How Do Tablet Devices Work?

[dance2trance]

My guess is if I buy a tablet then I can use it around my house as it will piggy back off my router's WIFI. And if I use it at say the bus stop it will just search for a nearby WIFI signal. I intend to use it really as a back up device for when my iMac has a hissy fit following one of Apple's umpteenth software updates. Thanks people.

[fiction-factory]

>And if I use it at say the bus stop it will just search for a nearby WIFI signal.
True- but you usually need a passcode to get into someone else's wifi, or you need to go through a performance of providing email address and other personal details first if it's a shop's public wifi

[waterboatman]

Correct!

[TheChair]

Tablets are also available which will take a SIM and connect to the cellular network when there's no WiFi available. Most providers offer package deals with a SIM for your phone and a data-only SIM for your tablet.

[Haggisdj]

If your Internet Provider is BT then you can use BT Hotspots. I always find the _Cloud useful, think that it is provided by Sky but is quite freely available.

[Guilbert53]

Note there are two types of tablets

WiFi only - these will only connect to the internet if there is a wi fi signal nearby. They can still be used if no wi fi available if you just want to play a game or read a book on the tablet.

WiFi and SIM. These will work with wi fi as the tablet above, but they also have a slot for a sim so it can connect to the internet the same way a smartphone does.

You would need to buy a sim and put it in the tablet. I believe some providers offer "data only" sims which can be used in tablet but wont be used for phone calls.

IF you want to put a sim in your tablet make sure you buy one that is Wi Fi AND Sim enabled. SIM enabled tablets are more expensive than wi fi only tablets.

[hc4361]

I connect my tablet to my phone's wifi hotspot when I'm out and about if there is no wifi signal but it can drain the phone battery and of course it uses the phone's data.

[dance2trance]

Thank you all - perfect advice all round!

[Old_Geezer]

Never registered with _Cloud. They want your address, e-mail, waist size, everything.
Don't rely on finding free WiFi whilst out. My experience us, unless at a coffee shop or pub that you know does it, then you're lucky to find the connection, and you don't know how safe other's WiFi is. Best avoid dealing with financial stuff just in case.