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3G or Wifi?

S

Soura2112

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 26, 2008
345
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I am trying to figure out which pad to get, the 3G or WiFi (Plus GB versions). I have and will continue to have an iPhone, so that is playing a role. I have always leaned towards the 3G version, but I am trying to think if I need it. Almost everywhere I go there is WiFi, and I do not travel much, but that could always change.
How many other people are on the fence with 3G and WiFi. I also plan to see each one in action before i decide. I think I have the rest of my features figured out. I also do not mind waiting, so that's also not playing a factor.
Thanks

P.S- I did search everywhere on this site for a 3G vs WiFi topic, but i could not find one, I was sure there would be one.
 
Soura2112 said:
I am trying to figure out which pad to get, the 3G or WiFi (Plus GB versions). I have and will continue to have an iPhone, so that is playing a role. I have always leaned towards the 3G version, but I am trying to think if I need it. Almost everywhere I go there is WiFi, and I do not travel much, but that could always change.
How many other people are on the fence with 3G and WiFi. I also plan to see each one in action before i decide. I think I have the rest of my features figured out. I also do not mind waiting, so that's also not playing a factor.
Thanks

P.S- I did search everywhere on this site for a 3G vs WiFi topic, but i could not find one, I was sure there would be one.
Click to expand...

Hmmm might want to try once more been discussd in length
 
My plan is to try to get my hand on a Wifi version tomorrow, and then try it for 2 weeks to decide whether I really need the 3g. It'd also give me a chance to possibly try that app that turns the iPhone into a Wifi hotspot.
 
I was just about to post something similar, but I assume it's been discussed ad nauseum. My only gripe is the $130 premium. My planned use for it is basically to replace our 6 year old HP laptop that we just use to browse the web and a little email (and all the apps will be a bonus). My only thought is for vacations where the thought of just plunking down $15/30 for data while on the road is enticing, but we'll alway have the iPhone for various tasks where we wouldn't be by a WiFi spot.

Then again - it's vacation, why am I bringing a computer??? LOL
 
Really depends on your needs.

Im in a similar situation as you. 5 days of the week I'm at work where there's wifi, and then at home, where there's wifi. I don't plan to tote the iPad with me on weeknights or weekends. I travel occasionally and there's wifi at the airports and now on many planes! Hotels also have wifi and so do conferences.

I always have my iphone with me so if I do happen to be somewhere without wifi and I need a data connection for something, I can use that.
 
Understand where you are coming from...

Thinking of whether to keep the iPhone and just do the wifi iPad. Need to save sending off too much to ATT as it is.

Need to decide whether I can deal without the iPhone, I use it a lot to steal moments at work checking emails, a quick look at news headlines... then I would get the 3G model....
 
when apple first announced the iPad back in January I definitely wanted 3g, then about 3-4 weeks later I convinced myself to get the wifi version because of cost and it was released earlier, then the week before pre-orders began my dad convinced me to get the 3g

so if you have the money to get the 3g you should get it because even if you wont use it tomorrow you'll be much happier when you do need it, and who knows you may be wishing you had it all the time and be force to sell it and buy another one
 
Just remember.... the difference between the WiFi-only iPad and the 3G iPad is NOT just the cellular modem (3G). The 3G iPad also has a GPS! The WiFi-only model does not have the GPS.

Mark
 
I'm not on o fence. I am totally getting the 3G version. I want to also use it as a map and a tour guide while traveling, so for me the 3G and GPS are definitely worth extra $130.
 
Gps

The GPS is a really good point. As much as I like my Iphone for maps it is a little small to see where you are going. Though I do have GPS in my car, but when friends drive, or when out of town when I rent a car or use another car then the GPS does come in handy. I think I am going with the 3G model. Again I really need to play with the pad to get an idea if I need one, well I don't "need" one, but what can I say I love technology and Apple.
Thanks for your input.
 
My personal opinion is that I would forgo the GB increase in order to get the 3G version.

Meaning that I would rather have the 32GB 3G @$729 vs. the 64GB wifi @$699, but I wouldn't go down the the 16GB models. The GPS alone is worth half the premium in my book.
 
stupid question

Okay, i know I will get flack for this, but like a teacher always said "there's no such thing as a dumb question"

So two plan, I get that, 250MB, get that, but as a .Me customer I wonder how a unlimited 3G service work with getting into my .me account, so I can look at pictures, music etc. Does that work into the plan or is that simple connection to my .me account? Or does 250MB mainly apply to email?

This is the main thing confusing me, it's not the money, it's more what does the unlimited plan actually do for me (or us).
Thanks!
 
I'm sitting outside my local pub in downtown Manhattan sipping a pint and writing this on my iPad using my Jailbreaked iPhone as a wifi hub.

Sweeet....
 
You could always use a MiFi (3G to Wifi) or equivalent. This also means that if your provider for that has better coverage the one you're stuck with for the iPhone, you can use it for both.

IMO the only compelling reason to get the 3G model is if you're out and about with it a LOT or want the GPS. And I must admit, for me the GPS is a very compelling reason.
 
GPS on an iPad is NOT a game changer for me. In most cases, would you REALLY be walking around nose down with your 600 dollar iPad trying to find your way around town? I doubt it. I see this better suited on a smaller device like the iPhone. for most things, id say get the wifi with the largest HD and if you already have an iPhone, run MyWi on it. Good to go



andyblila said:
I've got the iPhone for 3G. Wifi version is perfect for me.
Click to expand...
 
kernyboy said:
GPS on an iPad is NOT a game changer for me. In most cases, would you REALLY be walking around nose down with your 600 dollar iPad trying to find your way around town? I doubt it. I see this better suited on a smaller device like the iPhone. for most things, id say get the wifi with the largest HD and if you already have an iPhone, run MyWi on it. Good to go
Click to expand...

I'm thinking more along the lines of using it in the passenger seat in the car to assist with navigation. Sometimes a human and a map is a bit more useful than a satnav, and I think it'd be great for that. Buuuut, as nice as it would be to use in the car anyway (mapping or not) I don't think it'd be something that crops up very often, so it's an interesting dilemma.
 
I figured, why not, but then again I'm someone who is away from WiFi for a lot of each day.

But, you know what, if I don't use it, and find I can get on without 3G. I just don't pay for 3G. The beauty of the 3G iPad.

However, if you're a WiFi owner, and decide you would like 3G, you're out of luck. I can just add it on willy-nilly whenever I decide I may benefit from it.

That alone, is worth $130 to me.
 
Oh and don't forget the compass on the 3G model. That was the game changer for me. In fact, Apple thank you for the compass, that's the only reason I want an iPad at all.

I love Apple, but a compass... Really?

But I agree, if you can afford to get the 3G just get it. You never know when it might come in handy.
 
Gps will only be good for google maps. Those that want to use tom-tom (unless they make an iPad version ) will look like crap at 2x. You will see blurry maps. At this point, I'm only running and liking the iPad apps as try are much much better than the iPhone ones on this big screen.
 
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