Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
If you assign a PIN to your SIM, you have to enter it to turn the iPad on or off,
which some might consider a minor hassle. And be aware that the SIM PIN is different from
and may be in addition to any passcode you set for the iPad, as described later in this chapter.
Personal Hotspot:
Tap Personal Hotspot to share your iPad's data connection with any other
devices you carry: perhaps a computer or smartphone. Just know that extra charges may apply
and even if it doesn't you will rack up that much extra data. You or the owner of the device
piggybacking on your Internet connection have to enter the designated password generated by
the iPad for the Hotspot connection to make nice. You can use the Hotspot feature via Wi-Fi
or Bluetooth, or by connecting a USB cable. See Chapter
13
to find out how to use Personal
Hotspot.
Enable LTE:
LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. What it really stands for is speed. Turn
Enable LTE on for the fastest possible cellular data connection if you're in range. The biggest
downside is you can eat up data awfully fast.
Use Cellular Data For:
You can use your cellular connection for iCloud documents, iTunes,
a Safari Reading List, and certain third-party apps. You can see just how much data you're
using on your apps and, if need be, shut down an app that's sucking up way too much.
Cellular Data Usage:
Thislistshowmuchcellular datayou'veconsumedforthecurrentperi-
od. You also can see if you're using up data while roaming. Overall, you'll know if you're
closing in on your monthly data allowance.
Managing Notifications
Through Apple's Push Notification service, app developers can send you alerts related to programs
you've installed on your iPad mini. Such alerts are typically in text form but may include sounds as
well. The idea is that you'll receive notifications even when the app they apply to isn't running. Noti-
fications may also appear as numbered “badges” on their corresponding Home screen icon.
The downside to keeping Push notifications turned on is that they can curtail battery life (although
honestly, we've been pretty satisfied with the mini's staying power, even when Push notifications are
active). And you may find notifications distracting at times.
You no longer find a global On/Off switch for Notifications; beginning with iOS 5, you have to
manage them on an app-by-app basis. To do so, tap Notifications on the left side of the Settings
screen, as shown in Figure
15-4
, and then tap the app you want to manage.
