“Bluetooth headset are no problem for the iPad. My Plantronics/Altec Lansing stereo headset (that does have a mic) paired just fine. I haven’t tried my Jabra BT for calls because I don’t really use Skype.”
That’s good to know. I could actually get by using the iPad as my only cellphone.
What about a proxy so you can access the internet from networked machines through the iPad’s 3G card ? I read something once about “jailbreaking” the iPhone and then running a proxy but it sounded iffy.
Is the iPad and AT&T 3G really a viable do-all replacement for voice and internet for $30/month ? I’m paying $90/mo for DSL and Verizon mobile.
I’m not sure about using the iPad as “your only cellphone”, I mean it is large and you’d always have to use a headset. And like I said: I’ve never used Skype, so I can’t comment on how well it would work on this device for what you are envisioning.
As for proxy. If you’re in an office environment where your network is using a proxy server, yes it does support an HTTP proxy, so does the iPhone. Its configured in network settings But in a straight network environment, it’s not needed. I’m using mine on my home network just fine. For 3G, you’re on the cellular data network and proxy isn’t required there. I guess I’m not sure exactly what your asking here.
Oh wait, I just re read. You’re talking about “tethering”. Tethering is where the iPad would act as your ISP connection for another machine. That machine could even act as a bridge to a home network router for another machines.
No, that isn’t supported. I’ve heard it is, or was going to be enabled in Europe, it was supposed to be enabled in the US last year but it wasn’t. They’re going to announce iPhone OS 4 today, maybe it will, maybe it won’t include tethering. I wouldn’t hold my breath.
On the other hand, I suppose it could be a viable replacement as long as the iPad was your only Internet device. And $30 is a lot cheaper than $90.