Ipad And Internet Connection Advice Please

[dunnitall]

Have a friend who knows nothing at all about the internet, doesn't have or knows anything about computers but is actually interested in maybe getting an iPad. I was wondering, if he gets one can he have broadband installed and connected just for the iPad (on his landline I mean) or would he have to have a computer as well to set things up?

What is the best way to connect to the internet with just having an iPad, thanks for your help?

[Sqad]

Well, he needn't have ANY connections....just go to a cafe or hotel or any other "hot spot" where he can get internet broadband connection FREE.

OR

Have a contract with a provider such as Vodafone to get broadband all the time.....when not in a hot spot.

[rockyracoon]

Broadband for indoors or as sqad says go to a hot spot for a wifi only ipad, if he buys a wifi 3/4g version then he can use it with broadband but if he wants use it anywhere else he'll have to get a sim from a mobile phone company and arrange a data package.

[rockyracoon]

Should have made that clearer, there are two types of iPad

Wifi, will only connect to a broadband connection (anyones with permission)

Wifi with 3 or 4g, will connect to broadband but also has capability to connect to the internet via a mobile signal which you would need to arrange with a mobile company.

[Sqad]

Exactly.....rocky's answer is better than mine.....;-(

[boxtops]

... rocky, and which would probably cost dunnit's friend a fair bit?

[dunnitall]

Thanks for your help. He is elderly so no internet café interest he wants to use at home, doesn't want phone connection 3g on it, and if it's all complicated it will put him off the idea. Just wondered if he should pay for BB monthly even though he won't have a computer, I thought it might just be "like" a computer for him because it's easier to maintain than a PC/laptop. Perhaps I was wrong.

[stoofur]

I would go for the 3G or 4G version. Although they cost more than the wifi only version it is so much more versatile. If he has a good 3G signal in his house he may not even need wifi. You can get a very cheap tariff with Giffgaff or Samba Mobile. I pay £5 per month with Giffgaff for my 3G connection. Also with the 3G iPad the GPS works properly.

[rockyracoon]

Dunnit, it all depends how good the 3/4 g connection is in your friends area, if it's rubbish then that facility is redundant. Personally I'd go with wifi only and shop around for a cheap broadband package, but that's my humble opinion, plus the device itself is a lot dearer for 3g £80-100 more.

A visit to the Apple shop with your friend, if there's one near you wouldn't be a bad idea, he'd get proper advice and be able to have a good play with the iPads.

Good luck :)

[dunnitall]

Thanks everyone. He wouldn't want to pay more for the iPad because of the 3-4g so I think what rocky has said would suit him if he succumbs to getting the iPad so thanks for your help.