Does this work?

Given that microsims contain new code, does this work? Does the ipad ignore the new microsim codes? (e.g. this sim does not allow tether, etc.)

I don't suppose...

...anybody saw the BBC reporter and blogger Rory Cellan Jones attempt this by hand shortly after the iPad debuted in Britain - as part of a large media organisation Apple may very well have put a word in his ear telling him not to publish a working hack, either that or he's rubbish at doing it (most likely), because his attempt failed.

As a direct result of his own posting on the BBC website I am sure now that people think it can't be done, which is pretty bad.

I wouldn't shell out for a dedicated device to do this, but it might be useful for those mobile phone market stalls for an extra service.

I've done it myself with a £2 Three SIM and it worked - saved me from the iPad plans odd Ts&Cs. Took a little bit of fine sanding down after chopping it down, but it works every time its put in and taken out. One thing I noticed, is that the metal contact pad of a normal SIM is actually of a different size than the MicroSIM, but not sufficiently different to matter - but you do have to snip off plastic from three different sides to centre the pad perfectly in the slot.

One note of warning - some networks send you texts to properly activate a payg sim or receive forgotten account passwords. The iPad doesn't receive texts!