According to people in the know, its been confirmed from multiple sources that the new micro-SIM cards that Apple is using in the iPad are identical to the regular SIM cards we use today. The only difference is that the plastic is "shaved down" to make it a smaller form factor. But the components are virtually the exact same.
Many people have brought up the fact that you could shave down your current iPhone's SIM card (or whatever smartphone you use w unlimited data) & use that card in your iPad, thus eliminating the need to pay AT&T an extra $30 on top of the data plan you already have with your phone. The only problem is, how would you go back & put that card in your iPhone again. You couldnt.
BUT. A more exciting "what if" to me would be going the other way, for say, someone that didnt already have AT&T phone service, & using the iPad's micro-SIM card inside a plastic "blank shell" adapter that made it into a regular sized SIM card, then using that card with an unlocked iPhone (or other unlocked smartphone) to have an always on data-only connection with a VoIP app (or something like Google Voice w Gizmo5). Meaning for a mere $30 a month, you could technically be able to use your iPad & iPhone with the same SIM card, switching between the two when its necessary (for pocketability), to have data service & voice service, thus eliminating a costly cell phone bill while being contract free.
This wouldnt work for everyone, but for many many people who only use a little bit of voice & a lot more data every month, this would be an awesome alternative. using the iPad w a bluetooth headset when you're at home & switching to the iPhone when you need something that fits in the pocket.
Only problem is, I havent seen any micro-SIM adapters on the market. But how hard could that be?? All someone would have t do is make a hollowed out regular SIM card that you could slide in or snap in your micro-SIM card.
Many people have brought up the fact that you could shave down your current iPhone's SIM card (or whatever smartphone you use w unlimited data) & use that card in your iPad, thus eliminating the need to pay AT&T an extra $30 on top of the data plan you already have with your phone. The only problem is, how would you go back & put that card in your iPhone again. You couldnt.
BUT. A more exciting "what if" to me would be going the other way, for say, someone that didnt already have AT&T phone service, & using the iPad's micro-SIM card inside a plastic "blank shell" adapter that made it into a regular sized SIM card, then using that card with an unlocked iPhone (or other unlocked smartphone) to have an always on data-only connection with a VoIP app (or something like Google Voice w Gizmo5). Meaning for a mere $30 a month, you could technically be able to use your iPad & iPhone with the same SIM card, switching between the two when its necessary (for pocketability), to have data service & voice service, thus eliminating a costly cell phone bill while being contract free.
This wouldnt work for everyone, but for many many people who only use a little bit of voice & a lot more data every month, this would be an awesome alternative. using the iPad w a bluetooth headset when you're at home & switching to the iPhone when you need something that fits in the pocket.
Only problem is, I havent seen any micro-SIM adapters on the market. But how hard could that be?? All someone would have t do is make a hollowed out regular SIM card that you could slide in or snap in your micro-SIM card.
