The iPad Could Power a MiFi Hub
There's no doubt that we early iPad adopters, while able to gloat over our purchases, will be feeling a wee bit of buyer's remorse once the 3G hotness hits the shelves in the weeks to come. Fortunately, the folks over at 9to5Mac may have discovered a solution to our Wi-Fi only woes.
Referencing Creative Digital Music, 9to5Mac has given hope to road warriors everywhere by making the logical assumption that if an iPad can theoretically power USB audio out, it should also be able to power a MiFi Mobile Hotspot.
Given that a MiFi has an average battery life spanning between four to six hours, the portable hotspot's drawing USB power over the tablet's 100mA port may not even be an issue for a lot of users--six hours of internet? Well, that's a lotta internet.
Still, it'll be nice to have the option should the need arise, don't you think?
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sleepystu
April 18, 2010 at 8:44am
I agree with MJ: re; alternate access solutions for iPad. An article on this would be interesting.Any news on whether you can tether the iPhone internet connection to the iPad via bluetooth? Why invest extra $$$ on the 3G iPad and have two 3G monthly bills, when I carry my iPhone with me everywhere already?In Canada, Roger has included tethering. I think Bell etc.. as well. Sorry folks in the U.S.; maybe AT&T will get a clue soon.
jiubreyn
April 19, 2010 at 5:36am
As AT&T is still the exclusive carrier for the iPhone, and at present is the only data network provider for the iPad (3G), therefore it is not likely they will allow tethering of your iPhone to the iPad.
Mike James
April 16, 2010 at 4:49pm
I'd like to see more of these "alternate access" solutions covered. I've been looking at buying an Airport Extreme base station (or Time Capsule) to do WiFi at home on the iPad, but would love to hear other options.
PS> Do you know what's worse than heroin withdrawal? ... Waiting for the 3G model to arrive, after having already spent some time with the WiFi model. Tic, toc, tic, toc... When is "late April"?
Current 3D work: http://www.mikejamesmedia.com
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