getting ipad in 3 days. Which version?

[torakun]

Hi all

I'm finally decided to get an ipad. Problem is, been thinking for over a week now and can't bring myself to decide which version I'm gonna get. The 32GB wifi only, since my itouch is 64gb, or 32GB wifi+3G?

I'll leave for Japan end of this month and at the place where I'll stay, I won't have a wifi, just normal broadband ethernet modem. I haven't investigate previously when I stayed there whether they have micro sim data package or not. I believe they have, but that place I'll stay is at a remote village near a factory where I'll work, so I'm not sure they'll be up to date with stuff.

If I'm not in Japan, I'll be in Indonesia or singapore. The 3g speed in Indonesia is very very basic. While for them, 1gb quota cap is already big (hint: not for me), so I'd expect to pay more or something. In Japan, I believe their 3g speed is much faster and more lenient on the quota cap.

I guess the reason why I'm pondering so much when maybe one of you guys saw the post, and already able to figure out that the wifi+3g version is the right one for me, is, because, I can't justify the price since I also have other urgent need, such as new headphones and external HDD. my budget is $1000 and the headphone I wanted (ultimate ears triple fi 10) is already $300 and external HDD is around $100 (for 500GB).

In total, the other stuff is already at $400 ish, and the ipad 32gb wifi+3g is @$700. So I will need to see a cheaper alternatives if I were to get all of the above.

My question is, from your point of view, on the long run, which is easier to sell (once the ipad 2 is out, I'm gonna sell mine), the cheaper alternative (wifi only), or the 2nd most expensive in the line up? The feature that made me cringe whenever I was abt to eliminate the 3g version is, the inclusion of GPS. I won't drive there, but it seems like a gimped ipad without GPS. That's what's on my mind.

Sorry for the long winded question. Thank you for reading.

Thanks in advance for any reply

 

[TraceyS/FL]

I can't image spending $300 on headphones.... Do they give you the same return on investment as buying a $200 pair and getting the 3G iPad? I'm actually serious and not being bitchy. I'm just not into music that much I guess! Lol!

For me, I'd want the flexibility of having the 3G, it won't be easy to add later if you decided you screwed up the purchase decision.

Shop around for the drive too, make every penny count!!!

 

[tibi08]

Lack of GPS does NOT make for a gimped iPad. It's not like an iPhone... I have never wanted GPS or even 3G on mine, because I use it like a true tablet computer. I browse the internet and read my email over a Wifi connection.

If you are already thinking of selling your iPad before you've bought it, well that's up to you but I'd say it's an indication that you shouldn't by 1st gen and should simply wait for 2nd gen iPads to come out BEFORE buying.

The more money you outlay now, the more money you will lose when you come to sell it.

 

[abta1]

I think the Wifi iPad + a Mifi is the best way to go.

Having a 3G iPad and the ability to have the internet anywhere you take it nice but you are limited to that device with that 3G service.

If you have a Wifi iPad then you can use the wifi wherever there is a connection and link it to your mifi if there isn't. Also the contract/payg data you are paying for with the mifi can be used with any wifi capable device so making the contract/payg data on that much more flexible.

If you know you will need 3G on the iPad and it's the only device you will need 3G on then go for the wifi+3G but personally I find it limiting having to pay a data contract on the iPad and for the iPad only.

 

[Satori]

I think the Wifi iPad + a Mifi is the best way to go.

Having a 3G iPad and the ability to have the internet anywhere you take it nice but you are limited to that device with that 3G service.

If you have a Wifi iPad then you can use the wifi wherever there is a connection and link it to your mifi if there isn't. Also the contract/payg data you are paying for with the mifi can be used with any wifi capable device so making the contract/payg data on that much more flexible.

If you know you will need 3G on the iPad and it's the only device you will need 3G on then go for the wifi+3G but personally I find it limiting having to pay a data contract on the iPad and for the iPad only.

+1

MiFi is a pretty good compromise if you're not sure that you'll need the 3G now. Also, you could put some of the money saved on not going with the 3G option toward an airport express (or similar) so that you can turn your ethernet modem in Japan into a hotspot.

I don't think you find much difference among models in relative depreciation if you're looking to sell before you upgrade.

Have a good trip!

 

[iPhysicist]

ATM I would not go for an iPad or whatsoever. Wait until the refresh in spring. You want 3g, then go for an iPhone, but again I would wait for the refresh in spring

Its your decision, in the end it is on you. If you need it now, buy it now.

 

[tibi08]

ATM I would not go for an iPad or whatsoever. Wait until the refresh in spring. You want 3g, then go for an iPhone, but again I would wait for the refresh in spring

Its your decision, in the end it is on you. If you need it now, buy it now.

What planet do you live on? There is no spring refresh on the iPhone line and it is very unlikely there will be one on the iPad line either, until summer 2011.

 

[panzer06]

What planet do you live on? There is no spring refresh on the iPhone line and it is very unlikely there will be one on the iPad line either, until summer 2011.

It's clear he meant the iPad for the spring refresh. Also you have no more information about when apple is planning to refresh the iPad than anyone else so you really can't say your guess is any more realistic than his. Of course he's just assuming a 1 year refresh rate for the iPad like the other ios based devices which is reasonable.

Cheers,

 

[Zillio]

Another disadvantage to the 3G iPads are that they are heavier. 3g is 8% ish heavier than the Wifi, and it is noticeable especially when the devices are used one handed for instance when showing someone/small groups a video, or pictures.

 

[Zazoh]

You see these threads in all electronic device forums the apple ones match camera ones nearly turn for turn.

Here is the scenario:
Everyone else has xyz
I want to be like everyone else but I need abc
Said device maker only makes lmnop and xyz
But I need abc, so which between lmnop and xyz is for me?

The problem is most evident when the device falls a bit out of the demographic for which it was intended. Or, in this case, the device has broad scope in appeal but the individual usage of the device clashes with the normal distribution of usage.

 

[poloponies]

Another disadvantage to the 3G iPads are that they are heavier. 3g is 8% ish heavier than the Wifi, and it is noticeable especially when the devices are used one handed for instance when showing someone/small groups a video, or pictures.

Unbelievably silly argument. The 1.5 ounce difference is noticeable how? As in "I wish this was 1.5 ounces lighter?" I've been using the 3G iPad since it was released in every setting and use imaginable, including showing vacation photos to others. The weight doesn't really enter into it.

 

[torakun]

Thanks for the kind replies guys!

If you are already thinking of selling your iPad before you've bought it, well that's up to you but I'd say it's an indication that you shouldn't by 1st gen and should simply wait for 2nd gen iPads to come out BEFORE buying.

Heh never occured that thought in my head.. I guess you are right, why do I think wanting to sell it before buying it.. I think the reason could be that I, like all of us, don't want our investment to become obsolete so soon. Hmm.. good thought, thanks.

One gripe I am having with iphone 4 is, just, that screen size.. It's hard to see anything.. I have ipod touch, and that without phone capability and nicer design, also minor features, is the more or less, same experience with iphone 4. I do own iphone 3g to this date, and now become obsolete, or second slower ipod touch because my contract with the Japanese carrier has already terminated.

I'd say frank this time. I want an ipad over iphone 4, just because with the entirely appearance change, etc it feels like I will own a NEW device. Please someone kindly prove my logic fail because it'd be easier to get iphone 4 and wait for the ipad 2..

Thanks again in advance!

 

[Tadros]

Get a WiFi iPad and an Airport Express and buy the travelers kit for the airport express if need be. I have an airport express in my home and its perfect.

 

[SA22C]

I regret not getting the 3G model when I had the chance. WiFi works just fine and I haven't missed it yet, but i will. There is also something really cool about using such a large screened device as a gps.

 

[poloponies]

I regret not getting the 3G model when I had the chance. WiFi works just fine and I haven't missed it yet, but i will. There is also something really cool about using such a large screened device as a gps.

It's not just the GPS that sells it as much as the GPS-enabled apps. Something like Star Walk is amazing and is usually used pretty far from WiFi.

 

[poloponies]

I regret not getting the 3G model when I had the chance. WiFi works just fine and I haven't missed it yet, but i will. There is also something really cool about using such a large screened device as a gps.

It's not just the GPS that sells it as much as the GPS-enabled apps. Something like Star Walk is amazing and is usually used pretty far from WiFi.

 

[MacJBEwing]

How about best of all worlds

I use a cell phone that can be a HotSpot as well. I only use the HotSpot for when I need to get a file or whatever like dump all my emails. In a hotel which offer internet but not WiFi, I use my little Apple AirPort Express for $100. It allows me to connect through the hotel internet with a RJ-45 connection and with Safari can login and go anywhere on the net.

Happy traveling with your iPad.

MacJack

 

[khollister]

3G all the way. I would definitely get some cheaper headphones to pay for the $129 difference.

That said, it might make a difference on how you plan to use the iPad. If your plan is to primarily use it at home or in locations that are likely to have WiFi (coffee shops, hotels, school), then maybe you could live without it. However if you intend to either travel in areas without WiFi available, or carry the iPad with you most of the time and use it throughout the day (waiting in line, eating in a restaurant without WiFi, riding in bus/train, using it to look up info while shopping, etc), the "always on" capability with 3G is priceless.

Oh, and having Location Services available with the GPS & 3G is really useful in a number of apps, not just for navigation.

 

[Zcott]

Another vote for 3G here.

 

[sapporobaby]

I can't image spending $300 on headphones.... Do they give you the same return on investment as buying a $200 pair and getting the 3G iPad? I'm actually serious and not being bitchy. I'm just not into music that much I guess! Lol!

For me, I'd want the flexibility of having the 3G, it won't be easy to add later if you decided you screwed up the purchase decision.

Shop around for the drive too, make every penny count!!!

I guess you never heard of the Shure SE 530's. Probably one of the 5 or 6 best pair of headphones around the planet. They run about $500 and are in my and quite a few other reviewers opinion, top of the line with only a few others besting them.

3G all the way. Why get wifi only? For me, unlimited data is only €10 a month with tethering, etc... Most European operators actually have good networks that can handle traffic, so it was an easy decision.

 

[torakun]

thanks for the replies guys! I really appreciate it.

I will think again for a day, but, so far, I'm leaning towards the 3g version. Yes, I just realized that later after I come back from Japan, I will be working at a company that located in an industrial area that is quite remote and dial up is the only choice. So.. heh.. unless by then ipad 2 is rumoured to be out, then, I think I will enjoy 3g more.

Again, thanks for the replies, I will update again tmrw.

PS: Yes, Shure 530's are one of the best. Really match some of those cans around $1k region.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

I guess you never heard of the Shure SE 530's. Probably one of the 5 or 6 best pair of headphones around the planet. They run about $500 and are in my and quite a few other reviewers opinion, top of the line with only a few others besting them.
.

Oh I know there are even more expensive ones, I just said I couldn't imagine paying that for a set. 3G or expensive headphones.... No brainer for me!

I've spent the last three years learning to be very frugal, splurging like that would be something I just couldn't do, the guilt would be imense. I'd not be likely to notice the difference anyway because my kids would be trying to talk to me or something equally distracting! Lol!

To the OP, glad you are progressing on your decision!! Safe travels!

 

[179202]

One gripe I am having with iphone 4 is, just, that screen size.. It's hard to see anything.. I have ipod touch, and that without phone capability and nicer design, also minor features, is the more or less, same experience with iphone 4. I do own iphone 3g to this date, and now become obsolete, or second slower ipod touch because my contract with the Japanese carrier has already terminated.

I'd say frank this time. I want an ipad over iphone 4, just because with the entirely appearance change, etc it feels like I will own a NEW device. Please someone kindly prove my logic fail because it'd be easier to get iphone 4 and wait for the ipad 2..

These arguments don't really make sense. The iPhone 4 is a very different beast to the iPhone 3G. If you can't see anything on the 3G screen, I suggest you try out the iPhone 4. I very seldom need to zoom into text now the phone has the wonderful retina display. It's a night and day difference to the 3G phone I think. The appearance of the iPhone 4 has also completely changed over the 3G.

Also, how many devices do you want to be carrying? An iPad AND an iPhone 3G and/or iPod Touch? It seems that's a lot to carry around with you and it could all be done away with if you bought yourself an iPhone 4. 1 thing to carry. Lighter. Just as versatile as the other options. AND you could afford one along with the lovely headphones you've picked out (they're professional in studio monitors...you could go a few models down and save yourself some cash there too and not notice the difference!).

That said, if you do want the iPad, I'd opt for 3G. I think it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

[nixiemaiden]

+1

MiFi is a pretty good compromise if you're not sure that you'll need the 3G now. Also, you could put some of the money saved on not going with the 3G option toward an airport express (or similar) so that you can turn your ethernet modem in Japan into a hotspot.

I don't think you find much difference among models in relative depreciation if you're looking to sell before you upgrade.

Have a good trip!

A mifi won't work. Mifis are locked to one carrier and won't be compatible overseas.

I say get the 3G one. I bought the wifi one and within a few weeks bought a mifi and kind of regretted not getting 3G to begin with.

 

[abta1]

A mifi won't work. Mifis are locked to one carrier and won't be compatible overseas.

I say get the 3G one. I bought the wifi one and within a few weeks bought a mifi and kind of regretted not getting 3G to begin with.

I'm not sure on the details of the iPad 3G data plan but unless the data can be used abroad, won't it just be charged at the roaming rate in another country just like a MIFI?