Can I plug a 3G Dongle into a tablet for web access?

iMacMart

iMacMart

iMacMart

Soldato
Joined
8 Jun 2006
Posts
12,998
Location
Hertfordshire
Hi Guys

I've been tasked with looking at some tablets for our field staff, anything with a SIM slot for 3G seems very expensive, is there is devices out there that allow you to plug a 3G dongle into them for web access?

If not can you guys recommend a good price 3G tablet pc

Thanks

Mart
 
Some can but it's pretty rare and requires both manufacturers to have done the legwork (or basically huawei seeing as they make 99% of the sticks) to make it work. What is simple and possible though is a "mifi" which is a blackbox you put any SIM into with a data allowance and it makes a portable wifi network. Simply join the tablet/phone/laptop/whatever to the portable wifi, instant internet. Businesses like these as you can give them out in a pool basis - it works with any device EVER and is a one button solution, it's either on or off. The only thing to be aware of is that it saps is power. The built in battery in the mifi will last a few hours typically, making a wifi network takes quite the drain.

The trick would be to see if mifi+contract+Wifi-only-tablet is cheaper than contract+3g-tablet.

There's no such thing as a 3G tablet PC really, windows doesn't work well with touch currently. Dell make some models but they are honestly crap. Dell sell laptops with 3G radios built in too, you just plug the SIM in and away you go but that sorta ignores your desire a bit.
 
Last edited:
There is an iPad 2 with a sim card slot but like you say it's expensive.

I just use my iPhone 4's 3G connection as a wifi hotspot, I can see it being a bit of a hassle for field staff to have to do it all the time though
 
Yeah Jay brings up another option - you enable data tethering on your work handsets and use that but it's likely to cost more than the mifi solution because networks are horrible people and charge a bit too much for tethering in B2B deals :)
 
I tether my Xoom tablet to my moby & use 3's All you can eat, A cheap alternative for you as 15 quid a month on 3 gets you all you need.
 
Monserrat said:
Kinda related - if you have an iOS or Android tablet sim-enabled, can you make phone calls from the device? Does it has that dialer that's included on iOS/Android phones?
Click to expand...

Some Androids support this but it's not the best experience due to mic placement etc...
 
The dialler on a Galaxy Tab is comically large, you look like a plonker talking into it as well :p
 
It's generally accepted at Orange HQ that if you want to avoid looking like you're from the 80s then a bluetooth headset is the right way to go about calls on devices of this size :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom