Recommendations for connecting a tablet running Windows RT to the internet

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Humberto

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Windows RT is not compatible with Windows 8.

What provider (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, etc.), modem and package should I go for? It should be such that I can easily connect to the internet.

I'm not a heavy internet user; 1 GB of data per month should suffice.

(Sorry if my question seems stupid; I'm not very literate in these matters.)
 
Going to depend a lot on on what locations you intend to use it and what coverage the providers have on those areas. You may find that at home Cell C rocks, but at work their tower is congested. etc.

So really what you want to do is either borrow devices from friends with the various providers after having checked the coverage maps, or purchasing pre-paid SIMs and testing them that way.

A mifi type hotspot device is probably the way to go if you want to be mobile.
 
Humberto said:
Windows RT is not compatible with Windows 8.
Click to expand...

Does your tablet have a built in 3G modem, or do you need to use an external one? Does your tablet have USB ports, and if so how many? In fact, please tell us which specific tablet you have.

If it has a built in modem, then you don't need to worry about compatibility and drivers. They should be provided already, pre-installed. If don't have an internal modem, and you're planning to use an external USB modem, you will get issues with drivers, for the reason you stated above. I'm note sure if/how many manufacturers released updated drivers for Windows RT.

The simplest option would be a MiFi type hotspot device, as stated by morkhans. Then you only need to connect via WiFi, and drivers don't matter. Obviously, you'll need to charge your MiFi device now and then. But if your tablet has USB ports, it shouldn't be a problem. The battery life on the MiFi device should be longer than that of your tablet.
 
+1 for 3G router. Avoiding modem compatibility problems. Huawei B683 or many cheaper MiFi routers will do the job if WiFi range is not an issue. I would chose one with internal battery for better connection stability.

Chosing network provider is a different story. You must buy prepaid SIM card and small data bundle to test in peak hours (19-23) if you are satisfied. Or buy special starter packs from each network:

1. Vodacom Internet Starter Pack R99 (100MBx12 with 3G modem). Great value, considering modem is for half price, plus bundle.

2. Red Bull Mobile Starter Pack (Cell C network) R99 (200MBx12).

3. Telkom Mobile Starter Pack R49 (200MBx12)

By example if TM works for you, buy 5 starter packs for R250, you get 1GB per month for one year. Roughly 2c per megabyte.
 
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