iPad Pro Cellular vs Storage?

[satinsilverem2]

Ive always gotten the cellular model for every iPad ive had since the 3. I tend to work on my iPad a lot from parks and other public areas where wifi is less secure or non existent. I know I can just hotspot off my phone but I only have 5gb of hotspot data per cycle and for what I do with my iPad (photo/video) I would chew through that in a matter of days. Another note thats not as important is the resell value tends to be higher on the cellular models.

 

[Puonti]

So you paid extra for something you don’t use?

I paid extra for something I did not know if I would use, because I did not have prior experience that would suggest one way or another. Paying extra allowed me to see if I really did.

For instance, experience with my previous Apple devices suggested 128 GB would feel cramped for my needs, so I knew to get the 256 GB model.

I also knew I made extensive use of cellular data on my iPhone, and that I carried (at the time) my iPad with me, so there was a possibility I might benefit from cellular on iPad. Turns out even if I have it, I don't use it - not even the GPS that it comes with.

If I now purchased an iPad with cellular I'd be paying for something I don't use. So I won't.

 

[stanza.richi]

I have got a 12.9“ 2018 64 gb wifi only since November 2019. I chose that model at the end of my residency, just few days before flying to japan for three months for a fellowship. I’m frankly honest saying that I chose the cheaper one 😂 after 16-17 months I can say that, for sure, in the future update I will pick up at least 256 gb. More comfortable than my today set with ssd (maybe if they will improve file app...). I’m still undecided with cellular: at home I’ve got a good wifi network but at work the network is awful, especially in the ward and in the common office. But I think I’ve got at least one, maybe two, more year before I will upgrade.

All that to say that I think you have to evaluate your ipad use setting and choose considering all that factors like if you prefer to have all your file with you also offline (in this case, 256 gb wifi) or you have almost everything in some clouds and prefere to be able to open them everywhere (128 + cellular for this purpose). If you could afford it, try 256 + cellular to know for the future what to prefer

 

[AVBeatMan]

This is something I’m struggling with. I have always got the cellular iPad but have hardly ever used it. It’s just something I think I might need? It’s crazy really as I have unlimited data on my iPhone so could always tether if needed.

During 2020 (and still now) I work from home so no need for cellular. Before COVID I worked at the office which has WiFi and just to go away for weekend breaks 3 or 4 times a year. Every hotel I stayed at had WiFi so again, no need for cellular.

I also think that when away for the weekend you are not working so only need my iPad for emails (can use iPhone) or to view TV or movies (hotel TV or can just download to watch). So again, why do you need cellular?

I’d like to know the reasons why some do need a cellular iPad? Maybe because of no WiFi availability? Poor WiFi? No WiFi? I am generally curious.

After writing all this, I still have in my favourites in my Apple basket a 12.9 256GB WiFi only and a 12.9 245GB WiFi and Cellular. I am still trying to decide?

Does having the cellular iPad make it easier to sell? What do you guys think? Great thread by the way.

 

[sparksd]

This is something I’m struggling with. I have always got the cellular iPad but have hardly ever used it. It’s just something I think I might need? It’s crazy really as I have unlimited data on my iPhone so could always tether if needed.

During 2020 (and still now) I work from home so no need for cellular. Before COVID I worked at the office which has WiFi and just to go away for weekend breaks 3 or 4 times a year. Every hotel I stayed at had WiFi so again, no need for cellular.

I also think that when away for the weekend you are not working so only need my iPad for emails (can use iPhone) or to view TV or movies (hotel TV or can just download to watch). So again, why do you need cellular?

I’d like to know the reasons why some do need a cellular iPad? Maybe because of no WiFi availability? Poor WiFi? No WiFi? I am generally curious.

After writing all this, I still have in my favourites in my Apple basket a 12.9 256GB WiFi only and a 12.9 245GB WiFi and Cellular. I am still trying to decide?

Does having the cellular iPad make it easier to sell? What do you guys think? Great thread by the way.

I needed it because I needed GPS in an area without any connectivity.

 

[tann]

It's very unlikely if you don't regularly have a use case for Cellular, that you will suddenly find you need a Cellular iPad and NOT have your phone nearby to tether off for that rare usecase.

Furthermore, you may then end up paying for a data plan, which is just more money.

Go for the Wifi only if you categorically are saying you have never needed it!

 

[AVBeatMan]

It's very unlikely if you don't regularly have a use case for Cellular, that you will suddenly find you need a Cellular iPad and NOT have your phone nearby to tether off for that rare usecase.

Furthermore, you may then end up paying for a data plan, which is just more money.

Go for the Wifi only if you categorically are saying you have never needed it!

You make a good point. Things are unlikely to change in the near future. I'm pretty sure I'm just going to get the WiFi only model this time around.

 

[throAU]

I suspect you'll regret the smaller storage, given the expected longevity and larger apps i'd expect with the new ipad pros.. If you're mostly working in and around cities free wifi is most places and if it isn't you can always hotspot your phone if you have to.

Storage? Can't make do without that if you run out.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I suspect you'll regret the smaller storage, given the expected longevity and larger apps i'd expect with the new ipad pros.. If you're mostly working in and around cities free wifi is most places and if it isn't you can always hotspot your phone if you have to.

Storage? Can't make do without that if you run out.

I think 256GB will be enough for me.

 

[throAU]

I think 256GB will be enough for me.

Yeah, was more referring to the 128 gb with cell option.

128 will be too small, I think 256 is probably the baseline you want with a pro personally, otherwise you're kinda hobbling the rest of the device too much.

 

[rui no onna]

It's very unlikely if you don't regularly have a use case for Cellular, that you will suddenly find you need a Cellular iPad and NOT have your phone nearby to tether off for that rare usecase.

Furthermore, you may then end up paying for a data plan, which is just more money.

Go for the Wifi only if you categorically are saying you have never needed it!

Funny story, my dad brought his wifi-only iPad to the mall while he waits for my mom to finish shopping. He ends up misplacing the iPad and because it's wifi-only and disconnected since it's on standby, Find My doesn't work. They spent a couple of stressful hours looking for it and I'm pretty sure my mom's blood pressure rose.

When I gave my dad a new iPad, I chose one with cellular and activated a T-Mobile $10/5GB/5 month plan.

Of course now, wifi-only with AirTags might do the trick.