3G or not 3G or just wait for the next model - which iPad is a better purchase?

[3SillyDogs]

I will be traveling quite extensively and internationally for the next year. To help keep my young toddler occupied during these trips, I've been looking into portable DVD players and other options. It seems like the iPad may be the best option, because of the different activities it can potentially provide.

My question is, should I buy the WiFi or go for the WiFi + 3G? I know I can use 3G in the US, but after August most of my travels will be to Asia and back. Will it even be useful? Or should I just hold off and keep him occupied with the laptop and movies?

 

[poloponies]

If you're traveling then 3G is essential. That's why I went with the 3G. Even if you only use it occasionally it's better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it (plus, the GPS is also nice to have, not just as a GPS feature but because more and more apps are taking advantage of it).

As with anything else, if you don't need it then it makes little sense to buy it. But as a book reader, email/browsing device, video player and general time waster I am very happy with the purchase.

 

[JodyK]

I bought 2 3G models for my business partner and myself. So far very pleased. It gives us a portable solution on the road.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

The variety of things for the kids to occupy themselves with it makes the iPad what I'd buy in your case.

I'd also spring for the 3G. We have one of each at our house, and the unexpected that comes up where i can use the 3G is great. My kids get upset because they dont get much time with it though!

Like right now, i thought i had a ride home from the tire shop. Apparently not, so while I'm stuck here for the next 2 hours i can now go log onto blackboard and work on a class, or read my PDFs for my aircrew training.

No wifi here to jump on either....

 

[antiprotest]

64gb 3g.

 

[Jezak]

I had a WiFi and just bought a 3G. Go 3G. Having the option to connect whenever and almost where ever you want is really nice and worth the extra money.

 

[gillybean]

When you're in Asia you can try to get a local microsim card for the country you're in to get the 3g to work.

 

[barkomatic]

Does a toddler need to surf the internet all the time? You wouldn't be able to use 3G on a plane anyway. I'd go with the base model Wifi and be sure to download games/books/kids movies before your trips.

If this iPad is actually for you and you're just using your toddler to justify the purchase, by all means get the 64gb 3G model.