AT&T to ship LTE-enabled Modio iPad mini case on March 20
AT&T has announced that its Modio case for the iPad mini, which adds LTE support to otherwise Wi-Fi-only models, will ship on March 20 and cost $50 with a two-year data plan.
Buyers can also pick it up on an installment plan, costing $10 per month for 20 months; under any circumstance, adding it to a new or existing Mobile Share Value plan is $10 per month.
The case can also be bought outright for $200. That is, however, $70 more than the difference between Wi-Fi- and cellular versions of the iPad mini 3.
The Modio sports a folio design, and in addition to enabling LTE support, includes a microSD slot accepting cards up to 32GB in size. A built-in 4,600 mAh battery should provide up to 16 hours of connectivity.
All three generations of the Mini are supported. A separate case for the iPad Air and Air 2 -- first teased during January's Consumer Electronics Show -- is promised "in the coming months."
To help manage the Modio's connection, AT&T has already released a free iOS app. The title tracks estimated data usage, triggering push notifications if a user approaches their data cap, and can additionally manage and stream content stored on microSD.
Buyers can also pick it up on an installment plan, costing $10 per month for 20 months; under any circumstance, adding it to a new or existing Mobile Share Value plan is $10 per month.
The case can also be bought outright for $200. That is, however, $70 more than the difference between Wi-Fi- and cellular versions of the iPad mini 3.
The Modio sports a folio design, and in addition to enabling LTE support, includes a microSD slot accepting cards up to 32GB in size. A built-in 4,600 mAh battery should provide up to 16 hours of connectivity.
All three generations of the Mini are supported. A separate case for the iPad Air and Air 2 -- first teased during January's Consumer Electronics Show -- is promised "in the coming months."
To help manage the Modio's connection, AT&T has already released a free iOS app. The title tracks estimated data usage, triggering push notifications if a user approaches their data cap, and can additionally manage and stream content stored on microSD.
Comments
This is actually not a bad idea. I can't imagine Apple is happy with this, because I imagine they have a good margin on LTE models.
How does it connect? Bluetooth, WiFi? If the iPad doesn't know it is on cellular it may download huge app and OS updates automatically.
How does the sd slot work? How do you access it to store things?
This is actually not a bad idea. I can't imagine Apple is happy with this, because I imagine they have a good margin on LTE models.
You did read the part that this (plus the WiFi iPad mini) is $70 MORE than the LTE enabled mini is out door?
I wonder if the battery mostly accounts for the differential.
Cute concept for those that want that sort of flexibility in their mobility.
How does it connect? Bluetooth, WiFi? If the iPad doesn't know it is on cellular it may download huge app and OS updates automatically.
How does the sd slot work? How do you access it to store things?
On the AT%T page they use the term "pair", which I associate with BT.
How does it connect? Bluetooth, WiFi? If the iPad doesn't know it is on cellular it may download huge app and OS updates automatically.
How does the sd slot work? How do you access it to store things?
On the AT%T page they use the term "pair", which I associate with BT.
Sounds mysterious. How are the other apps going to know you have an internet connection through BT? I guess it just works.
Sounds mysterious. How are the other apps going to know you have an internet connection through BT? I guess it just works.
Or the page copy editor got sloppy. Wouldn't be the first time. Not a lot of bandwidth through BT compared to WiFi...
"A built-in 4,600 mAh battery should provide up to 16 hours of connectivity."
Hmmm. it's got a battery pack so why wouldn't they use the Lightening port? They don't show that side of the device that I've seen. Would all that power really be just to service the case?
I use my phone as a hotspot for my iPad and laptop. What does this thing bring to the table?
I gave up doing that after about 5 minutes as it makes no sense to kill the iPhone battery so that the iPad can have LTE.
I just buy LTE iPads now.
Neat idea, stupid product.
Just buy LTE iPads. Even if you have buyers remorse after purchasing a WiFi model...just sell it/trade in for an LTE model.
I use my phone as a hotspot for my iPad and laptop. What does this thing bring to the table?
I gave up doing that after about 5 minutes as it makes no sense to kill the iPhone battery so that the iPad can have LTE.
I just buy LTE iPads now.
I used to do that, but wifi is so prevalent now, that I bought the wifi-only iPad Air 2.
I use my phone as a hotspot for my iPad and laptop. What does this thing bring to the table?
I agree. Considering that you have to pay $10 extra/month on your mobile share plan. I though do believe that AT&T charges or the Hotspot service.
I use my phone as a hotspot for my iPad and laptop. What does this thing bring to the table?
Your phone's battery doesn't have a 16 hour battery life; and as a WiFi hotspot, it is even shorter.
The Modio sports a folio design, and in addition to enabling LTE support, includes a microSD slot accepting cards up to 32GB in size. A built-in 4,600 mAh battery should provide up to 16 hours of connectivity.
I'm thinking that my $16 battery backup takes care of that. Besides, it's very rare that I can't find wifi AND a power outlet.
Bargain...
...not.
Unless you *really* want the form factor of a case for your iPad, wouldn't you be better served with a MiFi or one the related incarnations? I had one that was the size of a couple credit cards stacked together and it delivered wifi to a bunch of devices...
I pair my iPad with my iphone all the time over BT. As you say, it just works. BT provides the network connection.
I gave up doing that after about 5 minutes as it makes no sense to kill the iPhone battery so that the iPad can have LTE.
I just buy LTE iPads now.
I save $120 per year since it is $10/month to add it to the plan. I miss out on GPS though.
I'm thinking that my $16 battery backup takes care of that. Besides, it's very rare that I can't find wifi AND a power outlet.
No real savings, extra bulk, tied to a carrier, and still no GPS.
Bargain...
...not.
Maybe if it was a keyboard too for that price.... ...but naww.