iPad and iPad 2 - Top Internet Connectivity Questions and Answers

Apple's iPad and iPad 2 devices can be intimidating pieces of technology, especially if you have never owned any type of Apple device. iPhone user learn to use the iPad quickly because it is very similar to the iPhone. One of the most misunderstood aspects of the iPad and iPad 2, which creates heaps of questions from iPad users, is the topic of internet connectivity. Let's take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions and discuss the answers to them! Get your pencil out - because you will want to take notes.

1. Does the iPad allow you to make phone calls or video calls with it?

This question as two possible answers, which depend on whether you have an iPad or an iPad 2. Put simply, the original iPad has no video calling capability. The iPad 2, on the other hand, is equipped with two cameras and now comes with the "FaceTime" feature, which allows users to make video phone calls. You may need additional apps to do this.

As for making voice calls, both generations of the iPad are equipped with a speaker (an external speaker can be hooked up through the audio jack for increased audio)and a microphone so that making voice calls is completely possible.

2. Can I get my iPad to connect to the internet by tethering it to my iPhone?

If you don't know what tethering is, you're not alone. This is one term that causes a lot of people to shrug their shoulders. In simple terms, this is when you have one device that is connected to the internet and connect an additional device to the internet through the original device's connection. Tethering is not "legal" in the world of Apple, because it would allow users to pay for one internet connection but give them the capability to use that connection for all of their devices.

3. Can I travel with my iPad and connect to the internet from international locations?

There is one thing that you should always keep your eye out for when traveling - Wi-Fi hotspots. These are areas where you can access an internet connection for free. These are becoming more and more common, especially at places like McDonald's and Starbucks. If the country you are in has 3G coverage, then you will be able to connect to the internet from anywhere (assuming you have a 3G enabled iPad). Don't be quick to fire up the 3G though - check out how much it will cost you first!

Make sure that you can always connect your iPad to the internet by keeping it protected with the best iPad 2 case. Visit our blog for many more iPad 2 tips or GleeMobile.com for the largest selection of iPad accessories!

Top Five Questions and Answers About the iPad 2G

The iPad 2G, also known simply as the iPad second generation, is the Apple iPad 2, the successor to the older and slightly flawed iPad first generation. The iPad 2G features some significant improvements in apps, utility and the "fun" factor, but many buyers are wary of purchasing it because they don't know what all is included.

After doing some extensive research into the iPad 2G, I've determined that it really is a great improvement over the iPad 1G. So I thought I'd help your purchasing decision along by presenting you with the top five questions first-time buyers have about this device along with answers that will help you determine if this model is for you.

1. Question: Can I get a Wifi-only version of the iPad 2G, or do I have to buy a data plan?

Answer: You can absolutely buy the Wifi-only model. In fact, it's about $130 less than the 3G-enabled version in any size or color, so you'll save a lot of money by making this decision.

2. Question: Are there really two cameras on the iPad second generation?

Answer: Yes, there really are two cameras. One sits at the top center of the iPad on the front side. This is the one you'll use to take pictures of yourself or project your face to another person when using Facetime, which is like Skype. The other camera is on the backside of the iPad and allows you to shoot HD video clips.

3. Question: Do I get locked into a data plan contract with the 3G version of the iPad?

Answer: No, you don't. You sign up for monthly data plans on your iPad 2G, then cancel them whenever you're finished. You pay by the month through AT&T or Verizon. AT&T offers data plans that cost $10 to $15 per month while Verizon offers data plans costing $10 to $20 per month. The more data you buy, the less the contract costs in each case.

4. Question: Does the iPad come with a cover?

Answer: No. It might sound like a silly question, but the way Apple advertises their new iPad would lead one to believe the new Smart Cover really comes with it. But it is sold separately for $39. It comes in several different colors and snaps magnetically to the front of the iPad.

5: Question: Which size model is best for the price?

Answer: The Wifi-only iPad 2 in the 16GB model is the best deal. You can get this iPad for $499. You'll raise yourself $100 as you progress through the model sizes. While this is still pretty steep, it's worth it for all the storage you get and the fact that it acts as an HD camera.

I know that's a lot to digest all at once, but if you're really serious about getting the iPad 2G, those are my recommendations. But before you buy, there's a couple more things you really need to find out before making the plunge into your purchase. I've detailed these features here at http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-new/, and I highly recommend reading them before purchasing your new device.