Know the VPN well, use it with the iPhone. What is the qualiy like with tvcatchup? Is it ok or good?

Just done a quick trial for you, and I'd say variable. The tennis on BBC2 was very pixelated but borderline watchable, the football on ITV was also a bit blocky, but the shows on the other channels that weren't live sporting events were good.

So a fair bit of signal degradation if it's a show that's already a live feed, but otherwise good. I'm not a sports person, so I don't mind.

Thank you for your efforts, I am pretty tempted to get one.

With the 3G version do you have to specify which telecom operator you will use, or can that be done at a later stage after the sale.

The two are unconnected, the iPad is unlocked and you order the sim separately. Considering the fact that the telcos are not subsidizing the iPad, the prices of the contracts seem pretty extortionate.

Would use the sim card out of my USB datastick

I think the iPad is fab xx

What's the easiest way to password protect the iPad or my email, so that there's no access for someone who picks it up?

You can have a 4 digit numerical password on your unlock screen (the one where you swipe to turn on).

Thanks. Not sure if I want to trust open access to my email to something that can be beaten with 10000 tries. Do others see it as a security problem or not?

Not. At least not for that reason. What data do I have on the iPad that's going to justify 10000 manual password attempts? Oh, and it can be configured to wipe the device after 10 failed attempts.

Still, the data at rest is probably accessible to anyone with the tools to access the internal storage device.

I'm not talking about data. I mean access to my email. As far as I see, once I have done an initial login to email, it keeps the login active even after power-down and power-up. The only way that I found to avoid it is to remove the email account at the end of the session. Is there a way to cause a prompt for email password after each new power-up?

The guys at Apple knew that you would do that - hence, the iPad uses a MicroSIM (which is different from the SIM in your USB datastick).

As regards the 3G version, perhaps i've been lucky, but i've always managed to connect to a wifi source (in zurich) using Boingo so far (8 dollars a month), even hotspots not registered as Boingo ones!

Yes, the use of a Micro-SIM is a conspiracy to make sure people couldn't use their old SIMs.

I'm still annoyed my Macbook doesn't have a 5.25" disk drive.

The DIY, or Hacker's method

I read recently that Micro SIMs will become widespread and that MicroSim copies of your original will be obtainable from your provider.

Adaptors are already available for using a MicroSIM in old equipment - MicroSim Adapter 3FF mini-UICC Shop

More up to date, I find it annoying that Apple appear to be abandoning keyboards with a numeric keypad - there is now no bluetooth version with one. These are very handy for bashing in accounts and the like.

Just seen this on the Swisscom website
Using your iPad with an existing subscription

If you wish to use your iPad with your existing subscription you will need a Micro SIM replacement card.

Purchasing your replacement card in the Swisscom Shop: You can obtain a Micro SIM replacement card in any Swisscom Shop. It will be activated free of charge by a Swisscom Shop employee and your old card will be deactivated.

So it may not be all bad news, although I wish I could have both cards.

I hear it's Apple's long term strategy to abolish numbers and bring in proprietory mathematical objects.

That compares well with this: Orange PAYG for 5 CHF per day.

That's relatively expensive, but a real bargain if you are stuck in a hotel served only by a Swisscom Hotspot.