data service on Wi-Fi + Cellular models' with no mention of retina anything.

Got it from the Littlewoods catalogue.

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AnUnearthlyChild · 28/11/2013 23:53

Just to say, I have an iPad mini. You don't need the SIM card one, because you can tether it to a smartphone via Bluetooth and use that to get on tinterweb when you are out and about if you feel you need to.

Having said that, i did have an app, but tbh I have never used it because there's free wifi in cafes and on trains and stuff, so what's the point.

Selks · 28/11/2013 23:53

Even if it is wifi only your DH can still use it for internet when out and about by tethering it to the 3G on his phone. Dead easy to do. Just watch out for any data usage limits on his phone ( this is best done with an unlimited data phone package).

AnUnearthlyChild · 28/11/2013 23:54

Bugger xposted with Selks.

Selks · 28/11/2013 23:55

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 28/11/2013 23:59

I think it's the old one.

Reading some reviews, even the new retina one doesn't compare to kindle fire etc.

I did start a thread lamenting the fact that dh was talking about buying himself a tablet. If he does I'll just send this one back!

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ThenSheSaid · 29/11/2013 00:55

You will have the wifi only one with 16 GB and without retina display. It's perfectly fine and you got it for a good price. I am sure your DH will love it and you can nick it off him if he doesn't

You can't use a si card in it. As others have mentioned, he can still use it when he is out and about either by tethering 3G from his phone or from using one of the millions of hotspots available all over the place.

ThenSheSaid · 29/11/2013 00:55

Does you DH have an iphone or a Mac computer?

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 29/11/2013 08:40

Yes he's got my old 3GS and I've got a 5.

Feeling more confident now! Thanks.

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