Apple
The iPad – to 3G or not to 3G?
By Peter CohenJanuary 28, 2010, 7:11 am PT
Let me tell you: I’m already bound and determined to get an iPad, but the question remains – which one? Will it have 3G or be Wi-Fi only? This is the question I suspect many early adopters are trying to answer as they wait for Apple to tell them when they’ll be able to place pre-orders for their iPads.
You may ask why I’m determined to get an iPad – because it fits a very specific need I’ve been hoping that Apple would fill for a while. More than a year ago I got my hands on a netbook, and I loved the portability of it, though I didn’t like the restrictions. The idea of shedding that much more weight when I travel, even compared to my four-pound MacBook, is very appealing, especially if it’s something I will be able to work from, typing articles, doing Keynote presentations, and so on. Anyway, that’s not what I’m ruminating about now. It’s about which iPad I’m going to get.
The iPad will ship in six models at prices ranging from $499 to $869. Each model sports either 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of flash storage capacity; base models include 802.11n Wi-Fi alone, while $130 nets you models that come equipped with a SIM card.
So for $499, I can get a base-model iPad that I’ll be able to use wherever I have Wi-Fi access – from home, the office, McDonald’s, Barnes & Noble, Borders, the airport, many hotels I’ve stayed at over the past two years. An iPad that is, in many ways, functionally similar, at least in networking capability, to the MacBook and MacBook Pro I’ve relied on for portable computing.
But for $629, I would have the freedom to work anywhere I can get a data connection through AT&T Wireless, regardless of whether I have Wi-Fi access. From underneath a tree in a park somewhere. From my auto mechanic’s waiting room. From coffee shops, some airports, hotels and fast food chains that may offer Wi-Fi for a fee.
And that’s certainly appealing, especially since that micro SIM card isn’t something that I can add on later – it’s a specific hardware difference between the two models.
Now, that price doesn’t actually include the data access charge. For that, I’ll be paying an extra $15 or $30 per month, depending on how much I use it. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it adds up over the course of the year.
Fortunately, AT&T and Apple seem to have reached a compromise – that charge doesn’t incur a contractual obligation. So perhaps I can just pay for it during periods when I know I’ll be traveling or using the iPad in remote locations, then cancel the service otherwise. That sounds like extra work, though.
My suspicion is that I’ll buy the SIM card-equipped iPad but that I won’t actually get 3G service on it. I’d rather get the better-equipped system and not use the feature, rather than buy the less-equipped system, discover that I need or want the 3G capability, then regret not getting it.
I guess this is what they mean by “first world problems.”
Anyway, I’m curious to hear from other people who plan on jumping early on the iPad bandwagon – which model do you plan to get? Will it be Wi-Fi only, or will it have 3G? How much storage capacity do you think you’ll need?
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The iPad – to 3G or not to 3G?
By Peter CohenJanuary 28, 2010, 7:11 am PT
Let me tell you: I’m already bound and determined to get an iPad, but the question remains – which one? Will it have 3G or be Wi-Fi only? This is the question I suspect many early adopters are trying to answer as they wait for Apple to tell them when they’ll be able to place pre-orders for their iPads.
You may ask why I’m determined to get an iPad – because it fits a very specific need I’ve been hoping that Apple would fill for a while. More than a year ago I got my hands on a netbook, and I loved the portability of it, though I didn’t like the restrictions. The idea of shedding that much more weight when I travel, even compared to my four-pound MacBook, is very appealing, especially if it’s something I will be able to work from, typing articles, doing Keynote presentations, and so on. Anyway, that’s not what I’m ruminating about now. It’s about which iPad I’m going to get.
The iPad will ship in six models at prices ranging from $499 to $869. Each model sports either 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of flash storage capacity; base models include 802.11n Wi-Fi alone, while $130 nets you models that come equipped with a SIM card.
So for $499, I can get a base-model iPad that I’ll be able to use wherever I have Wi-Fi access – from home, the office, McDonald’s, Barnes & Noble, Borders, the airport, many hotels I’ve stayed at over the past two years. An iPad that is, in many ways, functionally similar, at least in networking capability, to the MacBook and MacBook Pro I’ve relied on for portable computing.
But for $629, I would have the freedom to work anywhere I can get a data connection through AT&T Wireless, regardless of whether I have Wi-Fi access. From underneath a tree in a park somewhere. From my auto mechanic’s waiting room. From coffee shops, some airports, hotels and fast food chains that may offer Wi-Fi for a fee.
And that’s certainly appealing, especially since that micro SIM card isn’t something that I can add on later – it’s a specific hardware difference between the two models.
Now, that price doesn’t actually include the data access charge. For that, I’ll be paying an extra $15 or $30 per month, depending on how much I use it. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it adds up over the course of the year.
Fortunately, AT&T and Apple seem to have reached a compromise – that charge doesn’t incur a contractual obligation. So perhaps I can just pay for it during periods when I know I’ll be traveling or using the iPad in remote locations, then cancel the service otherwise. That sounds like extra work, though.
My suspicion is that I’ll buy the SIM card-equipped iPad but that I won’t actually get 3G service on it. I’d rather get the better-equipped system and not use the feature, rather than buy the less-equipped system, discover that I need or want the 3G capability, then regret not getting it.
I guess this is what they mean by “first world problems.”
Anyway, I’m curious to hear from other people who plan on jumping early on the iPad bandwagon – which model do you plan to get? Will it be Wi-Fi only, or will it have 3G? How much storage capacity do you think you’ll need?
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65 Responses to “The iPad – to 3G or not to 3G?”
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I'd hold off on the 3G version. Jobs talked about the iPad being a "intimate" experience. These experiences typically don't come with a monthly pricetag. Wifi is good enough for now. The money I save can be put towards a iPad Gen2; hopefully at a time when 3/4G is cheap and plentiful.
You say that you didn't like the Netbook restrictions? WTF are you talking about. Netbook expandable memory, Ipad nope. Netbook expandable storage, Ipad nope. Netbook runs all your apps, Netbook runs your ipod touch apps. Ipod is a Huge Ipod touch. Nothing more. That is innovation. I can see the meeting at Apple, hey dev team what should we come up with. Lets improve our Ipod touch. How? Well it is perfect, lets make it bigger. Lets double the size. Ok. Nah too big for my pocket. Well lets triple the size. Nah too small. Well lets quadruple its size, ZOMG that is perfect. ROFL Mac fanboy this thing is Epic Fail and you right how a netbook is restrictive.
You couldn't be more wrong if you said the Pope was a Muslim. Come back in a year and re-read your stupid. then eat humble pie, lots and lots of humble pie.
I smell TROLL!
Now go away little boy, they're are adults talking here.
Oh, and don't forget to wipe down your keyboard after all those "hot dates" you go on in your mom's basement.
What an idiot some people are. PC's are dead…PC fanboi
What an idiot some people are. PC's are dead…PC fanboi
Geeze, now I'm thinking of spending an extra $130 for the 3G. Thanks a lot, Peter.
But I'm pretty sure I'll get the Wifi-only model. My quandry is, do I spend the extra $200 and get the 64 gig model, or go with the low-end one so I can justify upgrading it sooner?
I've got a mifi contract for another year and a half, so like you I'm going to go with the 3G model but won't activate until I can cancel that contract. I'll just connect wirelessly to the mifi until then.
I don't think I want the 3G model, or added data plan. I look at how my nieces and nephews use their ipod touches as models for this. For most intents and purposes you'll be able to snag some wi-fi wherever you are. Even here on the Cape most places I go to have multiple open networks for the taking.
Peter, that's exactly the problem I'm having too. And if the GSM and WiFi versions were out on the same day, I'd probably go for GSM. But that means waiting for an extra month (or, as I'm in Europe, possibly two…)
So I'll probably go WiFi, and next time I upgrade my 3G dongle get a MiFi
I hate to admit it, but you're right about that, Ian – the extra month is a factor to consider, too. Like Jean, I'm anxious to get my hands on one to see what it can do. Anxious enough to want to forgo the extra time it'll take to get the 3G version.
I'm excited about the iPad, and I'm pretty much exactly where you are, Peter–I'll get the 3G, and get 3G data when I need it. My concern is about closed stores. Sure, I can run the Kindle app on my iPad (probably), but ultimately, I don't want to have my book and content collection split among formats that are largely exclusive. This may be too much to ask for, but I want competing devices with one clear winner in terms of store/delivery. What are your thoughts on that?
I'm a shut in. I'm getting the $499 version.
If they add 3G data to the iPod Touch (along with a camera) I'll be buying one of those. 3G makes sense to me on that device, not on the iPad …at least for my purposes.
They did add 3G data and a camera to the iPod Touch — it’s called an iPhone.
I was very disappointed in the iPad. Mostly due to the AT&T only option. I will stick with my Dell Mini that I hacked to run OS 10.6. I get USB ports, a camera, flash, SD slot, multitasking, and a REAL OSX experience. For the same money but a Hackintosh supported netbook and put OSX on it. It is easy to do and you will be happier in the long run.
I think you're missing the point of the iPad, Dan – I don't want or need another notebook computer. I already have one. The iPad fits a very specific need that I have for portability and size, and I don't need the add ons like USB ports, a camera, SD slot, etc.
Apple unveiled the much-hyped “tablet” yesterday. Today, the news is full of what the iPad is “missing.” It doesn’t do this, and it doesn’t do that. That’s the problem with the hype, not the product. Steve Jobs came out and presented to us a Unicorn with soft fur and a golden sparkly horn. But the press is complaining that we didn’t get a Unicorn that can piss cherry cola and shit milk chocolate.
But wait, that’s not what Steve promised, is it? No. He showed us the soft fur and golden horn, and that’s exactly what we’ll get. You want to run a server from a tablet? Don’t buy the iPad because that not what it does. You want to print your slideshow from a tablet? Buy something other than an iPad, because it doesn’t look like you can do this.
But let’s look at what Steve said it can do. It can browse the web, really well. It will do email. It will contain some of your iTunes library. It can buy eBooks and allow you to read them. Look at and share pictures. Run other iPad and iPhone apps and even compensate for some of the enlarged screen real estate. It can even do a little more than the iPhone because of its bigger display. Things like run a new version of iWork. You’ll be able to show a presentation over a projector. Work on your text documents and spreadsheets. These are things which were promised, and these are the things for which it should be judged on. You don’t see me knocking my motorcycle when I can’t carry a case of soda in the saddlebags. Harley never promised me that I‘d be able to. Would it be nice? You betcha. But it was never promised and I’d never complain that I can’t, much less dis the company because it doesn’t do something they never said it would in the first place.
This is an excellent response – thank you
It will not be an AT&T only option. The iPad is an unlocked device. Any carrier using 3G and providing a micro sim card will work on it. There was a site Friday that complained about, well nobody else is using micro sim cards. He updated a few hours later with a report that t-mobile had placed a large order for micro sim. You will at launch be able to use the ipad wifi with spring and verizon. Just get a contract with them and use the mifi.
If they were both available on Day 1, I'd definitely get a 3G for the reason you cite: I'd rather keep my options open. But if I have to wait an additional month or more, I'll probably get the $499 iPad and use that until the storage or the lack of connectivity bugs me. Then it will be handed down the electronics food chain in my family, and I'll upgrade.
I'm curious, since I'm not a iPhone person. If your iPhone/smartphone is bluetooth/3G enabled, then shouldn't someone be able to pair your iPad to your phone for wireless access?
Even a Dash 3G I had, had an app that made it a portable wifi access point.
Heh, I was twiddling my thumbs through most of the iPad introduction, until Jobs said that "yes, there will be 3G," at which point I perked up. Frankly after having the iPhone experience, I can't suffer any mobile device without an always-on data connection – my laptop being the exception as instances for removing it from my bag + actively using it are infinitely more fleeting than with an iPhone or soon, an iPad.
And here's where it gives me pause, Justin: Do you really expect your usage of the iPad to be markedly different from a laptop? It's a large enough device that most of the time, I expect I'm going to want to use it in a stationary situation – sitting at a table or desk or able to prop it on my lap. To that end, the places where I do that are most often equipped with Wi-Fi, or I can get away with working offline to do what I need. I'm just not sure that a persistent data connection is something I really want with this device, since I already have it on my iPhone.
I’ll get the 3G model. I don’t plan on using it all the time, but it will be there if I need it. If I get the wifi only version, I know I’ll kick myself in the arse later for not spending the measley $130 extra for the broadband radio.
89 days and counting…
Based on reading accounts from those present at the YBC, as well as some after-commentary (which as with the iPhone, always seems to favor everyone's disappointment in certain feature-sets not being present), I will initially purchase a Version 1 WiFi, 32GB model.
The Version 1 iPad features are well suited to how I will use it – as a living room & travel web / email device. And as with the iPod & iPhone, I expect the arc of future, iPad versions to make this platform something quite amazing. While awaiting those versions, I will happily use Version 1 WiFi.
With the 3G version you'll also be getting GPS, if that counts for anything in your decision.
It's a shame there's no back facing camera as I'm sure augmented reality apps would be just fantastic on that 10" screen.
Right Peter. I often sit on my couch at night. I read books, surf blogs on my Blackberry, but then have to pull out my laptop or netbook for feature rich content and forums, or to play with my photo albums. Right there, it's a must have device for me. (Disclaimer, I've been anti-Apple most of my life. I still prefer a BB to a iPhone). But the iPad does fill a niche that I really needed.
I agree the 3G is a good way to go since service can be added as needed. It's not a hefty price to pay considering there's no commitment.
I'd get the wifi only version for two reasons.
1) I've a Nokia phone that can be run as a wifi hotspot using it's data plan already and still used as a phone. Cost to me for that in total is £20 a month. Handset was free.
2) The 3G iPad takes a "micro" GSM SIM card. Until the iPad announcement I've never heard of or seen one of those cards anywhere. If I'm abroad I buy a cheap SIM and use it in my Nokia or USB dongle which both take normal SIM cards. The micro SIM requirement will be a pain in the arse.
It's a pity the non-3G models lose the GPS as well though.
If you forsake the 1 carat diamond ring and only buy a 1/2 carat, then you can afford any iPad model that you crave.
I have a feeling micro-sim to sim adapters will be available soon.
But that's the wrong way round. SIMs are ubiquitous, easy to obtain and DO NOT fit in the iPad. I can't, for example, go in to a Vodafone Spain store and buy a micro SIM to use in my unlocked iPad when I'm over there visiting relatives.
I can however buy a normal SIM, stick it in my Nokia and run Joiku Hotspot and then connect the iPad to that with WiFi.
Apple chose a SIM standard that nobody uses yet. That's why for me the 3G is pointless.
I don't see how it can really replace a laptop until you can print from it. Seems like an obvious feature for a device that sports a word processor! How about printing airline boarding passes when you're traveling? Without being able to do this basic thing there's no way I can consider this a laptop replacement.
Yes, if you google print from iPhone you'll find that if you have an Epson printer you can print to it. It's highly likely that the same app will work on an iPad and highly likely that if it doesn't there will be "an app for that"
To be clear, I don't consider it a laptop replacement either. It fits somewhere in between an iPhone and a MacBook.
Printing is a non issue for me, however.
There are already apps that let you print from an iPhone/iPod touch which I guess should work on an iPad
I am angling for the WiFi-only model. I don't usually buy version 1.0 of any hardware, but this tablet hits probably 80% of the points I needed in such a device. Getting the WiFi-only saves me a few bucks while I determine if I can truly work with it and gauge where it is heading. Then, I can upgrade to a new iPad with whatever-G and any new features in version 2.0 or later.
I wish I could tether my iPhone to the iPad – I already pay for 6 GB/month of data!
Any word on this?
Although I don't have an iPhone, that's exactly what I was thinking. This could be huge and probably sell more iPhones and iPads.
I'm currently an iPod touch user and used to not having access to the net anywhere I'm located. Personally, I would go with the wi-fi option.
For future reference, I would love to read a comparison between an iPad vs. a hachintosh machine!
Here in the UK the main iPhone carrier (O2) provides tethering options starting at around £10 month on a 30 day basis (no contract), so with wi fi I'll be good to go, but someone here mentioned that the wi-fi only iPad doesn't include GPS, Now I'm not so sure.
The US no tethering thing is a carrier issue
Save the money. Buy an iPod Touch and just hold it a little closer to you and you'll have the same thing.
Actually that's not true. In some cases, and this is one, size is not a quantitave difference but a qualitative one. Even if the iPod Touch could run iWork or other apps that developers come up with, the size of the screen would make it nonsensical to use. But on the iPad they may well make perfect sense and be quite useful. While I can surf the web on my iPhone, surely you can see the difference in the experience that the size will bring to seeing more of a web page?
I'll be getting the 3G model, but have no intention to get 3G service…at least not at first. The big reason I want 3G is because that also means I'd have GPS support for apps. (I'm making a huge assumption that GPS will still work even if I'm not using a 3G data plan at the moment.) Plus, if there's ever some time that I'm stuck somewhere without wifi (or without FREE wifi), I may want to activate a 3G data plan. With the 3G model, I'll have that option.
I'm not sure how the activation process will work as you'll require a SIM card. Unless you've bought a card or it comes with a SIM card suitable for the area you're in, you can't activate.
Looking at the tech specs at Apple.com there is no SIM card that Apple states as what is in the box. So I guess one has to go to AT&T and order one… Cost??? But listening to Steve at the iPad Keynote, it seems as if one can order up a month worth of 3G service just as easy as a e-book from the ibooks store or an app from the app store or a song from itunes… I guess if I purchased the 3G iPad and then got a SIM card from AT&T then all I have to do is purchase the $15.00/mo or $30.00/mo G3 access time and since it is non contractual, I'd have to figure out from AT&T if it is a recurring charge or a one time charge that has to be renewed.
Of other interested… Only on the wifi / 3G does it seem to offer…
"Assisted GPS (Wi-Fi + 3G model)
Cellular (Wi-Fi + 3G model)"
Dude. You eat McDonald's?
Two stays in a business hotel like I will be in next week at $14 WiFi for 5 days will just about cover it.
Totally agree with you there!!
I'm in Europe (well, England but that's a whole other discussion) and knowing the time delay for these things to percolate across the pond, I'm also torn on this issue of 3G vs Wifi. I currently use an aging MacBook Pro 17" around the house and find it has too much OS infrastructure, is kind of slow and unresponsive for light work and it's too heavy for casual surfing on the sofa or in bed. The iPad sounds like it will exactly fit the bill and be more appropriate for around the house, like house slippers vs rugged shoes. Experience tells me that I usually benefit by buying the most powerful computer I can afford but at the moment WiFi will do most of what I envision using an iPad for.
I intend to use mine to watch movies in the bath! Seriously this is exactly what I've wanted. I'll get the Wifi type. I like a desktop model to be my workhorse. I bought a MacBook for travel and workshops but it is too much of a hassle to haul it around and much more computer than I need. The iPhone is wonderful but not so good for writing or workshops or reading books or email and shopping online. The iPad will be perfect for that and I can't wait to watch movies while having a nice soak in the bath, too.
I'm *very* tempted by the 3G model; with all the traveling I've been doing lately it'd be extremely nice to have network connectivity wherever I am. I'm a smidge hesitant due to the "nuances" of AT&T's 3G network, but I've got to weigh no contract at the same monthly price as the data plan for my iPhone against an extremely attractive price for WiFi… that's a tough choice.
It would be cool if iPad ran OSX.
It DOES run OS X – just a different version than the one found on Macs.
I will get the 3g enabled ipad for sure—the 16gb should be plenty for my needs —- I use wifi at home, hooked up to my 17 inch hp laptop, my ipod touch, and my iphone which is Jailbroken, so when I am out and about I will tether my pad to my prepaid data pak iphone!—Now that makes me happy!—Now if that fails I will simply buy a monthy data pak for the pad when I need it!–Now that makes me happy!
I'm gonna wimp out and wait a month or so after the 3G model is released so I can compare the answers to this question to a similar thread in the future that I'm sure will be started after both iPad models have been released and are out in the wild for a spell.
I like the lower price of the wifi and no data plan but if I read where it handicaps the iPad then I will probably go with the 3G option so I know I'll have the ability to pay a non contractual month fee of pre-paid 30 days of 3G goodness and "always on" access to data.
But I will have to wait and see. Also, whatever version (wifi or 3G) I'll get the lower priced version so that I can start saving my pennies for version three, maybe two, but I'll have to see what enhancements are made in order to make that decision.
I wonder how many of you realize: an iPhone (any model) can be jailbroken by blackra1n in 20-30 seconds. Once jailbroken, there is an app that can cause the iPhone to become a WiFi router. With your iPhone as a router, you can access 3G anywhere in that park under some tree, by having your iPad piggyback on your iPhone data plan – no need for two 3G plans!
It's a thought. I for one, don't plan on jailbreaking nor do I plan on buying an iPad with 3G. One data plan is enough, if I need the tree experience I'll just use my iPhone!
Great idea, I was just thinking about that -if I'm moving about and need instant access, I DO have an iPhone, which is with me 24/7! Thanks, you've made up my mind for me!
I am planning on getting the 3G model. I am wanting to have GPS. The nice thing is I will only need data some times and can probably get by the the lower cost data plan and use wi-fi the rest of the time. Or possibly just by the data plan when I need it and not have it most of the time.
[...] comes in two models, one with Wi-Fi and one with Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity. I know there has been a lot of debate about which model people are buying — I’m going to choose the 3G model, just so all my options are [...]
Pah – the 3G version has that nasty black strip on the back, and it's even visible from the front, at the top edge.
Personally, I am going big on SSD and no wi-fi. I already know all the in-town wi-fi spots that I've been dragging my laptop to for refreshments and 'net time so between those and home, I'm mostly covered. When I'm not, I have my iPhone to fall back on. It's served me well.
Why? I know i'm going to want Rev. 2 also — this will help justify trading up when I WILL go 3G.
IF THE 3G WORKS LIKE THE 3G SERVICE FROM AT&T FOR MY IPHONE "FORGET IT".
Still on the fence after all these comments. I am trying to keep the April 3rd surprise! factor at bay and be patient for 3G. As a travel writer, I need access in some pretty remote places. That said, those places usually carry huge data roaming charges. So – I may buy the 32 gig with WIFI and be ready to regift to my son when the iPad I really want, with 4G, comes out this fall.
I plan on ordering the 3G TONIGHT!!! I've been on the fence about this. I don't see myself using it all that often. But, I will admit there have been a handful of times I've been somewhere with my IPOD Touch and wished I could access the internet. I've already missed the wifi intro…so what's a couple of weeks to wait. I know the extra cost seems high now…but I truly believe that I won't regret it later. We travel quite a bit and I'd like to be able to use the GPS part of this in the car. I'm pumped.
I have a phone. I have a computer. Why on earth would I buy an iPad?