I have been on both ends of the iPad spectrum and now am the owner of a 16 GB wifi only and 32 GB wifi+3G model and must report that if you seriously are considering the iPad go with 3G. I mainly used my iPad at work since I live a good 15 minutes away and traffic can make my trip anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, hence I am left with free time if traffic permits. So I'd bring the iPad to surf and read mags/books. Occasionally I'd use it in the car to look up something on the fly. But still I did so using mywi, which dispite being incredible and reliable it is nothing like the zippiness of the 3G. No connecting bar, just info <bam> right there. My gf and I recently went to Galveston this weekend and I propped the iPad near the dash and used the gps to navigate around town. It was perfect. She uses my old wifi model and is now addicted to plants vs. Zombies. Anyway, I like having the iPad as a fully functional stand alone device and think it is somewhat crippled without the 3G. Yeah, AT&T rapes with e plan, but I think going wifi only is the same as investing in the current itouch and claiming it is almost the same as the 3GS. Anyway, just some food for thought for those of you wondering which way to go. Enjoy!
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- Thread starter Ttruvjr
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Another distracted driver in Houston... Wonderful
As far as YOUR opinions on 3G, please read my signature...
As far as YOUR opinions on 3G, please read my signature...
Using ipad or any electronics toys while drive your car in traffic is stupid. Please drive your car and play with electronics after you get home. 
I'm contemplating a purchase and it's all about 3g or not. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, went further than "get the 3g" I've been reading. Not going to pile on the safety issue, been finding WAY too much negativity on the obvious beyond the intent of your thread and on Macrumors in general.
I have the wifi only. Saved $130. I don't care that ATT did away with the unlimited plan. I don't worry about going over my data limit. When I am out and about with the wife, I am out and about with the wife, not the iPad. I goto my mothers to socialize with my mother, not check crap out on my iPad.
If I need directions, I have a TomTom. It doesn't have a glossy screen, and gives verbal directions. It was also a safety award. Price, free. If you don't get safety awards, they are only a $100. You can also get a widescreen Garmin for $80 at Best Buy.
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My whole point was that with the 3G it opens up more possibilities with the iPad. I find many more uses for it and take out more often then previously. I find it great that some people enjoy the wifi model because obviously that market exists. However, there are some of us that would rather not have to use several other devices (GPS, wifi hotspot, etc) and the 3G chip is worth that want. I just wanted people to know that, yes, the iPad is awesome all around, but if you are considering 3G go 3G. Also, though I hate arguing with the interwebz, but I don't use my iPad driving except for the navigation apps and it is propped on my console for awesome glare-free direction giving...
My whole point was that with the 3G it opens up more possibilities with the iPad. I find many more uses for it and take out more often then previously. I find it great that some people enjoy the wifi model because obviously that market exists. However, there are some of us that would rather not have to use several other devices (GPS, wifi hotspot, etc) and the 3G chip is worth that want. I just wanted people to know that, yes, the iPad is awesome all around, but if you are considering 3G go 3G. Also, though I hate arguing with the interwebz, but I don't use my iPad driving except for the navigation apps and it is propped on my console for awesome glare-free direction giving...
I must say, that I am at the total opposite end of the spectrum. I debated heavily between the 3G and wifi, and ended up going with wifi only. I have not once wished had the 3G version. I never really take the ipad out of the house, and when I do i can do the mywi if needed, although I have never used it. I have an iPhone, so it really serves all of my mobile needs. Oddly enough I wish I had opted for the 32gb version instead of the 16gb, something i never thought would be a problem.
You make some good points but most people wouldn't need the 3g model because they already have an internet enabled smartphone (ie - iPhone) to take around with them.
But I guess if you don't have a 3g smartphone then an iPad 3g may be more useful than wifi.
But I guess if you don't have a 3g smartphone then an iPad 3g may be more useful than wifi.
I ended up returning my 64GB wifi after a couple of days and getting the 64GB wifi plus 3G.
I would definitely have use for the 3G service at times...and I don't want to regret not having the ability to use it further down the line.
I would definitely have use for the 3G service at times...and I don't want to regret not having the ability to use it further down the line.