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Anyone buying the WiFi because they don't want to wait for the 3G?

wdaleherring said:
The monthly rate on mifi is TERRIBLE... furthermore, they don't even offer unlimited!
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The MIFI, while a nice to have is VERY Expensive to the ADHOC Data plan offered by ATT. The limit of 5GB on all the carriers in the USA is lame, and the unlimited that is being offered by ATT for the iPAD is an amazing deal for the iPAD.

If you don't plan on having 2-3 other devices that you carry with you and also carry the MIFI with you (totaling at least 3 devices counting the MIFI). It would be hard to justify the $50 for the MIFI and $60+TAX!! a month (under a 2 year required contract) for the MIFI.

I would avoid the MIFI, and tell Verizon that when they can offer a month to month service, even with a lower cost .. NO SALE..


That being SAID:

You can use Virgin Mobile USB modem ($99) that is on the Sprint Network for $60 a month (5GB) with no contract This is a disadvantage is you would need to use some sort of internet sharing on a MAC/PC to give yourself access to the internet.
 
teerexx52 said:
How do you like the mifi from Sprint? Debating on getting one instead of 3g ipad
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I like it alot, and will like it even more with the iPad. However, I don't have the cap or the expensive cost most people are referring to since my mifi is on an employee plan.

If people are worried about the cap, you could always get the Sierra Overdrive with Sprint and use WiMax (if available in your area), and there is no cap to WiMax.
 
Yes. I bought 2. A 32GB wifi and then the 64GB 3G. My kids will take over the 32GB when I get "mine" in!
 
Getting a Wifi only version is somewhat limiting. There aren't hotspots ALL over the place, and even where there are, many of them are a paid service. With the simple plans that will be offered by AT&T, it's easy to simply pay an extra $120-some dollars for the additional 3G connectivity. The plans are non-contractual, and there are two tiers: low usage and unlimited usage (though probably with a cap [how unlimited means 'up to a certain amount' is beyond me, but I digress]).

Example: I live in Roswell, GA, according to the US Census Bureau 2008 estimate, Georgia's 7th largest city; we are about 15-20 minutes north of Atlanta. One would think that living in the 8th largest metro region in the US, that there would be free wifi hotspots ALL over the place, so much so that there would be no reason to pay a carrier extra to either tether a 3G device to a laptop or the iPad to get an internet connection: not so. 9 times out of 10 my iPhone has to rely on capturing a 3G signal to connect to the internet.

Now, on the other side of the spectrum, throughout my visits to San Francisco, nearly every time I've looked for wifi on my iphone, I have found free wifi, except near the Golden Gate bridge, along Crissy Field, most residential neighborhoods where there are almost no businesses, etc.

Why would one to limit oneself with a wifi-only version? I would not want to be somewhere with a wifi-only iPad, and say to myself "Gee, no free wifi :( . I really wish I would've bought the wifi+3G version."
 
Detlev_73 said:
Getting a Wifi only version is somewhat limiting. There aren't hotspots ALL over the place, and even where there are, many of them are a paid service. With the simple plans that will be offered by AT&T, it's easy to simply pay an extra $120-some dollars for the additional 3G connectivity. The plans are non-contractual, and there are two tiers: low usage and unlimited usage (though probably with a cap [how unlimited means 'up to a certain amount' is beyond me, but I digress]).

Example: I live in Roswell, GA, according to the US Census Bureau 2008 estimate, Georgia's 7th largest city; we are about 15-20 minutes north of Atlanta. One would think that living in the 8th largest metro region in the US, that there would be free wifi hotspots ALL over the place, so much so that there would be no reason to pay a carrier extra to either tether a 3G device to a laptop or the iPad to get an internet connection: not so. 9 times out of 10 my iPhone has to rely on capturing a 3G signal to connect to the internet.

Now, on the other side of the spectrum, throughout my visits to San Francisco, nearly every time I've looked for wifi on my iphone, I have found free wifi, except near the Golden Gate bridge, along Crissy Field, most residential neighborhoods where there are almost no businesses, etc.

Why would one to limit oneself with a wifi-only version? I would not want to be somewhere with a wifi-only iPad, and say to myself "Gee, no free wifi :( . I really wish I would've bought the wifi+3G version."
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Completely agree. Waiting to "reserve" in-store a 3G 32GB iPad ;-).
 
Went back and forth a million times before deciding...

Here's my logic.....80% of my usage will be at home, where my wifi will be perfect. 15% of the usage will be while on traveling on planes, so 3g is a moot point there as well. That left that pesky 5% that literally almost drove me insane!

Right now, I don't think that I will carry this every where I go on a day to day basis. It's just a little too big for that. I will however use the hell out of it on the couch and while in bed. For those 5% times that I'm out of the house, I will rely on my iPhone. For that reason, I decided to go with the wifi only for now, and if my use case changes, I will sell it and spring for the 3g.

I love how they have set up the 3g as an almost "on demand" service, that almost swayed me to wait for the 3g.

Now here's a thought.....if I really just love this device and it runs all of my favorite iPhone apps, it crept into my mind to maybe get a Nexus One (which will tether to the iPad) and then have the best of both worlds.

Anyway, pretty fun decisions to have to make!
 
i thought about the 3G model. But yes i want the device As soon as i can. I justified it as, i have an always 3G capable iPhone i can use whenever i am not near a hotspot. I have also jailbroken my iPhone so i have a wifi app, that i can use for those limited times. No big deal.
 
I've gone back and forth. I do have a Verizon MiFi that I use to keep our various laptops connected. My wife and I are frequent travelers (~50%) and usually take our personal laptops (MBP + MBA), plus I travel with my work MBP. Hence the MiFi makes sense for us to keep.

If it ends up easy to JB the iPad, and I can create a WiFi hotspot... I may end up being disappointed that I passed on the 3G since it is less expensive than a MiFi. OTOH... 3G is getting long in the tooth and will soon be replaced with 4G service. Upgrading MiFi to 4G will be trivial.

Another consideration is that I plan to buy a Gen2 iPad assuming that the iPad architecture meets my expectations. I suspect that G2 will have 4G service. I will waterfall my Gen1 to my wife who has no interest in using the iPad while mobile.

Bottom line: I am sticking with the WiFi only model... until I change my mind again. ;)

/Jim
 
I too had a hard time deciding. I just went with the base model. I already have an iPhone if I need to access the net. Most places I would go with the iPad will have wifi.
 
I thought about it for awhile. I don't even have 3G by me so I don't really care to much. In general if i'm on the go wifi will be fine, worst case you can always jailbreak and tether it with the iPhone and save moola.
 
I'm definitely glad all you guys are buying Wifi. Hopefully no shortage of 3G models when I reserve mine :).

30 days for 3G and GPS is worth it to me.
 
Yes.... GPS. I would probably end up missing that feature down the road. Never can tell what killer apps may be developed that utilizes the gps. 32GB 3G for me!
 
Like I said when I started this thread.

I ended up going with the 32G 3G mostly because of the GPS.

We do a little traveling now and then and it would be nice to have it. $120 extra is like going out to eat a couple of times. No big deal in the long run.
 
sparkstsa said:
Yes.... GPS. I would probably end up missing that feature down the road. Never can tell what killer apps may be developed that utilizes the gps. 32GB 3G for me!
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email68 said:
Like I said when I started this thread.

I ended up going with the 32G 3G mostly because of the GPS.

We do a little traveling now and then and it would be nice to have it. $120 extra is like going out to eat a couple of times. No big deal in the long run.
Click to expand...

I feel the same exact way. Did you guys pre-order it? I'm waiting to reserve in-store.
 
email68 said:
I really would like the 3G, mostly for the GPS. But it would be nice to have an iPad on April 3....

What to do? Buy two?! :p
Click to expand...

Wait, I am,I Might not use the 3g All the time but there willbe a need for it on vacation and at my Parents where they don't even have Cable. I'd regret not having the option.
 
Detlev_73 said:
Getting a Wifi only version is somewhat limiting. There aren't hotspots ALL over the place, and even where there are, many of them are a paid service. With the simple plans that will be offered by AT&T, it's easy to simply pay an extra $120-some dollars for the additional 3G connectivity. The plans are non-contractual, and there are two tiers: low usage and unlimited usage (though probably with a cap [how unlimited means 'up to a certain amount' is beyond me, but I digress]).

Example: I live in Roswell, GA, according to the US Census Bureau 2008 estimate, Georgia's 7th largest city; we are about 15-20 minutes north of Atlanta. One would think that living in the 8th largest metro region in the US, that there would be free wifi hotspots ALL over the place, so much so that there would be no reason to pay a carrier extra to either tether a 3G device to a laptop or the iPad to get an internet connection: not so. 9 times out of 10 my iPhone has to rely on capturing a 3G signal to connect to the internet.

Now, on the other side of the spectrum, throughout my visits to San Francisco, nearly every time I've looked for wifi on my iphone, I have found free wifi, except near the Golden Gate bridge, along Crissy Field, most residential neighborhoods where there are almost no businesses, etc.

Why would one to limit oneself with a wifi-only version? I would not want to be somewhere with a wifi-only iPad, and say to myself "Gee, no free wifi :( . I really wish I would've bought the wifi+3G version."
Click to expand...

This is why there are choices. The WiFi version is not a "limitation" for some people.

- Some people aren't as mobile and may only use their iPad in places there are WiFi (home, office, school, starbucks, etc.).

- Some people live in areas where WiFi hotspots are abundant or they already have a service that gives them access to WiFi hotspots (i.e. I have ATT DSL and with my plan I already have access to all ATT WiFI hotspots).

- Some people have a way of taking WiFi with them. As mentioned several times in this thread, some people can use a MiFi or other mobile service. Some people can also use their phone as a mobile WiFi.

I'm sure there are other examples, but these are just a few that people can consider when making their purchase. In the end, you need to look at your own situation and pick what best fits your needs.

For me, a 3G version would be completely pointless. Not only do I already have access to ATT WiFi hotspots, but I also have a MiFi that I pay $15/mo for unlimited access.

Just as WiFi only may not be for everyone, neither will the 3G version be for everyone.
 
I ordered a 64GB WiFi. I just don't see the attraction of 3G. Slower than WiFi and $30 per month. No thanks. I really see the iPad as a true portable device around the house and my house has a wireless network. Outside the house I don't want to carry something as large as the iPad. That's where the iPhone shines and I already pay AT&T for a data plan for two of those.
 
I am not waiting for the 3G version. My winmo cell phone has mobile wifi so if I need to get on the net I can use that to connect the ipad or use my iphone to get on the web. Also $130 more for 3G seems a bit steep to me.
 
i am going to purchase the low end 16gb wifi because i feel as though the mywi app will allow me to tether if i need to use 3g from my iphone, and im buying the low end because well...im more excited over the 2nd generation ipad since 2nd generations are always better than the first.

also, in the event the 16gb model doesnt work out for me, i can always gift it to the girlfriend or even my mother.
 
flynz4 said:
I've gone back and forth. I do have a Verizon MiFi that I use to keep our various laptops connected. My wife and I are frequent travelers (~50%) and usually take our personal laptops (MBP + MBA), plus I travel with my work MBP. Hence the MiFi makes sense for us to keep.

If it ends up easy to JB the iPad, and I can create a WiFi hotspot... I may end up being disappointed that I passed on the 3G since it is less expensive than a MiFi. OTOH... 3G is getting long in the tooth and will soon be replaced with 4G service. Upgrading MiFi to 4G will be trivial.

Another consideration is that I plan to buy a Gen2 iPad assuming that the iPad architecture meets my expectations. I suspect that G2 will have 4G service. I will waterfall my Gen1 to my wife who has no interest in using the iPad while mobile.

Bottom line: I am sticking with the WiFi only model... until I change my mind again. ;)

/Jim
Click to expand...

I've changed my mind (for the final time)... I decided to cancel my WiFi order, and order the 3G model instead. The $130 is pretty inconsequential, and I would have been upset with myself the first time that I wanted to turn on 3G during a trip. I also wanted the GPS. It will be worth the wait.

/Jim
 
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