Tethered iPad

This past week I finally got around to packing up my iPad 2 and taking it out and about with me.  Part of the delay was finding a new case that would protect the iPad, both front and back, instead of just covering the front like the Smart Cover does.  The other part was probably an overdose of worry.  In any case it's now traveling around with me a lot and one thing I decided to give a try was the built in hot spot capability of the iPhone 4 to provide internet access while on the go to the iPad.

So, how's that working out for me so far?

As a disclaimer of sorts I want to point out that last year after I got both the Evo 4G and first iPad I did try out the hot spot feature of that phone and found it to be perfectly acceptable.  However, once Sprint ended the "free" period of that service/feature for that device I never used the two in that combination again due to the fact that I didn't feel like paying an extra $30 on top of my regular cell phone bill at that time.  

With Verizon my bill has come down by over $80 per month (one line instead of two now) and the tethering feature offered is only $20 per month for 2GB.  For the past two months I've been monitoring just how much mobile data I use with the iPhone to get a general idea of how much I might use with the iPad.  My typical work day use of mobile data includes checking some social networks, weather, news reading via web and apps, and general web browsing.  During the work day most of this is done during my thirty minute lunch break and 15 minute afternoon break.  On the days off when I have various appointments and errands to run I might use a bit more data.  Most months I find I'm well below 2GB of consumed data so I figured even accounting for the improved experience using an iPad I could come in under the cap and so far I'm on track to not get close for this first month.  

I've already had at least one person ask me if I'm paying for the tethering service or if I've performed a Jail Break on my iPhone and am using one of the free apps for this capability.  The answer is I'm paying for this.  The first reason for paying for it is that I'm trying to be honest with Verizon and not "get around the rules".  I believe that part of the reason we're seeing more cellular providers institute data caps on their smart phone devices is the number of people misusing their services and making the honest people pay the price.  I'm sure profit margins plays a part as well, I'm not that ignorant.  The other reason goes back to an earlier post about wanting my devices and services to "just work".  Jail Breaking would involve beginning a dance with Apple about upgrades to iOS and adding a layer of insecurity I just don't want to deal with.  I'm perfectly happy with the way both my iPhone and iPad work by default.

Getting back on track here I have to say I really enjoy this whole tethering my iPad to my iPhone thing.  In fact I'm liking this mobile data on the iPad so much I find myself wishing now I had paid the extra $130 to get a 3G enabled iPad and that shocked me.  Certainly having a larger screen to views everything on is playing a large part of that but that also leads to a downside that I've mentioned before.  The iPad is not exactly geared to on the go content consumption.  The large device is a tad awkward to handle while standing up or walking around, especially if you happen to be holding something like a beverage in your other hand.  Sitting down with the device, preferably with a table in front of you, makes the experience somewhat more "usable".  I have said this before and I'll say it again, Apple needs to come out with an iPad in the 7 inch screen size range.  At that size it is much easier to handle in an "out and about" usage mode.  The 9.7 inch screen is perfectly fine for use around the house.

Despite the size awkwardness I'll probably keep the $20 tether feature on my calling plan and continue to bring the iPad out with me.  It's too nice of a thing and I think I'm pretty much hooked.  

Oh, and when iPad 3 comes out sometime next year it's a given I'll get a mobile data enabled version.