Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

The $60,000 Question: Which iPad 3G to Buy?

Get what you can afford and want. That being said the 32GB represents $100 for only 16gb extra- not the best deal around. Yea it used to be that storage ruled but that is the old thinking. If you can stream all the music you want why load all your itunes on the iPad. Plus your iPad is not that great as an iPod- ever try strapping it to your arm and running? Also if you go too big it's harder to justify getting a new model with the new features that will be out next year.
With 3g connectivity big storage is like the dinasours - sooo 20th century.
 
I personally decided on the 32 gig. 16 is too small but I don't think, that with all the streaming I can do from net and home, that I would need 64 either so 32 fit perfectly. I cannot wait until Friday!!!!
 
If you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch, look at the breakdown of used storage (helpfully provided by iTunes). Take the space used by video and apps, double it (based on full-scaled and HD video), and add it to that used by music. I'm not sure where photos factor in as I don't use that feature often, but you should probably factor them in as well (probably scaled 2x as well to match the new resolution of the iPad). That can be your baseline. If you are close to your target capacity, at least consider the $100 upgrade. It's easier to not use space than add more later.

Hope this helps.
 
vw195 said:
I dont think so. Gizmodo implies that 16GB is enough for the wifi, but you need at least 32gb for the wifi+3g, whereas that should be more liberating. Gizmodo thinks you will be downloading a bunch over 3G heeh so you need the extra space
Click to expand...
That does seem a little odd, though I suspect there is more at play. Especially with a higher entry cost, Giz may be assuming that those buying the 3G version are "power users" compared to the general public, downloading and using more apps than their WiFi counterparts. It's not a position without basis. A navigation app, one that doesn't rely on a data connection for maps, can consume well over 1GB by themselves and even some iPhone-scaled games were several hundred MB.

The data plans implies more time away from home, meaning less opportunity to sync and replace older content with more contemporary items. Here, even a small selection of video, especially anything in HD, will require a hefty chunk of space.

Another possibility is that folks spending $130 + data would likely consider another $100 for the extra storage as only a minor fee for added insurance.
 
I"m going 32 gb. I've got a 32 GB iphone 3GS and I've filled it up with movies (that I never watch) and about 15 gb of music (that I listen to all the time).

I've thought about 64 and I have the money to do that, but the 32 on my iphone now is way more than enough for what I want to do. 16gb on my older iphone 3G was not enough. I had to selectively add music and I didn't like that all at.

All that all being said, at some point, I'll likely kick myself for not maxing it out! I plan on taking a detour to an apple store on Friday to see if any are available. I have one on a "Ship by May 7th" pre-order from a week or so ago. If I find one on Friday, I'll just cancel the order.
 
Sound logic.

sakanagai said:
That does seem a little odd, though I suspect there is more at play. Especially with a higher entry cost, Giz may be assuming that those buying the 3G version are "power users" compared to the general public, downloading and using more apps than their WiFi counterparts. It's not a position without basis. A navigation app, one that doesn't rely on a data connection for maps, can consume well over 1GB by themselves and even some iPhone-scaled games were several hundred MB.

The data plans implies more time away from home, meaning less opportunity to sync and replace older content with more contemporary items. Here, even a small selection of video, especially anything in HD, will require a hefty chunk of space.

Another possibility is that folks spending $130 + data would likely consider another $100 for the extra storage as only a minor fee for added insurance.
Click to expand...
 
Based on this logic (again, more sound logic if you ask me), I'll need a 64. Period.

sakanagai said:
If you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch, look at the breakdown of used storage (helpfully provided by iTunes). Take the space used by video and apps, double it (based on full-scaled and HD video), and add it to that used by music. I'm not sure where photos factor in as I don't use that feature often, but you should probably factor them in as well (probably scaled 2x as well to match the new resolution of the iPad). That can be your baseline. If you are close to your target capacity, at least consider the $100 upgrade. It's easier to not use space than add more later.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
 
sakanagai said:
If you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch, look at the breakdown of used storage (helpfully provided by iTunes). Take the space used by video and apps, double it (based on full-scaled and HD video), and add it to that used by music. I'm not sure where photos factor in as I don't use that feature often, but you should probably factor them in as well (probably scaled 2x as well to match the new resolution of the iPad). That can be your baseline. If you are close to your target capacity, at least consider the $100 upgrade. It's easier to not use space than add more later.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

I think that this is a good way to begin to develop an idea what you would need. I don't think it's necessary to double the size of your pictures in iphoto or aperture, this value would not be effected by the ipad's screen.
 
Since we are on this topic, I am in a similar situation as the OP. but with some exceptions. I currently have 8.6gb of music, 4gb of movies/shows, and a 4.6gb aperture library. I plan on ripping some movies onto the ipad from my collection, which I peg at 1.5-2gb each. My debate is in regards to how many movies I plan on downloading. This, I feel, is the game changer, and requires the most amount of consideration. Apps-I do not think that many apps that people will purchase will be in the gb's (elements as the current exception), but this may change over time. Another important factor in my situation is that I will certainly upgrade when the next ipad comes out. I was focused on the 32gb, but the price/storage makes it difficult to justify. I am not sure if I will fill the 64gb, but to have double the capacity for a rough 15% extra is hard to turn down, whether I would use the space or not (perhaps the ipad will revolutionize my mobile experience-and I will end up filling it up). Also, I must consider resale value in 1 yr. Perhaps 32gb will becomes the lowest model next year, which would make my model less appealing in resale. My biggest obstacle in purchasing the 64gb is that the price point brings it much higher to 1k with taxes, dock, sleeve, and apps. I had not originally thought of this purchase in such a way, and it has become more difficult to justify, but yet it's hard to turn down 64gb from the 32 for only 15% more. I apologize for this stream of thought thread, but maybe I'm not the only one thinking in such a way. Can't wait to be reliving this process next yr!
 
JPizzzle said:
I think that this is a good way to begin to develop an idea what you would need. I don't think it's necessary to double the size of your pictures in iphoto or aperture, this value would not be effected by the ipad's screen.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. I wasn't sure if pictures were scaled down at all when transfered to the iPhone, so that factor was just a guess. I only had about 100MB of photos on my iPhone 3G and removed most of them when I synced. I suppose that if I had the larger screen and a better display option (digital frame mode, for instance) I might be more tempted to put additional pictures on the iPad than I would with, say, my iPhone. Sadly, I don't have any good way of determining how much impact this would have. Maybe doubling the current size of photo storage is a bit much, but I'd rather overestimate than undershoot. Luckily, photos should only be a relatively small slice of the iPad pie.

EDIT: If you are planning on upgrading when the next generation iPad comes out as you say you are, the dynamic changes. It might be wiser to deal with a slimmer model, possibly even the WiFi version, to test the waters so to speak. Any mistakes or errant logic made while purchasing this model can be used for a better estimate of what to get next time. Apple products usually have a pretty good resale market provided the condition of the item is reasonable, so you might not have to worry about losing too much money. In a sense, you are giving the iPad a year-long test drive that will probably cost about $100 (a little more if you are right about 32GB being the new default). If you don't have issues with your first iPad, you might not even have to worry about replacing it.
 
sakanagai said:
Thanks for the input. I wasn't sure if pictures were scaled down at all when transfered to the iPhone, so that factor was just a guess. I only had about 100MB of photos on my iPhone 3G and removed most of them when I synced. I suppose that if I had the larger screen and a better display option (digital frame mode, for instance) I might be more tempted to put additional pictures on the iPad than I would with, say, my iPhone. Sadly, I don't have any good way of determining how much impact this would have. Maybe doubling the current size of photo storage is a bit much, but I'd rather overestimate than undershoot. Luckily, photos should only be a relatively small slice of the iPad pie.
Click to expand...

Perhaps the storage is different from the iphone, I was just looking at the size directly from my macbook. That would prob be the safest bet for people.
 
bgribin said:
Gizmodo nailed it (as always):

http://gizmodo.com/5491558/ipad-buyers-guide-super-simplified-edition-some-jest-implied
Click to expand...

Meh...I'm not a buyer that 3G really expands the necessity for more space to the degree that Gizmo depicts in their little chart. Wouldn't a movie watcher on a WiFi only iPad, who needs to have the content stored locally (when commuting let’s say) need more space than his/her 3G counterpart who would/can stream via Netflix or home computer?

The decision needs to be based on the use and size of your current and anticipated media library; along with the discipline and willingness you have to manage the space you have and require.

Here is how I would look at it (ex. Music > Movies -> your music library is greater than your movie library and you listen to music more often)

16GB: Web/content surfers and app users > Books > Music > Movies

This is your typical ebook reader who reads books and content over listening to music and watching movies


32GB: Music > Web/content surfers and app users > Movies > Books

This would be someone with a decent music library; also interested in apps, games and internet content over movies and books.


64GB: Movies > Music > Web/content surfers and app users > Books

This would be someone who has a significant music and or movie library looking to explore apps and ebooks.
 
Jphillippe said:
never the think for the future instead of 64 gb get a freaking laptop, 829 is a huge ripoff...as time goes by apple would release a second generation iPad with camera, and 128 gb and you would regret spending 200 dollars extra for memory...why put 30 gb of music in an ipad when its not like ur gonna constantly listen to music or dock it on ur bose speakers.. Apple surely knows how to market their products and they definitely do have the crazy fanbase to advertise for the rest..its crazy i saw a guy today preordering and ipad 3g 64 gb with 2 accessories, a dock, a case, a keyboard and he paid over 1,200 dollars...crazzzzy.
Click to expand...

yeah but judging by apple's recent trends, it's likely the dock, case, power accessories will still be useful for future ipads. For sure, the bluetooth keyboard will work with many iPads down the road. If future ipads don't get thicker, i'm pretty sure the docks will work for future iterations as well. my iphone dock is almost two years old now and still in service, first for the 3G and now for the 3GS. It's likely in the future, the only thing that needs replacement is the ipad itself.
 
I am not price-sensitive, and part of me tells me to just get the 64gb and be done with it ... there's a high chance I'll do just that.

At the same time, I don't like waste. The left side of my brain would like to get a smaller capacity if it'll almost definitely be enough.

I have ~34gb of music, but I have been working under the assumption I will not put my music on the iPad. I already have it on my iPod touch (mostly used in the car), Apple TV (hooked to home theater system) and desktop PC (also hooked to home theater system), so the situations where I'd want to use the iPad for music seem like edge cases. Maybe I'd sync one or two playlists for "emergency" use.

I have ~25gb of video on the Apple TV, but that includes a whole season of Mad Men, for example, that I rarely watch, and have no need to carry around with me.

I'd like to imagine that 32gb will be enough, but I'm just not confident it will be. For that matter, I'm not confident 64gb will be, if I turn into a video packrat.
 
I do plan on buying a ipad in the next month or 2, def before august because I'm going away the end of july. Want to have it for the plane and the hotel at night.

I probably will lean towards the 32 though. The 64 would be great, but the 830 bucks plus tax is a bit to much, especially since I want to buy accessories with it. Might as well get the 32 and accessories and spend the same amount I would on a 64 gig alone.
 
sakanagai said:
It might be wiser to deal with a slimmer model, possibly even the WiFi version, to test the waters so to speak. Any mistakes or errant logic made while purchasing this model can be used for a better estimate of what to get next time.
Click to expand...
Best advice yet...

Kicking myself for not atleast buying the iPad wifi and test-driving it and using the 14-day return...
 
I've ordered the 16G 3g. My thinking is that all my music will stay on my iPhone. Now video could be an issue but this information about the camera connection kit has made my decision easier.

Video storage: One of the official features of the Camera Connection Kit is that it lets you import videos—presumably ones shot with your digital camera. If those videos are in H.264 format, you can then play them on the iPad. As Macworld contributor Jeff Carlson discovered, you can take advantage of this functionality and the SD-card adapter to use SD cards for storing video while traveling, thus freeing up room on your iPad for other content.

To perform such magic, you just convert your videos to iPad-compatible H.264 files (using, say, HandBrake), and then copy those videos to the DCIM folder on one or more SD cards. Plug the SD-card adapter into your iPad’s dock-connector port, insert an SD card, and the Photos app will automatically launch; your videos will appear as candidates for importing. (You must import a video to watch it—you can’t watch it from the SD card—which means you’ll want to keep enough free space on your iPad to accommodate your largest video. Once you’re done watching an imported video, you can delete it from the iPad to free up room for the next one.)

Importing video files using the Kit's SD-card adapter
Don’t look for these imported videos in the Videos app—since the iPad thinks you imported the videos from a digital camera, they appear in the Photos app. This means you don’t get all the viewing features of the Videos app, such as chapter navigation. The Photos app also doesn’t remember your playback position if you leave the app and come back later. Still, this is a great (unsupported) feature if your iPad is running out of storage space or if you want to bring along more movies than your iPad can hold.
Click to expand...

From MacWorld http://bit.ly/beuEwn
 
Reading this thread caused me to change my order a while ago from 32 to 64. It's a hundred bucks. I'll make it up on resale if I ever decide to go that route. But, I'm not that frugal. I've got expensive hobbies... guns, guitars, trucks...
 
If I were in the market for the 3G model it would have to be the 32GB. Hands down.
 
stil said:
I've ordered the 16G 3g. My thinking is that all my music will stay on my iPhone. Now video could be an issue but this information about the camera connection kit has made my decision easier.



From MacWorld http://bit.ly/beuEwn
Click to expand...

Nice find there. It won't be as convenient as having increased internal storage, but it may sate those unwilling to part with their $100. That storage cannot be used for apps (who would have more than 16GB of apps is beyond me), but from the looks of things here, videos are the big guys. Since the support is meant for video from a camera, it lacks support for chapter breaks and is limited to whatever playback features iPhoto provides. While I don't imagine Apple will shut down this capability, they surely won't be happy about people eschewing the profitable storage upgrades in favor of far cheaper SD cards. Either a future OS update restricting video supported from SD (or even requiring importing video via computer instead of direct transfer) or not adding SD-based video to the Videos app. The latter is status quo, but the may be a future where importing video directly to Videos for showing off a home movie as easily as your digital copy of Star Trek. Hey, one can hope.
 
Does anyone think that there might be a 3rd party that will be able to open up your iPad and install a bigger sd card? Like a 128gb someday?

I think if you buy a 16gb iPad 3G, you won't be stuck with it. Some company will find a way to sell you more memory. Definately will void the warranty, but I'm sure some company will figure it out.
 
Lotus Esprit V8 said:
Go for the 64GB as it isn't a problem to have to too much but if you have to little you are stuck.
Click to expand...

See Im the opposite. Im going for what I think I will use -- the 16. if it doesnt work out I will try the sd card trick. If that doesnt work out I will simply sell it, get close to what I paid and upsize. I dont want to pay for something I wont use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back