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Greenmeenie

macrumors 68020
Jan 14, 2013
2,123
3,306
I always get cellular on my iPads. I am an artist who travels a lot, and I like the freedom it gives me to work while on the road. I can edit & upload my projects anywhere.
 
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CPTmom2wp

macrumors 6502
Sep 10, 2014
417
481
Ohio
I always purchase cellular iPads. There have been many times (days at a time) when the local internet has been poor/down and I've been able to use my iPad as a hot spot for my computers. My iPhone works, but with only 2-3 bars as opposed to full bars on the iPad. I also refuse to use public wifi (hotel, airport, coffee shop, restaurant) for security reasons. Yes, my "unlimited" data is throttled at some point if I need to use the hotspot for several consecutive days, but it still works and is more secure. That is more than justification for the initial expense (probably average 2-3 generations between trades) and $10/mo.
 
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Cosmo M3

macrumors 6502
Sep 4, 2010
465
456
I’ve started my first LTE/Cellular iPad journey starting with the original 12.9” iPad Pro (1st Gen) and loved the convenience of it and I’ve subsequently bought the cellular version of the iPad Pro since then (2018 11” iPad Pro, 2020 12.9” iPad Pro). They’re a must have for me because

  • Coffee Shop Wi-Fi can go from “ok” to ”terrible“ as speeds can be unreliable when there are a bunch of people using it.
  • Hotel Wi-Fi is usually trash and limited to real **** speeds since they’re “free” - you usually have to pay extra for the acceptable speeds in 2021.
  • When I was coming into the office pre-COVID, I liked the fact that I didn’t have to use my work’s Wi-Fi as it’s very restricting and slow.
  • I like to go out and walk around a lot for street photography and having a cellular iPad Pro in random spots around the city where there is no Wi-Fi is liberating when you’re taking a break and catching up on life on a random park bench.
  • When I traveled, I liked having one device (12.9” iPad Pro 2020) with cellular in my carry-on/personal item backpack is convenient and a god-send when you’re at the airport or in a new city.
The key takeaway from all this is that, if you’re out of your house a lot, having a cellular version of the iPad Pro in your EDC bag is very liberating.

That being said, I have both the 11” iPad Pro (2020 Wi-Fi) and the 12.9” iPad Pro (2020 Cellular) and I wished I got the cellular option for the smaller iPad Pro, mostly due to the size and weight with the Magic Keyboard for both devices.
 

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,991
20,172
UK
Actually got the Cellular model for 11 inch M1. Had a share sim for my other phone so thought would see if it works
 

Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,967
5,139
Texas
Actually got the Cellular model for 11 inch M1. Had a share sim for my other phone so thought would see if it works
What's your experiences thus far... coming from 12.9 inch model? I actually thought about returning mine for the 11 inch model or the latest Air after WWDC, but couldn't get past how much I'll miss the larger the display.
 
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The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,991
20,172
UK
What's your experiences thus far... coming from 12.9 inch model? I actually thought about returning mine for the 11 inch model or the latest Air after WWDC, but couldn't get past how much I'll miss the larger the display.

I’m actually really enjoying the portability and not missed the bigger screen too much.

I may still get my 12.9 back depending on if they can fix it. My plan was to get a full refund but I dunno if a 11 inch and 12.9 there is much point. I would find the keyboard useful depending on the situation

Dunno if 11 inch and mac makes more sense than 11 inch and 12.9. Right now 50/50 on that one.
 

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,991
20,172
UK
Wait a min.. your choices is 11 inch iPP and MacBook or two 11 inch and 12.9 iPPs? The former would definitely be a better choice... imo.


Huh? Tethering...would kill your phone battery.

Yeah I’m deciding if to pick up a mac or keep the 11 inch and 12.9. I do like the option of a computer but I do like the better mini led display and 120hz. I’m so used to 120hz now I want it on all my devices really
 

Jessemtz25

macrumors regular
Dec 27, 2011
184
42
Colorado
As hubby was reviewing my iPad purchase plans. Pro 12.9 1tb, he asked why I wasn’t getting cellular. With. The Verizon add on for 10$ he seemed like it was a no brainer. Then he said it was my Mother’s Day gift as long as I went with cell model. Had not really thought about it until he pointed out how I kept my devices for years before upgrading. I have a second gen 12.9 with 512 gb.

anyone else reevaluating and temted to go cellular?
I’ve always went cellular and never regret it. Good choice!
 

snfrd84

macrumors member
Jun 10, 2021
87
41
I recently picked up a 2020 iPP 12.9" and wanted to try it out. Then I started talking to a friend about cellular tablets after reading this forum. I'm thinking that possibly returning the wifi model and returning the Apple Watch I just got (just don't really think I'll use it, plus once it's returned, can get the tab line for $10 a line) to get either the M1 12.9 or 11".

My GF and I do travel some, not much. But I think I'd get more use out of a cellular tablet, than a cellular watch, since my phone is with me all the time anyway.

But just torn on the size. I'll use the wifi model a bit to see if I like the real estate before making a decision on the Pro with service.
 

dotnet

macrumors 68000
Apr 10, 2015
1,668
1,392
Sydney, Australia
The 3rd gen iPad Pro that I just replaced had cellular. I hadn’t used it once, in fact, I never even activated the eSIM. My iPhone plan has practically unlimited data, and tethering is simple and seamless. Consequently, I ordered the M1 iPad Pro without cellular.
 
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snfrd84

macrumors member
Jun 10, 2021
87
41
The 3rd gen iPad Pro that I just replaced had cellular. I hadn’t used it once, in fact, I never even activated the eSIM. My iPhone plan has practically unlimited data, and tethering is simple and seamless. Consequently, I ordered the M1 iPad Pro without cellular.
Oh I understand that. I know I get 15gb hotspot a month on my unlimited plan. But we'll see. I can get the M1 12.9 Pro on VZW for $1049, due to a $250 promo on the acct, which is cheaper than the wifi model at $1099.
 

UBS28

macrumors 68030
Oct 2, 2012
2,893
2,340
Wait a min.. your choices is 11 inch iPP and MacBook or two 11 inch and 12.9 iPPs? The former would definitely be a better choice... imo.


Huh? Tethering...would kill your phone battery.

No it doesn’t. My iPhone 11 Pro Max simply doesn’t die within a day of use. Yesterday it even showed near full and the end of the day despite having used tethering to my iPad.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max will easily outlast the iPad no problem.
 

svish

macrumors G4
Nov 25, 2017
11,683
29,716
I always go for Cellular. Like having the convenience of data connectivity always without having to use iPhone as a hotspot. Also the cellular has GPS.
 

AVBeatMan

macrumors 603
Nov 10, 2010
5,968
3,849
I always used to go cellular but not this year. Writing this in a hotel room in Halifax (UK) and tethering to my iPhone. Lightening fast and no problems at all. Only travel 4 or 5 times a year so does not make sense for me to get cellular any more.
 

AVBeatMan

macrumors 603
Nov 10, 2010
5,968
3,849
No it doesn’t. My iPhone 11 Pro Max simply doesn’t die within a day of use. Yesterday it even showed near full and the end of the day despite having used tethering to my iPad.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max will easily outlast the iPad no problem.

Been using my iPhone 12 Pro Max all day and been tethering to iPad for past 2 hours or so. iPhone battery still at 54%. (So I agree with you).
 

jcshas

macrumors 65816
Oct 8, 2003
1,053
1,339
I went with WiFi only this time around. I’ve owned cellular iPads in the past and rarely if ever had a need for cellular service. for me, it just isn’t worth the added cost.
 
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ronster22

macrumors member
Sep 15, 2009
59
11
my OG iPad Air and my iPad Pro 9.7 have cellular and will get the new M1 as well with cellular. like most people I’m not travelling right now, but I like the convenience for connectivity and the cell models have GPS.
 

LogicalApex

macrumors 65816
Nov 13, 2015
1,468
2,323
PA, USA
Are people getting faster 5g then on iphones or about the same?
Faster, but not enough to justify paying for a separate line.

iPhone .png
iPad.PNG
 

Mt44

macrumors regular
Sep 19, 2014
158
285
Totally understand people who don’t see value in the extra cost.

But it’s great feature to have on standby. Big part of the iPad experience for me.
 
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