Carrier iPad vs. Router - what's faster?

[Silly John Fatty]

I'm just wondering - are there any disadvantages using an iPad as a router over let's say one of those 4G Wifi routers?

 

[AutomaticApple]

I'm just wondering - are there any disadvantages using an iPad as a router over let's say one of those 4G Wifi routers?

Using the personal hotspot feature?

 

[Silly John Fatty]

Using the personal hotspot feature?

Exactly.

 

[rui no onna]

I'm just wondering - are there any disadvantages using an iPad as a router over let's say one of those 4G Wifi routers?

At least with the Big Two US carriers, iPad personal hotspot is limited to 5 connections iirc, while they allow up to 10 connections for dedicated hotspots. Otherwise, don’t see an issue apart from the iPad being gigantic and likely more expensive.

I prefer using the iPad as hotspot. Battery life’s way better than the hotspots I’ve tried plus one less thing to charge.

 

[Silly John Fatty]

At least with the Big Two US carriers, iPad personal hotspot is limited to 5 connections iirc, while they allow up to 10 connections for dedicated hotspots. Otherwise, don’t see an issue apart from the iPad being gigantic and likely more expensive.

I prefer using the iPad as hotspot. Battery life’s way better than the hotspots I’ve tried plus one less thing to charge.

I already have an iPad and have used it as a hot-spot for my phone sometimes, when abroad. I don't need it for my phone anymore because I've got EU-wide minutes and data on it now. But I was thinking of buying a Mac Mini recently, I could take it with me abroad and could use the iPad as a display (with Luna Display).

So I was wondering if it would be okay to use the iPad (which would serve as a screen) as a router, or if it would be better to get one of those 4G wifi routers.

 

[ian87w]

At least with the Big Two US carriers, iPad personal hotspot is limited to 5 connections iirc, while they allow up to 10 connections for dedicated hotspots. Otherwise, don’t see an issue apart from the iPad being gigantic and likely more expensive.

I prefer using the iPad as hotspot. Battery life’s way better than the hotspots I’ve tried plus one less thing to charge.

Whaaat? Wow, it's amazing how much control US carriers have over your devices....
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I'm just wondering - are there any disadvantages using an iPad as a router over let's say one of those 4G Wifi routers?

iPad will definitely win in terms of battery life, but of course it's not as convenient (it's much larger than a regular 4G hotspot). If you already have your iPad with you and have cellular plans on it, I don't see why not. Save the hassle of bringing another device.

 

[aakshey]

Using the iPad as a personal hotspot will destroy its battery. Prolonged usage might permanently damage the battery. Hotspot eats up battery really quick. You’ll chew through cycles quicker than you can imagine. A 4G router is easy to replace every 6 months. An iPad, not so much.

 

[muzzy996]

I already have an iPad and have used it as a hot-spot for my phone sometimes, when abroad. I don't need it for my phone anymore because I've got EU-wide minutes and data on it now. But I was thinking of buying a Mac Mini recently, I could take it with me abroad and could use the iPad as a display (with Luna Display).

So I was wondering if it would be okay to use the iPad (which would serve as a screen) as a router, or if it would be better to get one of those 4G wifi routers.

I would say give it a shot before moving onto the extra hotspot device.

 

[rui no onna]

Using the iPad as a personal hotspot will destroy its battery. Prolonged usage might permanently damage the battery. Hotspot eats up battery really quick. You’ll chew through cycles quicker than you can imagine. A 4G router is easy to replace every 6 months. An iPad, not so much.

Nah, it doesn't. You use more battery with the display on just using the iPad normally than with hotspot.

I remember getting like 40+ hours of hotspot use from a single charge on the iPad.