I have the 3g version of iPad but never signed up for any of the 3G service. Why is it showing 3G, shouldn't it be showing my wifi network I have at home?
Not sure as I do not own the 3G version; but, why not check under settings to see if it displays any sort of AT&T acct info?
when you disconnect from the internet and go 3g can you connect to the internet?
3G is turned on by default, so that you can enable your 3G data account if you wish. Just because you see it say AT&T 3G and it shows you have a signal, doesn't mean you have a 3G data account activated and would be able to access wireless internet (non-WiFi), and having it on will not change your ability to use Wi-Fi at all, but it will impact battery life. It is on by default so that it is "ready" for when you activate your account if you want.
You can leave it turned on and still use Wi-Fi at the same time, but it will impact battery life by leaving it on. You simply go into settings and turn off 3G and the "bars" and AT&T 3G will go away from the status bar at the top.
This. Although I don't believe I see much battery drain from leaving 3G on (I leave mine on at all times, even when at home on WiFi). Of course if you don't plan on using 3G then just turn it off as there is no reason to leave it on.
It will have small impact on battery life as every cellular device constantly calls out to see if there is a cell tower nearby and then gauges signal strength on the resulting reply.
Edit: this is why it is dangerous to have a cellphone on in wartime - you don't need to be making a call for the phone to be detected and have a missile launched at it.
This. Although I don't believe I see much battery drain from leaving 3G on (I leave mine on at all times, even when at home on WiFi). Of course if you don't plan on using 3G then just turn it off as there is no reason to leave it on.
I have a reason to leave it on. If it is stolen you can use mobile me to track it even if there is no wifi available nearby. Seems like a good reason to me.