I wrestled with this question too. The thing is, if you have an iphone as well like I do, it's tough to justify 3G. Since the two devices share the same OS, there's really not much you can do on your iPad that you can't do on your iPhone. The iPad is just a better experience of the same thing.
In other words, the content you need will be accessible from your iPhone. So if you have an iphone with 3G then there's really no reason to get the 3G ipad except for the convenience factor. I just ended up jail breaking my iPhone and downloading mywi so that I have the best of both worlds.
In addition to what others have said, you get to join the iPad 3G elitist club.
Don't get hung up on AT&T you have a choice the pad is not locked....
Tom
I have wifi only and use mobile hotspot to access the internet on my iPad from anywhere I get reception on my cell phone. 3G model is a waste.
I am considering to buy ipad 3G because it has GPS. I can careless about AT&T network with their Tiered pricing. Should I just go for wi-fi model? Any of you guys having benefits from GPS on ipad 3G? Please share.
Not everyone here has a smartphone to share data with..... I'm getting tired of the assumption that we are all wasting money having 3G.
In fact, I bought the 3G in order to stay contractless with my carrier. 2 year contracts with required data are a waste in my eye. Maybe I should go around saying that?
Change your tune to, "it is a waste for ME and the way I use the iPad", because you haven't a clue how some of us use are device.
Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Why is your response any more important that his? I thought this was a forum open to everyone to express how they feel. Just because someone doesn't carry your view - should not be a reason to ask them to reconsider their opinion.
I opted for the wifi version because I don't want to deal with another bill from another company. Most places I will be using it have wifi.
I really did want the gps, but it wasn't worth the extra price for me. I can't see using my ipad for nav...to me my nav device would be something I can leave in the car.
If I really end up liking my ipad and don't find something I like better before the second or third gen come out, I might opt for an ipad with data (maybe even 4g) then. I also really wish that they had other possibilities for data than at&t. My cellphone is currently sprint and it would be nice to be able to keep it down to one bill. I know that will never happen though.
I am considering to buy ipad 3G because it has GPS. I can careless about AT&T network with their Tiered pricing. Should I just go for wi-fi model? Any of you guys having benefits from GPS on ipad 3G? Please share.
Yeah...I am with you on this.
I got a 64g wifi on opening day. I freaking love it. I WAS planning on moving that to my wife to replace her netbook and getting myself a 3G when they came out.
Decided NOT to get the 3G. Here's my reasons (yours and everyone else may have other ones).
1. ATT can suck it. Won't go into the huge flame-war (again) but the number one reason I was going to get the 3G is the 'flexible' contract. You can start it up, shut it dow, get a little or unlimited. 27 days after release (and about 2 weeks before I had the scratch saved up) ATT pulls this tierd pricing. No thanks ATT. (Don't flame me back...been active in that argument..just making a point).
2. I 'usually' have access to wireless. At home and at the two places I vacation I have good (not great) wireless reception. I can always find a Starbucks, Panera Bread, or <gas> McDonalds to get free wifi from.
3. The $130 upcharge was a little much even for my "Apple-Fanboy" tastes.
I have been completly satisfied with my wifi purchase. No second thoughts. My company just switched from ATT (thank God) to Verizon. I will look into one of the 3rd party wifi hotspot devices eventually.
iPad 3G is the way to go.
An iPad without 3G is a crippled machine.
Yup. For everyone saying that there is free wi-fi everywhere, there is not. It's said right in this thread. It's ridiculous to think that you have to go to a Panaras or a gas station that has wi-fi to access the internet while on the road. When I need internet access, I need it without wanting to think about where I have to go to get it. If it's a matter of the monthly money, well then I can understand if someone can't afford 3G, but any other justification to not have it is crazy.
An iPad without 3G is a crippled machine.