Apple told us all the iPad was unlocked. We all heard it. But how do you get a Micro-SIM into your shiny new iPad 3G when only AT&T offers them?  Turns out all you need is some scissors and a steady hand.

We'll detail the procedure to create Micro SIM from a regular SIM with a T-Mobile SIM card* with a data plan. Before you ask, we tried using an AT&T SIM card from an iPhone and ended up being prompted to create a new data account once the SIM was cut down and inserted. Sad times.

*Your SIM should have a data plan assigned to it before you place it in the iPad. T-Mobile's 3G network isn't compatible with the iPad's 3G so you'll be stuck on their EDGE network. Also, the TZones hack from a while ago, that doesn't work anymore. If things go terribly wrong, you can always get a new SIM card from your carrier. From our experience, they run from $10 to $20 depending on the carrier. Tell them your dog ate it, take a picture of their reaction, send it us. 

Remove the Micro-SIM

Remove the iPad's AT&T SIM by using a paperclip to pop open the SIM slot on the lower left of the iPad. Don't throw that Micro-SIM away, you're going to need it to create a DIY Micro-SIM.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Place the AT&T SIM over the shiny gold metal part of your third-party SIM. The metal area is all that matters. Use a pen to mark off the area to be cut. Double check the area to be cut out. It should be 12mm X 15mm. Cut it out. Scissors or an Exacto blade are your best bet for clean cuts. Because we love each and ever one of you, we made a fancy template to help you cut up your SIM. No, no, don't thank us. The smiles on your faces are thanks enough. Oh, and any candy you can send our way.

Fine Tune Your Cutting

Use some very light sandpaper or an emery board to remove any extra little bits of plastic from your new Micro-SIM. You'll also want to round the edges while sanding the SIM. Use the Micro-SIM that came with the iPad as a guide. Make sure it fits snugly in the iPad's SIM carrier and place it back into the iPad.

Settings

Your iPad may show you have data bars, but you might not to be able to access the internet. To fix this, head on over to the APN Settings>Cellular Data>APN Settings. You can ask your carrier for these settings, or check online. We found the T-Mobile information on T-Mobile's support forums. After filling in the information, place the iPad in airplane mode. Turn off airplane mode. This resets the network. Boom, you're on the internet.

Back to the iPhone

If you're thinking, "Whoa, what about my phone? Now I have a tiny SIM that won't fit in my phone." You can order SIM adapter kits online that allow a Micro-SIM to be placed into a phone that requires a regular SIM card. We ordered a few and they work just fine. See below for the exciting pictures.

The plastic adapter has a pocket for the Micro Sim and fits into the iPhone's SIM tray.

Our cut down SIM fits in the adaptor.

The Adapter fits into the SIM tray.

And the SIM tray fits into the iPhone.

Tada! Sock Cat is pleased to learn that her T-Mobile SIM will work in both the iPad and the iPhone.