Complete noob to the MAC world so go easy on me guys.

I've been searching for solutions to use a wired Ethernet connection to the Ipad 2. The apple store has no such accessory, but I do have a USB to Ethernet dongle. I've ordered the USB dongle for the iPad, so theoretically I should be able to use that to make an Ethernet connection.

Reason I'm looking for this connection method, is that in some hotels I've been in recently, the only Internet connection is via wired Ethernet.

So, has anyone tried this out yet, and if so, does it work much like a PC where you select DHCP and let the hotel's server do its things wrt IP address and DNS settings?

At a more basic level, does the iPad even allow you to use its USB connection as a means to connect to the outside world as if it's a Wi-Fi connection? I have ordered the 3G model btw, so can go that route, but it's an expensive way to connect to the Web.

Originally Posted by jpp

Complete noob to the MAC world so go easy on me guys.

I've been searching for solutions to use a wired Ethernet connection to the Ipad 2. The apple store has no such accessory, but I do have a USB to Ethernet dongle. I've ordered the USB dongle for the iPad, so theoretically I should be able to use that to make an Ethernet connection.

Reason I'm looking for this connection method, is that in some hotels I've been in recently, the only Internet connection is via wired Ethernet.

So, has anyone tried this out yet, and if so, does it work much like a PC where you select DHCP and let the hotel's server do its things wrt IP address and DNS settings?

At a more basic level, does the iPad even allow you to use its USB connection as a means to connect to the outside world as if it's a Wi-Fi connection? I have ordered the 3G model btw, so can go that route, but it's an expensive way to connect to the Web.

The USB interface on the iPad has very limited capabilities and, for sure, a USB-Ethernet dongle will not work. The only way to utilise an Ethernet connection in a hotel that doesn't have WiFi (they still exist??!!) is to take a small wireless router with you and use that to set up a small WiFi hotspot. Several members have had the same problem and the wireless router solution seems to be the only way forward.

Tim

Thanks Tim, I was afraid of that. Guess I'll start hunting for a pocket sized Ethernet to WiFi dongle. If anyone has found such an animal, I'd be pleased to hear about it. And yes, non WiFi hotels/motels etc still do exist - lots of them in Europe and some here in Australia too .

Most members have used Apple Airport Express - but it's $99....

Tim

Originally Posted by jpp

Originally Posted by Tim SPRACKLEN

Most members have used Apple Airport Express - but it's $99....

Tim

Thanks again Tim. Just been surfing the net - tons of dongles to choose from starting at $32 AUD - e.g. this one from ASUS. If it's MAC compatible, does that mean that it's automatically compatible with the iPad?

No - there are no USB-Ethernet dongles compatible with the iPad - even MAC compatible ones won't work. Don't be tempted - they most definitely will not work!!

Tim

Originally Posted by Tim SPRACKLEN

No - there are no USB-Ethernet dongles compatible with the iPad - even MAC compatible ones won't work. Don't be tempted - they most definitely will not work!!

Tim

Yep, sorry, realised that I was searching for the wrong product as soon as I made the post so I deleted it - but you got to it before I deleted it . Now searching for alternatives to the Apple product.....

Originally Posted by jpp

Originally Posted by Tim SPRACKLEN

No - there are no USB-Ethernet dongles compatible with the iPad - even MAC compatible ones won't work. Don't be tempted - they most definitely will not work!!

Tim

Yep, sorry, realised that I was searching for the wrong product as soon as I made the post so I deleted it - but you got to it before I deleted it . Now searching for alternatives to the Apple product.....

OK - no problem. There are lots of (pocket sized) Ethernet - WiFi routers out there, so no need at all to get the Apple one!!

When you find one that suits, let us know, because several members have been posting about this recently.

Tim

There are other small wifi routers on the market, but the reason why I would choose the Airport Express is, that it has the charger inbuilt. You really only have one device, whereas with other wifi routers, you will have the wifi router, as well as a seperate charger. If the price is too high, you could always buy a refurbished APE from Apple, or buy a used one.

Anyway, here is another small wifi router with fairly good reviews:
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-300Mbps-Wireless-N-Travel-TEW-654TR/dp/B002G1CLS0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305713501&sr=8-1[/ame]

OK, here's a list of some that I've come across. I'll add to it as I find them.

1. http://au.billion.com/product/datash...ipac3100sn.pdf
   This one is still a little large for my liking though. But, it does have the power supply as part of it.
2. http://dstore.com/buy/netgear-wnce20...&ref=nextag_AU
   If the iPad USB dongle has the 5V supply line that is normally present on USB ports, this is can be powered without an external Power Supply. Can someone verify that the iPad does carry the 5V line and that it's capable of the normal 500mA supply current? Note that the iPad's USB port would only be used to supply power - not data.
3. http://gizmodo.com/5482659/netgears-...-and-tvs-alike
   Also capable of being run from a USB port.
4. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB...c4MTE#overview
   For completeness, the Apple Airport. Thus far it's the best on the list. Audio output as well as a USB port and built-in PS. By the time I import one from outside of Australia, it may well be the best buy in terms of cost and value.

Originally Posted by jpp

If the iPad USB dongle has the 5V supply line that is normally present on USB ports, this is can be powered without an external Power Supply. Can someone verify that the iPad does carry the 5V line and that it's capable of the normal 500mA supply current?

The wifi router cannot be powered by the iPad. The current is limited to 10mA, which is way below the required 500mA. So an external power supply is necessary.

However, you might be able to connect the wifi router to the iPad wall charger.