Swaying back towards non-3g version

[richpjr]

3G makes sense if you only have a dumbphone. If you already have a smartphone of some kind I, personally, would stick with WiFi only.

I have a smartphone and would consider dropping down to a dumphone if the 3G worked well for me.

 

[Michael CM1]

Why wouldn't anyone just tether their 3G phone wirelessly?

Because people like me -- I have a two-year degree in networking -- can't figure out jailbreaking like it's adding 1 and 1. I tried it on my original iPhone before I sold it and failed to get it to work.

So imagine the thousands of iPad buyers who would like to tether but know less than me and others like me. I don't know how phones that legitimately tether work out the connection, but the USB-only variety won't work. Unless they purely create an ad hoc WiFi network, it might not be possible to do.

 

[RMXO]

I'm getting the 64GB WIFI version and will be JB'n once its available. I will tether with my iPhone 3G when needed.

 

[JS82189]

ok so I think I've swung back over into the '64GB Wifi only' column.

Figure the following places where I am most of the time:

1. My house. Wifi available
2. Work. Wifi available
3. My Parents. Wifi available
4. Her mom's. Wifi available
5. Her Dad's. Wifi available

This leaves an average of 1 vacation per year. I've never done it, but I think I can hook a wireless router into the hotel internet room connection and effectively give myself wifi there. Am I right about that?

Then consider the cost:

1. $130 extra for the 3G enabled device.
2. Either $14.99 or $29.99 when I want to get 3G access.

If I keep the device for 3 years, then that's $130 + (29.99 x 3) = appox $220
If the average vacation lasts 5 days x 9.99 per day internet access..... then I can use the trick above with the wireless router in the hotel rooms (assuming I can do this) for $150 total.

I would consider being able to surf while in transit in the car... but then I realize that with AT&T the 3G would probably be available less than 20% of the trip if even that much. I believe only the 3G versions have GPS in them... but am I really going to use that tablet as a GPS device? Methinks not?

Anyway... I'm leaning back in favor of the non-3g version now.

Only reason I plan on 3g is because my school has spotty wi-fi.. not that I need it at those times, but i hate walking from building to building etc, and not to mention its always great when ur doing some work at a starbux/sandwhich shop etc..

 

[DataThief]

Going for the 32gb WiFi only, then buying a 4G mifi type card when available in my area - probably in a month or two.

 

[iSlate Fanboy]

Tbh, I change my mind on a daily basis. I'm not sure I can justify another monthly charge on top of my iPhone plan and home broadband!

 

[Gymgenius]

Going for the 32gb WiFi only, then buying a 4G mifi type card when available in my area - probably in a month or two.

34gb WiFi here too. My little beauty won't be leaving the house much (if at all)!

 

[PrinceDraven]

WiFi

32gb WiFi for me, got a 3Gs so any real urgent 3g connectivity is available, if i find i need connectivity on the iPad more often i will get a MiFi device.

 

[maflynn]

I'll be getting the 3G version because more often then not, I find that I need to use my iPhone on 3G instead of wifi. It's more flexible in using it in locations that don't have wifi and while its more expensive will definitely be more usable.

I think once the 3G flavor hits the streets, we'll see people wanting to sell or return their wifi versions so they can buy a 3G one. If apple was going to provide the 3G model the same time of the wifi, we'd not really be having this discussion, at least not in the volume I'm seeing people posting here.

I think much of the debate centers around not wanting to wait an extra 30 days rather then really being content with wifi only.

 

[melman101]

I'll be getting the 3G version because more often then not, I find that I need to use my iPhone on 3G instead of wifi. It's more flexible in using it in locations that don't have wifi and while its more expensive will definitely be more usable.

I think once the 3G flavor hits the streets, we'll see people wanting to sell or return their wifi versions so they can buy a 3G one. If apple was going to provide the 3G model the same time of the wifi, we'd not really be having this discussion, at least not in the volume I'm seeing people posting here.

I think much of the debate centers around not wanting to wait an extra 30 days rather then really being content with wifi only.

Well, I'm not sure about that. I think maybe the argument might be more rampant, because people really won't know what to do. Some people are just resigned to getting the Wifi like you said, because it comes out first.

That is my dilemma. But the more I think about it, the more I convinced myself I needed the 32GB. And now, I definitely don't want to pay $729 + tax + accessories for the 32GB + 3G.

Cause honestly, I'll be wanting to use this on trips, and if I don't bring my laptop, no way to sync content. So I need to have plenty of content on there. And I can tether to my iPhone 3GS (Jailbroken with MyWi). I think I'd use the 32GB more than I'd use the GPS (thats really the only feature I'll be missing).

As of right now, the 32GB iPad is going to cost me

32GB Wifi Only - $599
Apple Case - $39

$694 dollars with tax around.

If I got the 3G one, it'd be around $830. That's a lot of scratch.

 

[Davydd]

If you have an iPhone there may not be a compelling reason to get an iPad with 3G. You could probably get most of your information while on the go with you iPhone. Wifi is so ubiquitous now that even if you are traveling you will be able to conveniently find a hot spot at McDonalds, most coffee shops, many restaurants, almost any shopping mall, most all public libraries, bookstores, most hotels, highway rest stops, hospitals, campuses, many homes, private campgrounds, etc. In those places you can usually sit down and work and I think the iPad will be much more convenient to use than a laptop computer in those situations.

I'm an RV user and west of the Mississippi River the Verizon Wireless ads are true. 3G is rare when on the road but wifi is generally available at the many McDonalds that dot the highways. Edge is usable for getting some information on the iPhone but is painfully slow to use interactively. If you vacation in national and state parks, national forests and other wilderness areas both wifi and 3G might not be available but wifi usually is at the nearest town.

Also, you need to consider your use. If you have it loaded up with data, books, music, videos, etc. then you may spend most of your time with the iPad off-line.

Again, if you have an iPhone I suspect you could get by without 3G. Why go back to a dumb phone? The iPhone still has advantages over an iPad when out and about. I would consider 3G if there were no monthly rate but a data demand user fee. I would probably not even use the $14.95 rate most months same as I don't currently use text messaging on my iPhone enough to pay extra for unlimited use now.