Ok so they are making WiFi and WiFi/3G versions of the iPad. I'm very interested in this product from a student standpoint especially after seeing the dock/keyboard. my question has to do with the 3G versions of the iPad though. ATT for the most part (Im a VZW BB user; hoping iPhone comes to us soon) gets bad reviews due to poor coverage in some areas. Wont adding all these iPads to the system thats already overloading just going to further the problems some users have with their iPhones? also, is there any chance of VZW getting the 3G versions? I saw the news reports that ATT and VZW would both get this leading up to today however I have only heard of ATT officially having it now. Is it exclusive?
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3G versions
- Thread starter bigwayne3000
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yea the service is a problem but why would ATT or Apple specifically want to release this to a network that already has so many problems with the iPhone. while ATT service isnt Apples fault, to a degree it make Apple look bad when people say they alwasy have dropped calls or overall problems with the service. Also, I figured VZW wouldnt get it for awhile after i read that the iPad was unlocked and GSM SIM card based. only think i like is that you dont need a contract and can cancel anytime according to mac rumors article. im torn between the 32gb WiFi or 3G versions. its only $130 difference so i might get 3G just so i have that ability if I ever wanted it even for a month here or there.
If I buy an iPad, I'll simply use the wifi version with my Verizon mifi. Sadly, I find myself doing this often with my 3Gs iPhone already in many areas.
Tethering
I would love it if the iPad could bluetooth tether with my iPhone 3Gs. That way i can use my 2 Gig included phone data and still maintain 1 simple contract. Yes i am aware it will be prepaid. Have the iPhone sit in my pocket and BOOM jump on the net (perhaps have some iphone apps ie. MSGs and Phone so i don't have to have both devices out precariously) whenever i want.
Or even if it could just piggyback on my iPhone plan already and both devices use my included data.
I would love it if the iPad could bluetooth tether with my iPhone 3Gs. That way i can use my 2 Gig included phone data and still maintain 1 simple contract. Yes i am aware it will be prepaid. Have the iPhone sit in my pocket and BOOM jump on the net (perhaps have some iphone apps ie. MSGs and Phone so i don't have to have both devices out precariously) whenever i want.
Or even if it could just piggyback on my iPhone plan already and both devices use my included data.
Can anyone comment on the $130 price difference between the wifi and 3G models? Is that price difference a bit on the high side?
It's possible that Apple isn't getting any piece of the service contract nor an upfront subsidy from AT&T, so this is Apple's way of making some profits on the 3G side.
I'm also wondering if in AT&Ts exclusivity agreement for the iPhone there was a clause that stated the Apple couldn't offer any other devices (non-iPhones) through other wireless voice/data companies during the exclusive period. It makes sense that AT&T would be concerned with Apple offering an iPod Touch through another data carrier offering VOIP. The iPad is basically a large iPod Touch so it could fall under the same rules.
Assuming that is the case, when AT&T loses the iPhone exclusivity deal, it will also lose the iPad exclusivity deal.
Just speculating here.
The $130 price difference seems a lot to me. I know there has to be an upcharge for the 3G model, especially since no contract is required, but that seems to be a large difference.
Agreed, but Apple doesn't really lose much if you choose the standard over the 3G version so why wouldn't they price a big premium in it. Some people will want 3G regardless. It is AT&T who loses on the big price increase. Apple might have want AT&T to pay something upfront and AT&T refused so Apple decided they'd price a large premium in it.
How long will it be before AT&T offers a contract and a subsidy with a 2 yr agreement? I doubt Apple can force them not to offer a contract, we just now all know what the contract free pricing is.