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After using the Wifi version, do you still feel the need for 3G?

Dammit Cubs

Dammit Cubs

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Jul 31, 2007
2,127
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I'm curious if this has caused many early adopters to think about getting the 3G version instead. Can you guys live with just wifi?

I am starting to feel like getting the 3G version makes your iphone redundant since alot of coffee shops and many locations outside of your home have some sort of Wifi connection.
 
I wanted the 3G and had pre-ordered the 32gb and then the 64gb. But, at the last minute, I changed my mind and went with the 64gb wifi only.

In the NY/NJ area, there's plenty of hotspots to use outside of the house so I didn't see the need to pay extra for 3G.

I think it really depends on where you plan to use the iPad and whether there's wifi or not in that area.
 
If I had an unlimited amount of money the 3G version would be ideal. Since I don't, tethering iPad to the data plan I already pay for on my phone is a better fit for my needs.
 
Not really since there are plenty of unsecured Wifi hotspots near me and all over town/ malls. I'm not willing to pay for 3G either, I'm perfectly happy with Wifi on my iPad
 
Yes, after using my DD's wifi version i know that I *need* the 3G version.

Heck, she finally figured out she really wants the 3G version when she realized no where we go has wifi! LOL!!
 
I've traveled with Apple laptops for years, from the PowerBook Duo to the latest unibody MacBook Pro. I've never had 3G on my laptops, so I wont miss it.

But I have an iPhone 3GS when I need it.
 
I've mentioned before, but it really depends on your use.

For me, wifi is fine. At work there is free wifi. So between that and home, I've got wifi all the time 5 days a week. I'm not going to take the ipad out with me on weeknights. And weekends, if I'm home, I got wifi. If I go out running errands, or to an event, or a party, etc...I'm not taking the iPad with me. That's why I have an iphone and data plan.

Traveling? Airpots have wifi. Many flights now have wifi. Hotels have wifi. Conferences have wifi.

In the rare instances where I have my ipad and no wifi, I can just as easily look up directions, a restaurant, an email, etc on my iphone, just like I was able to do a week ago before the iPad came out. Plus, it's more discreet when out and about.
 
I am waiting for the 3G because I don't want to be limited to where I can use my iPad...ever. That means at my mom's house (she has no wifi), on the road, in hotels, even at home if/when my internet service goes down.

I love the pricing plans they have come up with...$15 for 250MB and $30 for unlimited. The great part is you can turn it on and off with no contract--AND you can start with the $15 plan and the iPad will warn you when you get to 20%, 10% and 0% remaining so that you can switch to the unlimited plan if you desire. If, by chance, I find I am not using it at all I'll turn it off completely and there will be no charge. But I'll always have that option. That's great!
 
I have a 64gb Wifi, but I would like the ease of mind and flexibility of knowing I have a 3G connection at my disposal. So, I will get the 3G..
 
Even if there were a lot of unsecured WiFi hotspots around me, I wouldn't use them for anything important. The iPhone has spoiled me, I don't think I could buy a new device that doesn't have a constant internet connection.
 
MiFi

My company pays for my 3G card already, so I am just upgrading to MiFi device. 3G without no additional $$ out of my pocket! :D
 
Still getting 3G

I have been using the wifi version and still intend to get a 3g version. I don't like being limited to somebody elses hotspot. I like the "no contract" 3g service and may not use it all of the time, but I want the option.

I don't want to have to consider free wifi when I pick the places I choose to eat or visit. I am converting from a printed newspaper to an electronic version, and reading the newspaper is one of my daily lunchtime activities.
 
3G would absolutely be nice. The iPad is designed to be on the Internet and if it leaves the house you're probably leaving the Internet behind.

The question though is if it's really worth the added price and paying AT&T for another data plan when you've got an iPhone is your pocket.
 
I'm waiting for the 3G iPad.

My additional uses include being able to use the iPad
a) At work for unlimited internet instead of restricted site access-wifi
b) At the airport/hotels without paying a $10-$15 one-time daily fee that airports and many hotels charge.
c) In the summer, when I'm outside at a park, and I just want to surf the web instead of being limited to reading a book
d) to surf the web while the passenger in a car on a long trip
e) to get my emails on one device (sorry, iPhone) wherever I am.

I've actually down-graded my phone. I no longer have an iPhone, just a typical phone which just receives calls. (Actually, my iPhone is my wifi iPad mini right now). My iPad will be with me at home/work and in the car. It's a lot easier to do the work I'm planning on doing on the iPad instead of the iPhone.

And the $30 savings downgrading my phone gives me 3G iPad usage. Maybe I'll even be able to use the 250mb plan and save $15.
 
WiFi for me. I won't be using it anyplace that doesn't already have WiFi, since I live in a pretty populated commercial area. And the iPhone takes care of all of my 3G needs.
 
bbtrinet said:
I've actually down-graded my phone. I no longer have an iPhone, just a typical phone which just receives calls. (Actually, my iPhone is my wifi iPad mini right now). My iPad will be with me at home/work and in the car. It's a lot easier to do the work I'm planning on doing on the iPad instead of the iPhone.

And the $30 savings downgrading my phone gives me 3G iPad usage. Maybe I'll even be able to use the 250mb plan and save $15.
Click to expand...


I am also considering giving up my iPhone. After almost 3 years the novelty is wearing off. And there are so many other phones out there I'd like to try. By the end of my contract the newer iPhone needs to be a completely different animal if it wants to keep me as a user. I rarely use it for calling anyway. The things I use it for the iPad can do, and bigger.
 
No 3G for me. For one I'm trying to reduce my cell expenses and would rather not shell out more $$, contract or not. Second, wifi is accessible just about everywhere I need to be.
 
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