Absolute newbie to tablets - how do they connect to the 'Net?

doxiedinos

I have one of those emachines redemption certificates, and while my first choice would be a new monitor for my desktop computer, those are unavailable at the moment. So - my next choice would be a tablet, specifically an Iconia tablet (Android).

 

I am somewhat familiar with my Kindle Fire HD accessing the internet through wifi. But, do I need a specific internet or wireless/cell phone provider for a tablet? I know the smartphones have to have a specific carrier, like AT&T or T-mobile - is something like this required for a tablet?

 

My Kindle Keyboard could connect to the 'Net anywhere there was a signal, without having to join a specific network. We even got signals while on the road, travelling cross country. My Kindle Fire HD requires me to join a specific network - unless there's something I haven't figured out with it yet.

 

As I said, I have a Kindle Fire HD and I'm not sure I would "need" or even "want" a tabet. Any comments, suggestions, or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your assistance and taking pity on this "tablet challenged granny".

Tommy-Acer

Most tablets would require a wireless (WiFi) network to connect to the internet.

 

Some tablets may be equipped with 3G/4G connectivity, and these would require a contract with a phone carrier for access to that network (3G or 4G).  This is different from WiFi.

 

The Kindle Fire series, as a specific example, is really a tablet with a modified Android operating system on it.

 

If you have any additional questions, please post.  There are lots of knowledgable people on our Community and I'm sure that someone may be able to help or have an opinion.