Tablet Query????

[has]

Please excuse my ignorance, but technology has seemed to pass me by in recent years.
Can you please answer me some fundamental questions?

I am thinking about getting a 'Tablet', is an iPad a 'Tablet', but is made by Apple, so that is just the brand name?

I want to be able to browse the internet when out & about & have been told that I need a Tablet that is 3G enabled, is this correct?

However, if I get a cheaper, standard Tablet that is not 3G enabled, if I were to t a 3G Mobile Broadband Modem - dongle - & plug into Tablet, will this allow me to browse the internet whilst out?

Thanking you in advance for your help...if you can!!

[rojash]

"it is not 3g so you cannot use it outside of your home network. "

Actually you can use it anywhere there is public WiFi.

[VHG]

Same question posted twice, just to confuse everyone.

[isha23]

yes sure Ipad is also a kind of Tablet but because it is an Apple product so named Ipad , if you odn't have any price constraint then I would suggets you to go for 3g enabled Ipad because you can access it anywhere with public WIFI. If you have some budget constarint you can check another tablets vailable in market which are 3g enabled . 3g dongle will not be as good option as WIfi

[rojash]

"go for 3g enabled Ipad because you can access it anywhere with public WIF"

This is utter gibberish. You can use it anywhere where public WiFi is available, whether or not it's got 3G. 3G allows you to use it via the mobile data network when there is no WiFi available.

[eastern]

Don't mean to be controversial but I wouldn't touch an i pad for love nor money. The reasons: They are overpriced, have no connectivity, no USB, no SD card slot and your tied to Apple. I looked at the Samsung as it is Android and has lots of connections but then I spoke to a friend of mine who has a Kindle Fire and an I pad and says the kindle fire for the money is a bargain, you get internet, wi fi, pick up e mails and good sound ok it doesn't have connections but it only costs £200 new. Plus if you go for BT broadband you can use their extensive network of wi-fi hot spots. Sorry to muddy the water, but a lot of people buy i pads and are loathed to admit theyre overpriced.

[AB Editor]

If you'd like to use the tablet "anywhere" then yes, you need to ensure it's 3g.

The iPad is a mighty fine device for most purposes. I would suggest just going for it with 3G because:

1. Easy to use.
2. Tons of people have them, so advice is widely available
3. Android tablets can be hit and miss.

If you're going to look at an adroid tablet stick to One of the Samsung tabs or the Google Nexus (as suggested by Trig - please check it's 3g before buying though, if you think you need it).

You've also got two sizes to consider, the big tablet which is around 10" or the smaller type which is around the 7" mark. Which do you need?

Eastern, you can buy some handy little plugs for SD/USB for the iPad (attaching a usb keyboard makes it an actually useful piece of kit for work!). For photographers the ability to pop the SD card out of your camera and into the iPad to immediately see your photos is really useful. I'm not saying this functionality isn't available on androids, but my experience is that everything on android is a right faff!

has, you may also, if you're happy without 3G, want to have a look at this:

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-gb

If you're one to use a lot of MS tools then it could be a winner.

[eastern]

The other thing to consider is that "tablets" are big business at the moment and a lot of companies are brining them to market. Apple got the jump on everyone so to speak but they now want nearly £500 for a 3G i pad which as I said before is expensive, especially when you start buying essential extras. The only reason people say they are easier to use is because they use them! The one that I think is difficult to get round is the microsoft tablet using windows 8 but then it is MS compatible. Basically you answered your own question, buy a tablet with USB built in and plug in a £20 dongle and away you go. You pays your money you takes your choice.