What are my options?

I'm interested in buying an ipad. As I already have iPhone 4 for camera and gaming, I don't think I need the iPad 2 so I'm settled on getting a cheap used iPad 1. However, I want to stay connected with a 3G model or wifi only model with mobile wifi. I've done some sniffing around but can't find definitive answers on what my options are, so I have a couple questions. The most important part about this situation is that I don't want to be tied to a 2 year contract.

-If I bring a used iPad 3G to the Softbank shop will I be able to sign up for their prepaid plan?
-If not, what are my cheapest options for a contract-less mobile wifi service?

Ive looked at a couple options and the new WiMax service seems nice with a 1 year contract and cheap monthly rates, but I need something with better coverage, as my job often sends me all over the place. B-mobile's Fair service also looks attractive.

Any advice. I basically want cheap 3G service with a used iPad with no long term contract commitments.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Oren The Red on June 1, 2011 at 3:38pm

From the little that I know, if you buy an iPad in Japan you are locked to Softbank only network (though, if you take it out of japan you can use any international Micro-SIM it it will work just fine), therefore I am not sure if B-mobile SIM will work for you. If you buy it out of Japan, its a completely different story as they are not domestically SIM-Locked.

I guess, to my best knowledge, your best bet would be to get an iPad out of Japan and get the b-mobile SIM if the price, coverage and speed works for you, or, get a WiFi iPad and get one of the WIFI mobile hotspots services in Japan.

Hopefully others will provide you with more info.

-O.

Permalink Reply by positive.mattitude on June 1, 2011 at 4:00pm

Thanks. But I was referring to b-mobile's mobile wifi router service, not their SIM card deals. I basically want to know if I can bring a used iPad (as in one bought in Japan) to Softbank and use their prepaid plan. If that is not the case, I wanna know the best value for mobile wifi without a long term contract.

But now that you mention it, I could try to look around Akihabara for a sim-free iPad and then go for b-mobile service.