Those of you with an LTE iPad...

[alanderp]

I just realized if I got the LTE model from Apple directly, it wouldn't be locked to a specific carrier right? Would I be able to hope from one deal to another when one ends, even if they're on different carriers? I think this will be the deciding factor for me because different carriers have different data cap deals right?

 

[Newtons Apple]

I will add... sometimes I leave my phone at home and go out with my iPad and my watch. If I could drop the phone service all together, I’d consider it.

Agreed. Only calls I get are from telemarketers. All customers and friends either text or email.

 

[jcshas]

I just realized if I got the LTE model from Apple directly, it wouldn't be locked to a specific carrier right? Would I be able to hope from one deal to another when one ends, even if they're on different carriers? I think this will be the deciding factor for me because different carriers have different data cap deals right?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203099

 

[ImAnAgent]

I got the LTE model again just as I'd with my first iPad which was the Mini 2. Don't need LTE but it's nice to have. I'm thinking about times during the winter when the power goes out during a snowstorm or other times when that happens in the summer. WiFi won't work during those times. Sure I have my iPhone that I could tether from but it's just more convenient to grab the iPad and have it always connected at any time.

 

[mykidisluke]

I really think that LTE transforms the device. No need to fiddle wtih a connection - I know its on and its fast! (within reason).

Causes me to use my ipad a ton more than when I didn't do this. Must have IMHO.

 

[rui no onna]

I got the LTE model again just as I'd with my first iPad which was the Mini 2. Don't need LTE but it's nice to have. I'm thinking about times during the winter when the power goes out during a snowstorm or other times when that happens in the summer. WiFi won't work during those times. Sure I have my iPhone that I could tether from but it's just more convenient to grab the iPad and have it always connected at any time.

And the thing is when the power is out and you don't have a generator, an iPad can last a week or more with somewhat careful use. My iPhone can't even do half a week of standby (but I do have Anker Li-ion battery packs to recharge).

I certainly wouldn't want to tether and run down both iPhone and iPad battery. The iPad can be used for news and some entertainment while the iPhone is reserved for emergency communications.

 

[Jades]

Serious answer - there are some specific use cases where you want to have built-in GPS on iPad. For instance, I’m a pilot, and I use my iPad in the cockpit as a secondary source for navigation and for approach charts. I usually connect to external GPS, but it’s nice to have a backup.

If it wasn’t for this use case, I’d be fine with WiFi-only iPad.

Similar situation here. I got the iPad with LTE initially so I can use it for flying. I added the data plan and I’ve been hooked ever since. Now I wouldn’t even look back. So much more convenient than having to turn on a hotspot and connect every single time. If the iPad sleeps it’ll also disconnect from hotspot, it’s a PITA procedure when you get used to having always on data.

 

[Jimbo Limbo]

I bought an LTE Mini 4 and used it for about a year. It was convenient not to have to look for Wifi or connect via hotspot, but I found when I took my iPad with me, my iPhone was never far behind. Pretty much pointless to high two LTE devices within reach at the same time. I canceled the service on the iPad and started using hotspot. After a while connecting became second nature and I saved some money each month.

I get around this by only having the iPad Mini with LTE. Yes, the mini 4 is not up to date over all, but it is super thin, light, with a great screen in terms of colour accuracy and pixel density and laminated display. It has a larger area screen than even the latest phones.

 

[Lowhangers]

I bought the 11-inch LTE version, but I still haven’t taken my iPad out of the house.

But I bought it just in case I needed it, as you never know.

 

[dk001]

I bought the 11-inch LTE version, but I still haven’t taken my iPad out of the house.

But I bought it just in case I needed it, as you never know.

PPPPPP - Yep!

 

[mpetrides]

I rarely need the LTE functionality on my iPad but I renew it because I am grandfathered on the unlimited plan that you could get for the first few months after the original iPad came out, lo those many years ago.

Having LTE is invaluable on those rare occasions when I have a prolonged power outage (one that exceeds the capacity of my UPS) that takes out my fiber optic internet. I can continue using my iPad to access the internet for many hours longer, given that I have a large capacity battery to provide backup power to the iPad. How often does this happen? Two or three times a year. But it’s nice to have.

 

[augustya]

Serious answer - there are some specific use cases where you want to have built-in GPS on iPad. For instance, I’m a pilot, and I use my iPad in the cockpit as a secondary source for navigation and for approach charts. I usually connect to external GPS, but it’s nice to have a backup.

If it wasn’t for this use case, I’d be fine with WiFi-only iPad.

Just a question ? Don't you guys have the onboard navigation system which is by far the best navigation system Man has made, Being a Pilot why would you rely on an immature navigation solution of some APP ?

 

[mightyjabba]

I got LTE on my last two iPads (iPad 4 and iPad Mini with retina), mostly because I was still on my grandfathered AT&T plan on my iPhone and they wouldn't let me tether. But even then I rarely used it, and now that I can tether with T-Mobile I am totally fine with doing that the few times that I am out of range of a WiFi signal. The extra expense of the LTE hardware combined with whatever I might have to pay for the service just makes it not make sense for me.

 

[Eugr]

Just a question ? Don't you guys have the onboard navigation system which is by far the best navigation system Man has made, Being a Pilot why would you rely on an immature navigation solution of some APP ?

For many planes, iPad with an app like Foreflight or Garmin Pilot is much superior to onboard avionics. Avionics upgrades are costly and the pace of innovation is pretty slow.

IPad can’t drive autopilot, of course, and you can’t rely on it as your primary navigation system, but it’s an excellent aid and much more convenient than dealing with paper charts and approach plates.

Plus I can plan my flight on the iPad, file and close flight plans with one tap, it can connect to my ADS-B receiver to get weather, traffic and more in flight...

And all that for a fraction of avionics upgrade cost.

So yeah, I will of course use my onboard nav to shoot an approach or fly enroute IFR, but I’ll also augment it with my iPad.

 

[RevTEG]

I use mine everyday. I still have the original ATT grandfathered unlimited plan on my iPad and iPhone. I have the new 12.9 pro. I’m overnighting for work in a Holiday Inn express hotel. Their WiFi is 3mbs. The local ATT LTE is showing 66mbs. Of course I’m using the faster data. Being connected never has to be a concern. Having options is the best option.

 

[ThugFreak]

Deleted

 

[ImAnAgent]

And the thing is when the power is out and you don't have a generator, an iPad can last a week or more with somewhat careful use. My iPhone can't even do half a week of standby (but I do have Anker Li-ion battery packs to recharge).

I certainly wouldn't want to tether and run down both iPhone and iPad battery. The iPad can be used for news and some entertainment while the iPhone is reserved for emergency communications.

I also have two Anker 20000 battery packs that I keep charged up especially now that it’s winter.i can keep my XS Max and iPad Pro going for an entire week with lots of use in an extended power outage. We’ve had outages last for several days here during the winter. I like to be prepared.
[doublepost=1544684532][/doublepost]

I just bought a used iPad 4 (cellular).
I inserted a brand new AT&T sim card into it.
The on-device AT&T data plan menu offers the original $29.99 unlimited data plan.
Do new iPads offer this $29.99 AT&T data plan?

View attachment 810469

That unlimited plan is available for any device when you choose auto renew.

 

[alecgold]

I will add... sometimes I leave my phone at home and go out with my iPad and my watch. If I could drop the phone service all together, I’d consider it.

I have been considering this too, but it feels like such a big step! Perhaps it is too because we don’t have the 4G/LTE Apple Watch overhere. There is no e-sim support at all. :-(
What is keeping you from ditching the phone completely?
[doublepost=1544685340][/doublepost]

I also have two Anker 20000 battery packs...

I have one of those too, but for travel. It’s a bit heavy for my taste, but it packs so much power in a compact package that it is worth it. And the combination of USB-C and USB-A port with reasonable fast USB-C charging makes a real winner for use with the latest iPad Pro’s and Macbook Pro’s all with USB-C ports.

OT: I always had my ipads with LTE. It is a seriously expensive option IMHO and the early iPads look seriously damaged with the big black plastic patches on the back, but not having to tether (which still isn’t perfect, I still need to use it with my MacBook Pro and it works about half the time) and not having the battery of my iPhone drain at double speed is a big plus.
And, if I’m honest, I use it at least once a week but some weeks I use it daily. So it is a worthwhile investment for me.

 

[Steve686]

If I only travelled to the local StarBucks or some crap like that, then no on the LTE.

Since I fly pretty frequently and some airports don't have the best wifi, LTE is my go to.

 

[LibbyLA]

I just bought a used iPad 4 (cellular).
I inserted a brand new AT&T sim card into it.
The on-device AT&T data plan menu offers the original $29.99 unlimited data plan.
Do new iPads offer this $29.99 AT&T data plan?

View attachment 810469

Yes, the new ones offer the $29.99 unlimited plan. I have that and the T-Mo $10 plan on mine.

 

[The Game 161]

I use my data when ever i’m At work as the WiFi is poor so it’s needed for work.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I use mine everyday. I still have the original ATT grandfathered unlimited plan on my iPad and iPhone. I have the new 12.9 pro. I’m overnighting for work in a Holiday Inn express hotel. Their WiFi is 3mbs. The local ATT LTE is showing 66mbs. Of course I’m using the faster data. Being connected never has to be a concern. Having options is the best option.

I agree with you here. I also have the original iPad plan and won’t give it up as long as it’s an option. I use the LTE all the time on trips. Just awesome to have it for streaming. I’ve had very slow wifi in many hotels and just pop it back to LTE.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I have been considering this too, but it feels like such a big step! Perhaps it is too because we don’t have the 4G/LTE Apple Watch overhere. There is no e-sim support at all. :-(
What is keeping you from ditching the phone completely?
[doublepost=1544685340][/doublepost]
I have one of those too, but for travel. It’s a bit heavy for my taste, but it packs so much power in a compact package that it is worth it. And the combination of USB-C and USB-A port with reasonable fast USB-C charging makes a real winner for use with the latest iPad Pro’s and Macbook Pro’s all with USB-C ports.

OT: I always had my ipads with LTE. It is a seriously expensive option IMHO and the early iPads look seriously damaged with the big black plastic patches on the back, but not having to tether (which still isn’t perfect, I still need to use it with my MacBook Pro and it works about half the time) and not having the battery of my iPhone drain at double speed is a big plus.
And, if I’m honest, I use it at least once a week but some weeks I use it daily. So it is a worthwhile investment for me.

You can’t administer a watch with the iPad. There’s no watch app. And the mobile carriers also aren’t set up for you to have a watch without a phone.

 

[newellj]

I just replaced my Air 2 with an 11" iPP. I've always bought the cellular iPads. I thought seriously about going wifi only this time but there are situations where I have no wifi access. One of those is my commute on the Boston commuter rail, where there's no wifi. Like others, I also have memories of Sandy, when we were without power for many days and the iPad was the only practical way to get remote access to our work servers. I've plugged that particular hole with dedicated generator capability, but it's still in the back of my mind.

I know I could hotspot the iPad from my iPhone, and have done that, but the battery can run down pretty quickly and in those situations I probably don't have access to a charger for the phone. (When I have to do that, I prefer to use my Mini 4 as the hotspot due to the bigger battery - the Mini 4 is also a cell+wifi model.)

 

[rui no onna]

I also have two Anker 20000 battery packs that I keep charged up especially now that it’s winter.i can keep my XS Max and iPad Pro going for an entire week with lots of use in an extended power outage. We’ve had outages last for several days here during the winter. I like to be prepared.

Lol, yeah. I have the Anker Astro Mini (3000 mAh), Astro E1 (5200 mAh) and Astro E7 (25600 mAh). Those and the 6-port 60W charger were a lifesaver during a 6-week emergency hospital stay overseas. Room only had two outlets available and the nurse didn't allow us to use a power strip. The Astro E7 stayed in the hospital room (charging cable wasn't long enough to reach the bed, plus it would've been a trip hazard). The Astro Mini and E1, we carried whenever we had to go out (usually for travel arrangements and buying essentials).

I know I could hotspot the iPad from my iPhone, and have done that, but the battery can run down pretty quickly and in those situations I probably don't have access to a charger for the phone. (When I have to do that, I prefer to use my Mini 4 as the hotspot due to the bigger battery - the Mini 4 is also a cell+wifi model.)

Yep, the iPad works great as a hotspot and since it's got a huge battery, the battery drain for hotspot is pretty negligible. We use the iPad as hotspot for our laptops.