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Tidbits from today's TUAW iPad 3G liveblog

by Steven Sande Apr 30th 2010 at 7:00PM

This afternoon's Cover It Live liveblog with TUAW readers provided us with some great info about the iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, which is available from Apple today! Here are some interesting notes provided by readers, our own bloggers Erica Sadun and Steve Sande, and special guests (and iPhone/iPad developers) Nate True and Kyle Kincade:

• Reggie Suplido tried calling his iPad. Every iPad that's signed up for digital service is assigned a phone number -- and he was curious to discover how it worked when called. He reports, after trying this, that it said "The person you are trying to reach is not accepting calls at this time..." He also tried sending an SMS message. The iPad didn't receive it.

• Several readers tried using Skype over 3G connections and, as expected, failed.

• 3rd-Party International SIM cards were confirmed to work by our readers. One chat participant experimented with an O2 Germany SIM and reported success.

• Unfortunately, the 3G iPad signup process experienced difficulties. One reader reported, "I just signed up and after a lot of headache, the credit card went through. I then got a timeout." After, he was not able to "Add Data" to his account. All we can say is be patient - a lot of people are in the process of activating their iPads right now, so you may run into this issue.

• No iPad 3G from Best Buy, we're afraid. TUAW Ray Ray contacted his local Best Buy GM to ask if any were in stock and was told "As of right now no!" See our updates -- Best Buy seems to be a great way (in some places) to find a 3G





Here are a few more highlights from today's chat:

• From TUAW wordsmith Steve Sande: "Just a reminder - we have a giveaway going on at TUAW for a Twelve South BookArc for iPad: http://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/29/tuaw-first-look-and-giveaway-twelve-south-bookarc-for-ipad/ You may already be a winner! "

• Comment From DaveDave: " Check out the Macally Bookshelf. Same functionality of the Apple Case but a bit better in my opinion. It isn't perfect though..."

• Nate True: "GPS on the iPhone functions even with no SIM installed, so it should work on the iPad without subscription."

• Most people would love to see a video chat camera on the next generation iPad:
• A lot of people are ordering the 64 GB and 32 GB 3G models, not so many are opting for the 16 GB:
Be sure to scroll through the entire live blog if you'd like to experience the comments and chat in detail. Thanks to everyone who participated.


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This afternoon's Cover It Live liveblog with TUAW readers provided us with some great info about the iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, which is available...
 

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21 Comments

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Ewok

You do realize that anything using 3G (like a mifi) or using a phone line (like an unbundled DSL connection without a ringtone/POTS attached) has a phone number for administrative purposes. Doesn't mean its going to be programmed to receive calls :)

May 02 2010 at 12:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wengyang

does ipad 3g work fine without a sim card?

May 01 2010 at 10:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Adam

Regarding accepting incoming calls. What happens if you put a sim card in (this may not be possible because you would need to hack up your sim I realize) that has a calling plan or SMS package? Will the phone calls or SMS go through then?

May 01 2010 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kevin chan

Anyone know if the 3G is sold out? Does apple has a webpage for stock checking?

May 01 2010 at 9:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to kevin chan's comment
Doug

I think it is a store by store case, but my guess all the 16 and 32GB models are gone. I posted above about not being able to get one yesterday because I took cash. The good news is I went back today to take a chance and they had 3 of the 64GB left so I was able to get one, but nothing else. The guy said they were expecting more in the first of the week. If you want the 64GB model you may have some success.

May 01 2010 at 3:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
PeterHove

Any idea when they will be back in stock in NYC? Going there from the 9th to 17th of May...

Should I order it online, or do you think they will be in the stores again by then?


Thanks
Peter

May 02 2010 at 6:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Andrew

Does anyone have any additional info about using a third-party, international SIM? Do you have to have an AT&T account already? Do you top it up via the iPad or via the carrier's normal top-up process? Will a mobile broadband SIM work (like from a mobile broadband dongle)?

Sent from my iPad 3G

May 01 2010 at 8:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
george

I wonder does the iPad 3G need a sim card or does it work fine without one?

Thinking of buying one when it gets to Canada just for the GPS that is extra compared to the normal model.

April 30 2010 at 10:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to george's comment
Dan Mosqueda

I am typing on my new 3G. I wanted it for the GPS and I'm not disappointed! It works very well. In fact it is a notch better than the iPhone in that it guavas you the option of viewing the map in terrain mode.

You can use it without data. I imagine that you'll be able to download GPS apps with all the map dar a hopefully obviating the need for data. I'm not sure about that.

May 01 2010 at 8:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Doug

I went to pick up iPad 3g. I was in line at apple store. about 200 in line I guess, but I was getting the 64gb model, so all looked good as most were getting the 16gb model. However, I made the unfortunate decision to bring cash that I had stashed away. Of course, I get in line, all good, and then guy says they are only taking credit card or debit card. NO cash. Good grief. I thought cash was king? Not in apple land. I did not have enough on my debit card, so I have to slink away empty handed. The only good thing was at least he mentioned that upfront and I did not have to sit there and wait for nothing. I went over to Best Buy and I was 8th in line, and of course, they only had 5. :-) I think I am just going to order one from MacMall on Monday so not to pay sales tax.

April 30 2010 at 8:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Doug's comment
nik.cooper

Did you try your friendly line neighbour? "Oh no! Can you buy two on your card? I have the cash on me... Please help?!" I've done that before =]:

April 30 2010 at 10:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tmarks11

Maybe Apple is trying to keep clear records on who buys the iPad, to prevengt the sort of hoarding and resale that was attempted with the ordiginal iPad launch.

I approve heartily, if that is the reason..

May 01 2010 at 11:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
iamwatson

I just got an iPad 3G from my Best Buy in Mobile, AL. They had 25 of them ranging in sizes

April 30 2010 at 8:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Microdot

im done with best buy.

you can read my story here.
http://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/Best-Buy-and-Geek-Squad-Policies/absolutely-ridiculous/td-p/110593

i got hosed. badly.

April 30 2010 at 7:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Microdot's comment
handy

Best Buy sucks for so many reasons.

April 30 2010 at 8:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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