OK. I really wasn't sure what section to start this thread in, so if this was posted in the wrong section I apologize. Anyway, I am wanting to get an iPad in an attempt to downsize my life. I am not the computer/internet junkie that I use to be, and everything I do on this PC I can do on an iPad. I would have more use for an iPad, than I would a PC computer.

Meanwhile, I need to know a little more about WiFi. One: What all do I need to get, to have WiFi in my home? Two: How much does a WiFi internet service cost? With the second one I did do a Google search on the price of internet access through WiFi, and I got mixed messages. Some say you do have to pay a monthly fee; and, some are saying you don't pay anything. Why is there mixed messages on the cost of internet access through WiFi?

Also, if I have MiFi, do I need to have WiFi installed in my home; or, will this make an adequate WiFi substitute.

I apologize for my HUGE ignorance, but the truth is I have never used WiFi, nor had WiFi enabled devices on my computer. This is totally alien to me.

MiFi will work same as wifi . I had it and it worked just fine.

Originally Posted by Ravenkeep

OK. I really wasn't sure what section to start this thread in, so if this was posted in the wrong section I apologize. Anyway, I am wanting to get an iPad in an attempt to downsize my life. I am not the computer/internet junkie that I use to be, and everything I do on this PC I can do on an iPad. I would have more use for an iPad, than I would a PC computer.

Meanwhile, I need to know a little more about WiFi. One: What all do I need to get, to have WiFi in my home? Two: How much does a WiFi internet service cost? With the second one I did do a Google search on the price of internet access through WiFi, and I got mixed messages. Some say you do have to pay a monthly fee; and, some are saying you don't pay anything. Why is there mixed messages on the cost of internet access through WiFi?

Also, if I have MiFi, do I need to have WiFi installed in my home; or, will this make an adequate WiFi substitute.

I apologize for my HUGE ignorance, but the truth is I have never used WiFi, nor had WiFi enabled devices on my computer. This is totally alien to me.

Here goes......

For wifi in the home you need either a wifi router or as you have obviously seen, something like a MiFi.

All the router does is take your broadband feed and turn it into a wireless signal, now, I'm making a huge leap here but as you have posted on here I'm guessing you currently have wired Internet access, if so and it is broadband then you just need the router, if you don't already have wired Internet access then it's a case of finding a broadband provider for your area and signing up, most will give you a free wifi router as they will recoup the cost on your monthly service payments. A search of Amazon or similar places for a wireless (or wifi) router will give you an idea of the cost which is one off, your wired Internet access will stay as it is.

MiFi is a device which turns a mobile (phone) 3G signal into a wireless signal, it won't be as fast as wired broadband but allows you to use your wifi devices anywhere (where there is a 3G signal). For full time use it could get quite expensive as mobile data costs can be quite high but if you travel a lot then it may be worth looking into.

So, the bottom line is, the wifi element is relatively cheap and easy to sort out as it is just a device that converts your broadband connection into a wireless signal. The actual broadband/3G service is where the expense comes from and to determine the best will be dependent on how much data you use and where you use it combined with who provides coverage in your area.

The Archangel

Originally Posted by Gabriel1

Here goes......

For wifi in the home you need either a wifi router or as you have obviously seen, something like a MiFi.

All the router does is take your broadband feed and turn it into a wireless signal, now, I'm making a huge leap here but as you have posted on here I'm guessing you currently have wired Internet access, if so and it is broadband then you just need the router, if you don't already have wired Internet access then it's a case of finding a broadband provider for your area and signing up, most will give you a free wifi router as they will recoup the cost on your monthly service payments. A search of Amazon or similar places for a wireless (or wifi) router will give you an idea of the cost which is one off, your wired Internet access will stay as it is.

MiFi is a device which turns a mobile (phone) 3G signal into a wireless signal, it won't be as fast as wired broadband but allows you to use your wifi devices anywhere (where there is a 3G signal). For full time use it could get quite expensive as mobile data costs can be quite high but if you travel a lot then it may be worth looking into.

So, the bottom line is, the wifi element is relatively cheap and easy to sort out as it is just a device that converts your broadband connection into a wireless signal. The actual broadband/3G service is where the expense comes from and to determine the best will be dependent on how much data you use and where you use it combined with who provides coverage in your area.

The Archangel

Nicely put Archangel, clear and accurate.

5.0

A first time for everything!

The Archangel

Awwww, it looks like WiFi isn't what I thought it was.
That is too bad. I was wanting my iPad to replace my computer. However, from what your telling me Gabriel1, to have WiFi I would need a computer with an existing ISP. I thought WiFi was its own Internet Service. Well, I knew when I started to get all excited that this was a plan that was going to be a bust.

Originally Posted by Ravenkeep

Awwww, it looks like WiFi isn't what I thought it was.
That is too bad. I was wanting my iPad to replace my computer. However, from what your telling me Gabriel1, to have WiFi I would need a computer with an existing ISP. I thought WiFi was its own Internet Service. Well, I knew when I started to get all excited that this was a plan that was going to be a bust.

So what do you have at the moment......any form of broadband at all?

The Archangel

Yes. I have a Windows PC and DSL (i.e. AT&T Uverse) However, my plan was to get rid of my computer and downsize everything. With the release of iOS 5 I thought that would be possible, but I see that can't be done now.

Originally Posted by Ravenkeep

Yes. I have a Windows PC and DSL (i.e. AT&T Uverse) However, my plan was to get rid of my computer and downsize everything. With the release of iOS 5 I thought that would be possible, but I see that can't be done now.

With iOS 5 that is certainly possible......sounds like you have a wired DSL, you would just need a wireless router (and I believe a PC until iOS 5 is on your iPad).....iOS 5 is due for release in the fall.....my best guess, September to tie in with iPhone 5 release (that's some assumption!).

The Archangel

If the DSL router is supplied by your ISP, give them a call. They should be able to replace it with a Wi-Fi capable one that will work with both your computer and the iPad.

You'll have to wait for iOS 5 to ditch the computer, and even then I'd hang on to it. It's always good to have a second machine, just in case your primary gear gets lost, stolen, or broken.