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Is 3g really worth it?

vw195 said:
Then it's not unlimited
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Let me try again,

Right now, data is unlimited for the iPad. As AT&T tracks its bandwidth usage, if they see that they're losing money on unlimited 3G for $30/month because people are "serving up wifi for every other device", then it would make sense that they change the terms to extend their usual 5 gig "soft cap" to the iPad deal. People may be grandfathered in, but since it's a month-to-month deal, AT&T is only on the hook for 1 month or less. In other words, if people abuse the plan they change the plan. Just like they did with their other data products that DO have a 5 gig cap.

As it stands, I'm sure they've already figured out your scenario as a possibility and accounted for it. AT&T has already stated that they think the 3G use on the iPad will be relatively low, so I suspect they feel they don't have that much to lose (or gain). It will be interesting once the 3G model is released, to see what kind of sales they generate. Both Apple and AT&T have stated that they're inclined to think they'll be lower than the wifi only version.

So, from a technical standpoint tell me how we go about getting the iPad to "serve up" 3G for all those other devices....
 
Has anyone on these forums ever gotten one of the ATT letters for their bandwidth usage? As I stated in a previous post in this thread, I have been well over the 5GB limit every month for almost 2 years now with not a peep. So, I was just interested in speaking with someone that has actually gotten one of the letters. It is interesting that no one I know with an iPhone has ever gotten one and that is quite a few people between work, family and friends.

Very interesting topic right now as I sit and wait for the bloody iPad to ship :)
 
Sometimes, I go to places that do not have wifi. So, the 3g version is for me. Also, I agree with the poster who mentioned the increased resale value of the 3g model. In a year or so, as I do with many of my tech products, I will sell mine on ebay.
 
The iPad 3G is incredibly slow. I haven't even been able to boot mine up yet.
 
?????

e²Studios said:
One thing you are failing to see is for $9.99 more I get a 3G USB Aircard that can be used on any device that will support the 3G aircard, including tethering that connection to my iPad. Also included in the fee I get free access to any AT&T WiFi hotspot.
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One thing you might be failling to see is the notebook in front of you with that USB Aircard in it. Kind of makes the whole tethering thing kind of moot since you wouldn't need an iPad if your notebook is right in front of you. Just because something is possible doesn't make it logical.
 
Light and Thin

M87 said:
The iPad 3G is incredibly slow. I haven't even been able to boot mine up yet.
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My iPad 3G is the lightest, thinnest, device I have ever held in my hands. It is so light and thin you can't even tell if it is there even by looking. LOL
And did I mention mine hasn't booted yet either.
 
Jaro65 said:
You said it! And I absolutely agree.
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I somewhat agree but since I have tethering and already have a 3g wifirouter, I am going to pass mainly because the two times I have called apple they have said $50 restocking fee, so that makes it $180 for just a GPS
 
3G is a no-brainer for DH and for me. We have Wifi at home, but are rarely in a hotspot while traveling. If we go out of town for a week, we don't want to pay $13/day for Wifi at hotels ("But it's noon to noon!").

I don't like the idea of tethering. Don't want to do it. I want the iPad to work as it is when I turn it on. Therefore, 3G.
 
I bought the WiFi version as I plan to use it around the house only. My "high speed" internet is only 450 kbps, and apps like Youtube render in the highest quality, so it is really slow. I get a strong 3G connection at my house, so I may make the switch. It depends on how "unlimited" the unlimited package is, and if video will stream on 3G in high quality (iPhone 3G video is really decreased file size and quality). Anxious to see how the 3G model works out!
 
readsomething said:
3G is a no-brainer for DH and for me. We have Wifi at home, but are rarely in a hotspot while traveling. If we go out of town for a week, we don't want to pay $13/day for Wifi at hotels ("But it's noon to noon!").

I don't like the idea of tethering. Don't want to do it. I want the iPad to work as it is when I turn it on. Therefore, 3G.
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Airports are also a PITA. If it doesn't have a "Sky Pilot's Club" (or whatever) with free wifi, the only other option is usually $10-$15 wifi day pass.

Agree about the tethering. I want it to "just work", not drag out some kind of multi-component kludge every time I want to hit the net on a whim.
 
A vote for the 3G model. Like many others have said, it's really more for the availability, like an insurance policy. Just a few times you desperately want it, like flying out of town, you would be glad you had it. $130 is a little pricier for that insurance but hey, that also gets you compass and AGPS. :)
 
I waited for the 3G and I am quite glad I did. 3G works better on the iPad than on my 3GS iPhone. I cannot speak for the WiFi only model as I did not buy one. However I look back at my iPod Touch which was WiFi only and I always felt severely limited with it. I suppose if you go through the trouble of jailbreaking and tethering it might work OK but I just do not want to go through that illegal hassle. Suffice it to say at least here in SoCal the WiFi + 3GS 64 GB iPad works almost flawlessly wherever I go. And yes I take it everywhere I take my iPhone. BTW, I have full insurance on it just for that reason.

Ken

macswitcha2 said:
I am trying to decide but is paying the extra money worth it? I saw my friend's play with their iPad and they had the wifi version and it seemed to be really fast.
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Slow? How so? I acually see very little difference in speed between 3G and WiFi on my iPad. And "booting" has always been instant.

Ken

M87 said:
The iPad 3G is incredibly slow. I haven't even been able to boot mine up yet.
Click to expand...
 
I haven't read the whole thread but it looks like peopl are still just directly answering the OP. So I'll do the same.

First ... I think there are some people who, for various reasons, will have wifi virtually everywhere they go. Examples might include college students and people who rarely leave their homes/offices.

For everyone else, my honest opinion is that the iPad isn't worth having without access to a cell network. This does not mean you have to buy the 3g model. The wifi model can also be used with mifi devices. But the 3g model is the most convenient way to get 3g access with strong battery life.

So ... I would tentatively say, yes, the 3g model is worth it; but it depends on your needs/goals, and other services and equipment. Also, keep in mind the context of the device. Nothing on the iPad can really be referred to as a need.
 
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