Whether to tether an IPhone4 to an Ipad Mini or vice-versa?

July 6, 2013 4:46 PM

I'm going to be traveling with both and a data-only SIM. I can't switch the SIMs back and forth (nano vs micro), and would rather not pay for two SIM cards, so should I put the SIM in the IPad mini (longer battery, larger to carry) and tether the phone to it, or vice versa? Are there any considerations other than battery life and cumbersome-ness?
posted by youchirren to Computers & Internet (6 answers total)

I can get data for my iPad cheaper than for my iPhone, but this might just be an Australian telco oddity. Definitely something to consider.
Also, on prepaid, I can't tether off my iPhone (thanks a lot Optus) but I can tether off my prepaid iPad on another provider. Make sure to check whether this applies to you.
posted by third word on a random page at 5:38 PM on July 6, 2013

Best answer: There are many nano to micro sim adapters listed on amazon. I don't know how well they work, but they are really cheap, so you could switch the sim back and forth in theory.
posted by TheAdamist at 6:18 PM on July 6, 2013

Not sure where you're travelling or getting your data-only SIM, but perhaps look into renting or purchasing a portable wifi hot spot. Ease of use, rechargeable, and no worries about switching SIM cards between devices.
posted by shinynewnick at 7:10 PM on July 6, 2013

Is there a specific motivation for taking both devices if you're getting a data only sim? If i wasn't planning on getting phone service i'd only take the ipad for battery life reasons alone.

I'd also be thinking about only bringing one device(and probably the ipad, one again) so that if i got my stuff stolen i wouldn't be out both. I'd much rather return home to still having a phone and no ipad than an ipad and no phone...

The portable hotspot suggestion is a good one too. 3G ones(there's very little LTE outside of america, don't bother) have been around for ages and an unlocked one can be had pretty cheap.

That said, i'd just take the ipad and leave the phone. But that's just me...
posted by emptythought at 10:16 PM on July 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

Second emptythought. With a Google Voice account you can use your iPad as a phone. It's super easy and with the old (microphone) earbuds it sounds great.
posted by R2WeTwo at 4:55 AM on July 7, 2013

I agree with only taking one device. Also, if you are primarily going to be in one country, it will probably be a lot cheaper to get a local SIM either when you arrive, or pre-ordered from Australia.
posted by Diag at 10:10 PM on July 7, 2013