Android Tablets

[Captain Spod]

First of all, let us establish - I don't like or want an Apple i-anything. Now then, I bought Mrs Spod a Kindle for Christmas and it has 3-G connectivity so she can access the the Interweb free at any time. Wi-Fi may be faster but when it's not available she can use 3G. If I buy an e.g. Samsung Galaxy, do I also have to buy an e.g. vodafone dongle (at a monthly cost) or do I simply access the web for free?
Sorry to sound so naive but I know I can trus AB.

[Count-A-Strong]

You can use your Wi Fi for free.

[Captain Spod]

Yes, thank you Count. My query was really: If I am outside WiFi range (which is most of the time) can I use 3G free like the Kindle or do I have to buy minutes from e.g.Vodafone?

[mikestar]

if u are in a contract with ur network suplier (e.g vodafone orange t-mobile) u may get the internet for free (if you want the internet it may be an extra cost to your bill).

if you are on pay as you go you have to put credit (brought from a shop) on the phone to be able to use the internet.

[Captain Spod]

Oh dear. It's not a phone. I won't be buying it through Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, or anyone like that so I won't want a contact or a PAYG. Here's the thing: Does a tablet come with *FREE* 3G access to the web or not? A yes or no answer to this closed question will suffice.

[rojash]

No

[Oneeyedvic]

No it doesn't - the reason is that to give you 'free' 3G, there must be some sort of incentive in it for the company. Amazon give free 3G as you are buying books from them. You can't use this wifi for watching YouTube etc.

If you are using a tablet (like the Galaxy) since it does a lot more than just let you read books, you may well use a lot of data. Since Samsung aren't getting any more money out of you, there is little point in giving you 'free' 3G.

Therefore most tablets are also sold with data plans - ranging from £10 a month and upwards - so that (like a mobile) you can connect to a website whenever you want.

Hope this helps