iOS4.3 Tethering

Am writing this on my iPad with WiFi only (didn't want another 24 month O2 contract for 3G) ... But then realised that no 3G was actually a bit of a bore. Now with iOS4.3 I've bought a tethering package on my iPhone and it's really easy to set up a personal hotspot, and, bob's your uncle, connect up Mr iPad, am delighted, it's so much cheap than another contact, and it works easy peasy.

What is this tethering package you talk of? On my Android phone I can tether for free and use the unlimited data I already pay for.

Oh poo to you, drat I thought I was on to a good thing!

[mitchja]

I can also tether and use the personal hotspot for free on my iPhone 4 as I'm not on an 'official' iPhone UK carrier.

Using a Virgin Mobile 30 day £15.32 pay monthly SIM-only tariff here. Virgin are well aware and are perfectly happy that I'm using an iPhone plus they are also still very easy to negotiate 'extras' with, unlike all the other UK iPhone carriers. You will just need a SIM cutter if you want to use a iPhone 4 though as they only provide full size SIM cards.

I upgraded my Iphone 3gs to the new IOS, and it will only allow tethering via bluetooth or USB not WiFi, ( i believe WiFi is iPhone 4 only, however connecting it to my macbook and the tethering allows me to access the internet without any extra tethering plan (am on Vodafone) so it just uses the phones data allowance.

So I guess when Mrs Chumba allows me to have an iPad 2 i will be just getting the WiFi model, am not too bothered about no WiFi option on the 3gs as it will only be me connecting using it anyway

[mitchja]

Chumba, how much monthly data allowance do you get with iPhone Vodafone tariff though?

Dont be at all surprised if mobile networks monitor your data usage and anything not coming from your iPhone IMEI could well get blocked (or charged extra for)

iPads do consume considerably more data than an iPhone does. With my current Three MiFi data plan I use with my iPad, I can easily use 2Gb+ a month (my tariff includes upto 5Gb)

Edit to add - actually thinking about this, as you are still using your handset (and hence your iPhone IMEI) to send/receive the tethering data, not sure if the networks can actually tell the difference

iPads do consume considerably more data than an iPhone does. With my current Three MiFi data plan I use with my iPad, I can easily use 2Gb+ a month (my tariff includes upto 5Gb)

Edit to add - actually thinking about this, as you are still using your handset (and hence your iPhone IMEI) to send/receive the tethering data, not sure if the networks can actually tell the difference

I don't think they can tell the difference from the network side, apart from the increased rate of consumption that you also mention. I think as long as you are sensible with it and don't consume massive amounts of data 24/7, then they won't go after you.

I find my 3g pay as you go 30 day rolling contract really good value for money, plus it saves the bother of finding wifi and putting passwords in.
I've topped it up twice since I got it, £15 for 10gb a month which is more than enough for me.

Ye gods, I am so lost.....

Ah, just googled it and think I understand what it is now. Still unsure I have a need for it. But who knows???

Sorry I stand corrected it's 3gb for £15
I'll blame yesterdays hangover on that one

Chumba, how much monthly data allowance do you get with iPhone Vodafone tariff though?

Dont be at all surprised if mobile networks monitor your data usage and anything not coming from your iPhone IMEI could well get blocked (or charged extra for)

iPads do consume considerably more data than an iPhone does. With my current Three MiFi data plan I use with my iPad, I can easily use 2Gb+ a month (my tariff includes upto 5Gb)

Edit to add - actually thinking about this, as you are still using your handset (and hence your iPhone IMEI) to send/receive the tethering data, not sure if the networks can actually tell the difference

James

i get 1gb per month included in my iphone plan with vodafone, currently that suffices as i only use it really for email and a bit of browsing, that said when i get the iPad 2 i'm sure it will need to be extended

I'll just run down to the 'phone box on the corner to ring me ma then I'll decipher all of the above when I get back home & put the betamax on to record.

R-P

?| I'll just run down to the 'phone box on the corner to ring me ma then I'll decipher all of the above when I get back home & put the betamax on to record.

R-P

LOL - that's exactly how I felt, reading the post!

Also feel a total luddite with regard to ipads. Lots of hype, but really - are they any different/better than a notebook? And if so, how?

Standing back, ready for the onslaught.....

I used to think 'what's the point' but after using one once I was hooked and HAD to buy one! I don't use it all the time but I do love it, plus it means never having to take my (about to break) laptop everywhere with me and also if my internet decides to die I'm not left with withdrawl because it's as good to me as using a laptop.
Also, all the apps, I like the fact I haves ones on my iPad that I can't get on my iPhone and vice versa.

I think as well part of it is the sheer fact that I can brag that I have one because not many people I know can afford one!

Thanks Lizz - I'm thinking that my notebook presumably won't last forever and then what to replace it with? Am I right in thinking the ipad has the same functionality? Oops, no doubt you'll all say it's better - when away, I usually do no more than catch up on email and browse.... writing that, I'm laughing, I don't know why I'm even asking

It's perfect for email and browsing. Because I'm on pay as you go I had to pay full price up front for my iPad which was around £500 but that's a similar price to a decent laptop/notebook. I would say for me it would never replace a laptop or computer or whatever, but it's so easy to carry around, it'll fit happily into a decent sized handbag or manbag, of course!