3G Options for the Android Tablets
I was discussing with my friend about one of the articles I wrote about using a 3G Wireless Router to connect my Android Tablet PC to the Internet. Although my friend liked the concept, he was quick to mention that people will prefer to work with a solution that is less complex.
After my conversation with my friend, I started exploring other methods of connecting aPads via 3G and I have come up with three possible ways of doing so.
Implementing a MiFi solution
The first method was to implement a MiFi solution, which was done by using a 3G Wireless Router that accepted a 3G Wireless Stick or SIM card and generated WiFI signals for my device to use.
The MiFi approach is excellent for sharing bandwidth amongst other internet users and it has helped friends and family to connect to the Internet at the same time. If you have an excellent data plan for your 3G solution, then will be the best option for you.
The downside is that if your wireless security is not set up, then it could be a hazard - others can also tap into your wireless signal and either consume your quota or perform some illegal stuff.
Tethering with your Smartphone
Another method of using 3G indirectly is to tether your Android device to a smartphone with a data plan. Apple iPhones, Blackberry devices with Wifi or bluetooth capabilities can be used to connect your Android Tablet to the Internet. The end result is similar to the MiFi in some cases and so are the risks.
A lot of the upcoming Tablets like the Blackberry Playbook has tethering as one of the ways it can connect to 3G via the Blackberry Smartphone which is considered a neat solution - a good percentage of Blackberry users will likely get a Blackberry Playbook.
Using a 3G USB Dongle
The third method which is what many people are looking for is to use their device with 3G directly. Most Tablets have this built-in and the Android Tablets have 3G support but will need a 3G USB Dongle for it to work.
Most available 3G sticks will not work with Android Tablets - a fact that has discouraged many from acquiring an Android Tablet. However there are options that work, including the one listed below.
Huawei 3G USB dongles have been available in North America for some time now. Huawei USB dongles are Android friendly and it is one of best options available today when it comes to Android Tablet - 3G connectivity.
I have tested this using a Rogers SIM card with a data plan and it works perfectly - thanks to a dear friend of mine that I will refer to as Johnny Boy.
The 3G dongles works perfectly with GSM cards from Rogers, Fido and other GSM companies worldwide.
In summary, any one of the options listed above can work for any Android Tablet - especially tablets with Android OS 2.1 or higher. If your Android version is less than 2.1, then the first two options may be the best ones to choose from.
After my conversation with my friend, I started exploring other methods of connecting aPads via 3G and I have come up with three possible ways of doing so.
Implementing a MiFi solution
The first method was to implement a MiFi solution, which was done by using a 3G Wireless Router that accepted a 3G Wireless Stick or SIM card and generated WiFI signals for my device to use.
The MiFi approach is excellent for sharing bandwidth amongst other internet users and it has helped friends and family to connect to the Internet at the same time. If you have an excellent data plan for your 3G solution, then will be the best option for you.
The downside is that if your wireless security is not set up, then it could be a hazard - others can also tap into your wireless signal and either consume your quota or perform some illegal stuff.
Tethering with your Smartphone
Another method of using 3G indirectly is to tether your Android device to a smartphone with a data plan. Apple iPhones, Blackberry devices with Wifi or bluetooth capabilities can be used to connect your Android Tablet to the Internet. The end result is similar to the MiFi in some cases and so are the risks.
A lot of the upcoming Tablets like the Blackberry Playbook has tethering as one of the ways it can connect to 3G via the Blackberry Smartphone which is considered a neat solution - a good percentage of Blackberry users will likely get a Blackberry Playbook.
Using a 3G USB Dongle
The third method which is what many people are looking for is to use their device with 3G directly. Most Tablets have this built-in and the Android Tablets have 3G support but will need a 3G USB Dongle for it to work.
Most available 3G sticks will not work with Android Tablets - a fact that has discouraged many from acquiring an Android Tablet. However there are options that work, including the one listed below.
Huawei 3G USB dongles have been available in North America for some time now. Huawei USB dongles are Android friendly and it is one of best options available today when it comes to Android Tablet - 3G connectivity.
I have tested this using a Rogers SIM card with a data plan and it works perfectly - thanks to a dear friend of mine that I will refer to as Johnny Boy.
The 3G dongles works perfectly with GSM cards from Rogers, Fido and other GSM companies worldwide.
In summary, any one of the options listed above can work for any Android Tablet - especially tablets with Android OS 2.1 or higher. If your Android version is less than 2.1, then the first two options may be the best ones to choose from.
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