iPad Bluetooth and WiFi Limitations
I realize there has been some discussion in the forum already on Bluetooth but I need to be absolutely sure there is no way other than buying a second iPad with 3G to access the Internet while out and about so the speak.
My current understanding is Apple have not fully implemented Bluetooth support on the current IPad WiFi model such that certain profiles, including the ability to tether to another Bluetooth device for internet access purposes, is unavailable. I did look at Apple support note htttp://support.apple.com/kb/HT3647 and this is somewhat misleading when you see a tick in the PAN profile with a notable exception. It's the old "caveat emptor" if you excuse my Latin.
So why has Apple done this. Is it not enough I have had to purchase two iPhones one for the US and another for when I am in Australia and now the iPad, yet Apple will not allow me to connect the latter to the Internet via a BT teethe. For example my Telstra iPhone legally allows tethering the 3G Internet data service with any compatible Bluetooth enabled laptop e.g Apple Macbook Pro Yet I cannot current pair my iPad to my iPhone. Is there some trick to the pairing or is the information in the forum correct and Apple do not want us to use the iPhone and iPad together?
Now I just learned the Apple store has rejected software put forward to provide WiFi sync to the iPhone or iPad and also another case where there is an application that allows WiFi tethering of the iPad from the iPhone 3G .
So in summary, with Bluetooth tethering to an iPhone blocked and software rejected by the Apple store which could enable tethering via the WiFi from the iPhone to the iPad, is there any other legitimate method or way to configure the iPad to access the Internet other than the obvious standard WiFi; should you be able to find an open WiFi HotSpot service?
I have even tried a Dell PC which has a 3G wireless WAN card but even this won't pair with the iPad.
It really bothers me a company can become so powerful it can limit the Bluetooth functionality such Internet tethering is not possible but on the other hand bring out a 3G version of the iPad much later and offer no rebate or upgrade path for existing iPad customers. Then to further control your options reject developer software for the iPhone and iPAD which offers the very thing missing from the WiFi iPad product. There is a word for this but I won't say it.
Anyway I hope someone has found and alternate solution other than jail breaking the device which I do not personally care for since I enjoy the Apple care support route and ease of software upgrades.
Perhaps Steve might reconsider adding some new feature in an up and coming OS upgrade to fix the Bluetooth issue. Considering recent life events you would hope there is a way for "a leopard to change it's spots" 🙂
I really like the iPad it has made my life much easier while traveling. The only painful point is when I cannot get
WiFi services and I am carrying an iPhone in my pocket with a paid data service I cannot use even though my Carrier allows tethering.
My current understanding is Apple have not fully implemented Bluetooth support on the current IPad WiFi model such that certain profiles, including the ability to tether to another Bluetooth device for internet access purposes, is unavailable. I did look at Apple support note htttp://support.apple.com/kb/HT3647 and this is somewhat misleading when you see a tick in the PAN profile with a notable exception. It's the old "caveat emptor" if you excuse my Latin.
So why has Apple done this. Is it not enough I have had to purchase two iPhones one for the US and another for when I am in Australia and now the iPad, yet Apple will not allow me to connect the latter to the Internet via a BT teethe. For example my Telstra iPhone legally allows tethering the 3G Internet data service with any compatible Bluetooth enabled laptop e.g Apple Macbook Pro Yet I cannot current pair my iPad to my iPhone. Is there some trick to the pairing or is the information in the forum correct and Apple do not want us to use the iPhone and iPad together?
Now I just learned the Apple store has rejected software put forward to provide WiFi sync to the iPhone or iPad and also another case where there is an application that allows WiFi tethering of the iPad from the iPhone 3G .
So in summary, with Bluetooth tethering to an iPhone blocked and software rejected by the Apple store which could enable tethering via the WiFi from the iPhone to the iPad, is there any other legitimate method or way to configure the iPad to access the Internet other than the obvious standard WiFi; should you be able to find an open WiFi HotSpot service?
I have even tried a Dell PC which has a 3G wireless WAN card but even this won't pair with the iPad.
It really bothers me a company can become so powerful it can limit the Bluetooth functionality such Internet tethering is not possible but on the other hand bring out a 3G version of the iPad much later and offer no rebate or upgrade path for existing iPad customers. Then to further control your options reject developer software for the iPhone and iPAD which offers the very thing missing from the WiFi iPad product. There is a word for this but I won't say it.
Anyway I hope someone has found and alternate solution other than jail breaking the device which I do not personally care for since I enjoy the Apple care support route and ease of software upgrades.
Perhaps Steve might reconsider adding some new feature in an up and coming OS upgrade to fix the Bluetooth issue. Considering recent life events you would hope there is a way for "a leopard to change it's spots" 🙂
I really like the iPad it has made my life much easier while traveling. The only painful point is when I cannot get
WiFi services and I am carrying an iPhone in my pocket with a paid data service I cannot use even though my Carrier allows tethering.
IPad, iPhone OS 3.1.3
