So indecisive about 3G or WiFi only

[mrgreen4242]

My guess you'll have to do it before you leave a wifi area.

Why would you think that? You think that ATT isn't going to just connect you to their purchase system through the 3G network? They'd lose a TON of people buying data as an impulse buy because they find themselves in a place with no wifi.

I can basically guarantee that you'll be able to activate 3G data plans from anywhere you have 3G coverage.

 

[anthonymoody]

Why would you think that? You think that ATT isn't going to just connect you to their purchase system through the 3G network? They'd lose a TON of people buying data as an impulse buy because they find themselves in a place with no wifi.

I can basically guarantee that you'll be able to activate 3G data plans from anywhere you have 3G coverage.

TOTALLY agree with this. In fact, my guess is that if you get the 3G model, don't have an active data plan, and turn on the 3G radio you'll immediately be taken to a splash screen on Safari prompting you to log in and activate data.

To not do this would be to leave money on the table, something out of the question for AT&T

 

[melman101]

I'm super torn about this, but for a reason I've not seen mentioned here.

I would love to save the cost on the radio and data charges. As a related aside, my intent on the data would be to literally turn the data plan on and off on the fly as needed. If AT&T pro-rates this feature as they do all iPhone add-ons, this would be a relatively cheap way to get 3G data only when you absolutely needed it. You'd still have to pay the $130 premium for the radio of course.

If I went with wifi-only I could of course JB and use MyWi or similar as has been pointed out. HOWEVER, for me there's one big issue with this: international travel. SJ mentioned that international data deals would be announced soon. Hopefully this means prior to shipping either model.

The issue is that AT&T's international data roaming rates for the iPhone are f*#$ing insane. Like prohibitively expensive such that when I travel I turn off data roaming and use wi-fi only. This works "okay" but there are definitely times and places where there's no wifi, and so I basically can't use my iPhone.

So to have to use such a plan with a JB'd iPhone in order to surf on the iPad in such places would cost a fortune, at least until we hear what the international data deals look in terms of cost, contract requirement or not, etc.

All that said, wifi only means 30 days sooner But I have to think long term here as I intend to use my iPad as my primary computer...

TM

Very awesome points. I however, am not an international traveler much. My 3GS is unlocked with 05.11 baseband, and my 3G is unlocked at 3.0 (whatever that baseband is). I figure that where-ever I go I can find a sim hopefully for unlimited data (Regular sim that is, which is going to be much more widespread for a while than micro sim). And then use my iPhone as a WiFi Hotspot.

So I still think iPad Wifi only is the right one for me. Been stuck on that for a few days now.

 

[anthonymoody]

I figure that where-ever I go I can find a sim hopefully for unlimited data (Regular sim that is, which is going to be much more widespread for a while than micro sim). And then use my iPhone as a WiFi Hotspot.

I think this makes 100% sense for voice. Finding a SIM for cheap local calls is definitely easy - in fact it's one of the things I love about GSM in general.

However, my experience is that once you start talking about data, it's not so much that it's not available, it's that the data is not cheap. Or, to get cheap data you need to agree to a contract. Maybe I've just not looked around hard enough, or had language barriers get in the way, not sure. Maybe some European peeps can chime in here...

 

[melman101]

I think this makes 100% sense for voice. Finding a SIM for cheap local calls is definitely easy - in fact it's one of the things I love about GSM in general.

However, my experience is that once you start talking about data, it's not so much that it's not available, it's that the data is not cheap. Or, to get cheap data you need to agree to a contract. Maybe I've just not looked around hard enough, or had language barriers get in the way, not sure. Maybe some European peeps can chime in here...

Well, I was able to get a Vodafone SIM in Amsterdam this past summer for my iPhone. I didn't use any voice on it. And it was 10 Euro for unlimited data. Worked great.

 

[dan5.5]

I am leaning towards the 3g... I am sure microsims will become popular and it will be great to have 3g anywhere I go.

 

[Ka Ora!]

Why would you think that? You think that ATT isn't going to just connect you to their purchase system through the 3G network? They'd lose a TON of people buying data as an impulse buy because they find themselves in a place with no wifi.

I can basically guarantee that you'll be able to activate 3G data plans from anywhere you have 3G coverage.

Im in France, That already happens with 3g Dongles whats also good is unlike Voice sim cards if you dont use the 3g for a year they dont block and cancel the sim card on the Data only sims.

But you put the dongle in and the software installs and asks for username and password, When you open up Safari without inputting them it will let you purchase time. Blocks of 15 Mins. Here though the 3g network is pants fine if your in a city but the moment grass becomes visible the signal goes awol.

Im going to get the Wifi and get an unlocked Mifi unit. I can see Mifi sales going up.

 

[MagpieX]

I think we shouldn't have to pick between a 3G and WiFi model, it should be an all in one solution.

I dunno if i'm gonna pick up the Gen 1 iPad i'm really tempted but from the features they have missed out on the 1st, which i think they have done to include in the 2nd Gen i may sit on my hand and see what happens.

 

[anthonymoody]

Well, I was able to get a Vodafone SIM in Amsterdam this past summer for my iPhone. I didn't use any voice on it. And it was 10 Euro for unlimited data. Worked great.

Very excellent and good to know, thanks for the 1st hand report. Guess I should try to more reputable spots instead of the guy in the magazine stand

 

[MacVDS]

I want it all.....I want it ALL....and I want it NOW!!!!

 

[Luba]

Excellent point, since there's no contract I would think we could just buy a month's worth of data for a set price like in the US.

Side note and complaint: All cell companies should "release" their customers temporarily when they are traveling abroad, especially when traveling across an ocean, to buy a foreign company data and voice for a day/week whatever. And naturally, when foreigners come to the US, they would be buying service from a US company. Maybe I am missing something . . . it all more or less evens out, and everybody wins! The data and voice is so insanely high, I just do without, so nobody is getting my business. If I traveled internationally more frequently I'd probably get a pre-paid phone, but obviously not as convenient.

I'm super torn about this, but for a reason I've not seen mentioned here.

I would love to save the cost on the radio and data charges. As a related aside, my intent on the data would be to literally turn the data plan on and off on the fly as needed. If AT&T pro-rates this feature as they do all iPhone add-ons, this would be a relatively cheap way to get 3G data only when you absolutely needed it. You'd still have to pay the $130 premium for the radio of course.

If I went with wifi-only I could of course JB and use MyWi or similar as has been pointed out. HOWEVER, for me there's one big issue with this: international travel. SJ mentioned that international data deals would be announced soon. Hopefully this means prior to shipping either model.

The issue is that AT&T's international data roaming rates for the iPhone are f*#$ing insane. Like prohibitively expensive such that when I travel I turn off data roaming and use wi-fi only. This works "okay" but there are definitely times and places where there's no wifi, and so I basically can't use my iPhone.

So to have to use such a plan with a JB'd iPhone in order to surf on the iPad in such places would cost a fortune, at least until we hear what the international data deals look in terms of cost, contract requirement or not, etc.

All that said, wifi only means 30 days sooner But I have to think long term here as I intend to use my iPad as my primary computer...

TM

 

[badgerman]

People who love gadgets wont really need the 3g version. Most of use probably already own a mifi, Also I dont see how that would work since it creates a wifi network..the Ipad wont have an idea thats its 3g. Also if ur on iphone 3g JB "$10 pda net" to tether and save urself $30. As far as the GPS goes, I dont see the need. I for one am not going add my Navigon app this thing and mount it on the dash. Maybe im wrong but i dont know of many other app the "requre" GPS.

Also how many of us bring our macbooks outside and rely on Wifi/Mifi/tethering... If your like me and are used doing that/paying for that why pay extra $30.

does the wifi only not have location based services then?

 

[melman101]

Yes, I believe the only difference is the GPS chip.

However, as to others saying they will use PDANet, I don't think that software would work. The last time I checked it out, you had to create the AD-Hoc Network on the computer first. I doubt the iPad will allow you to create an AD-Hoc WiFi network. You would need something like MyWi which allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot directly from your phone with no need for another device to create the AD-Hoc Network.

 

[badgerman]

Yes, I believe the only difference is the GPS chip.

So if get wifi only no apps that search your location will work ie flixter etc?

 

[brewno]

I'll be buying the 3G version; I'll buy it the plastic case Apple is sellling so I can bring it to work and use it during my breaks/lunch to surf the web. Bringing a laptop is too much hassle. Now, whenever version 2 is out I'll be selling it because I want a camera on it.

 

[Lamonster]

Why would you think that? You think that ATT isn't going to just connect you to their purchase system through the 3G network? They'd lose a TON of people buying data as an impulse buy because they find themselves in a place with no wifi.

I can basically guarantee that you'll be able to activate 3G data plans from anywhere you have 3G coverage.

You're right, I don't know what I was thinking.

Yes, I believe the only difference is the GPS chip.

However, as to others saying they will use PDANet, I don't think that software would work. The last time I checked it out, you had to create the AD-Hoc Network on the computer first. I doubt the iPad will allow you to create an AD-Hoc WiFi network. You would need something like MyWi which allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot directly from your phone with no need for another device to create the AD-Hoc Network.

Yesterday my power went out for about an hour while I was working on my MBP. When it came back on I decided to take the leap and Jailbreak my phone. That went as smooth as could be. After I "made it rain" I installed MiWi and I was blown away how well it worked even on Edge. I tried it on my imac first and it worked great. Now if I lose power I'll just tether my iphone to my MBP and run on the battery till the power comes back on. I'm sure it will work the same with the ipad seeing all you do is pick a connection to login to.

 

[melman101]

You're right, I don't know what I was thinking.



Yesterday my power went out for about an hour while I was working on my MBP. When it came back on I decided to take the leap and Jailbreak my phone. That went as smooth as could be. After I "made it rain" I installed MiWi and I was blown away how well it worked even on Edge. I tried it on my imac first and it worked great. Now if I lose power I'll just tether my iphone to my MBP and run on the battery till the power comes back on. I'm sure it will work the same with the ipad seeing all you do is pick a connection to login to.

Yeah, MyWi is freagin' great. That's why I am definitely going to get a wifi only iPad. Really no sense in ever paying extra for the 3G data plan, unless you specifically want GPS type stuff.

So if get wifi only no apps that search your location will work ie flixter etc?

And as for the GPS apps, I'm sure Flixster would probably still work, but you'd have to put in the location. I am not sure about this though, but I would assume they probably work with manual entry of your location.

However, my plan is just to use my iPhone 3GS for the GPS type of apps. I am sure some sick GPS type iPad apps will come out, however, with no camera, there is no augmented reality. So I think I'll be just fine sticking to the Wifi only model for now.

Plus as a developer, I doubt you will be focusing on GPS type apps when only 1/2 off the iPad population will have GPS. So I'd focus on a universal iPad app that everyone could run.

Lastly, maybe we will get some sort of location by Skyhook for the Wifi model. I doubt this though, but possibly.

 

[macdim]

Lastly, maybe we will get some sort of location by Skyhook for the Wifi model. I doubt this though, but possibly.

I guarantee you that it will include the Skyhook location-sensing like the iPhone 2G.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

I guarantee you that it will include the Skyhook location-sensing like the iPhone 2G.

The Touch uses this, i'm not sure why the iPad wouldn't.

 

[melman101]

I guarantee you that it will include the Skyhook location-sensing like the iPhone 2G.

That would be awesome ;-)

 

[melman101]

Damn, now I'm thinking it might be a mistake not to get the 3G. But I don't want to wait. S**T! THIS SUCKS!

 

[gr8ful]

What at&t decides to do with tethering on iPhone will decide it for me:

1. If they allow tethering at no extra charge, I will definitely buy the wifi only iPad.
2. If they release a tethering app that uses the same pre-paid rates as the iPad, I will be getting the wifi only iPad.
3. If they release a tethering app that has significantly higher prices than the iPad plan, but allows me to start and cancel at anytime - wifi only iPad.
4. If they release a tethering app that has a contract, I will either buy the wifi + 3G iPad or consider jail breaking by iPhone to allow me to tether.

I see the majority of initial iPad sales going to iPhone owners. Thus, it seems like it would be in at&t's best interest to offer a tethering app that allows you to start and cancel just like the iPad plan with the same price structure.

A good number of people will purchase the wifi only models just because of price and it doesn't make since for at&t not to make it easy for those users to tether those devices when the need arises. Why leave that potential revenue on the table?

 

[macdim]

I'm of the opinion that it is the usage patterns that will govern the sales. Those people who want the iPad for the road will get the 3G version, those who want it for the home will get the Wifi version. To me it seems like it would be that simple.

I can't see myself paying another monthly fee for data. It's getting ridiculous. I think Apple feels this way too. Jobs even looked reluctant to say there was going to be an option for 3G. It seemed like he knew he had to include something like this to appease the mobile netbook fans. Just the fact that he marketed it to be a "couch-surfer" solidifies this statement. People who will go for this product will most likely be iPhone users, at least to begin with, and they already have data access anywhere in a much more easy to carry device.

 

[ckorhonen]

I'm thinking the 3G, and am undecided between the 32 and 64gb models.

Since you don't need a contract, it seems a no brainer - you have the future option to use a 3G data plan (maybe even with your modded iPhone SIM), and GPS which tends to be used in a lot of apps these days.

Waiting for the 3G also means that you'll have 30 days of actual product feedback and developers poking around with the actual hardware and refining apps - hopefully it should mean that early bugs have been ironed out.

As a side note, I wouldn't be surprised if the 3G models are made available at a slightly subsidized price by the carriers, with a 2 year commitment.

 

[AbsurdGenius]

I'd love to go for the 64GB 3G version, but i'll have to see nearer the time whether my budget can allow it

I will almost certainly be getting a 3G one though, i'd hate to be thinking a couple of months down the line, "damn, i wish i'd gotten the 3G one".

And seeing as theres no contract, you don't HAVE to use the 3G, its just there if you want to, for example, if you were off on a trip you could activate the 3G subscription for that month and then cancel it.