Wi-Fi & Cellular

[koigirl]

I buy a new iPad almost every year (only miss was iPad 4) and hand them down to family members when I upgrade. Last year was the first year I didn't opt for the cellular model and I missed it. Not often but when I needed it. Hotspot is less convenient - it affects tethered phone's battery and disengages when not in use and has to be re-engaged. It's worth it to me just to have for convenience. I just ordered the 10.7 Pro with cellular at Black Friday pricing and am passing along my original iPad Pro. IMO worth it if you can afford the extra cost and monthly charges but not essential.

 

[aneftp]

It’s a personal decision. I have had cellular iPad for iPad 2010, iPad 2012 (iPad 3), and iPad 2014 and iPad Pro (2016) (all unlimited data). Kids love unlimited data on their iPads.

I have had WiFi iPad 2011, 2012 (iPad 4), iPad 2013, iPad 2017 (A9) and iPad Pro 10.5 (2017)

I buy a lot of iPads.

 

[bigdog5142]

I’ve gotten a WiFi iPad every time and used my iPhone for tethering. However, I’m not a traveler and the only times I use tethering is the two or three times a year I do travel or stay in a hotel. I can see someone that travels more often getting use out of a cellular iPad.

 

[The Game 161]

With work WiFi speeds of 1MB I think going cellular was the best decision I’ve made

 

[Newtons Apple]

I always get the cellular model if for nothing else except it have a real GPS module. My cellular iPad also saved me mentally when hurricane Irma and Mathew came into Jacksonville, there was no electric for days and days yet it could stream live news on my iPad via cellular. ATT even sent out text saying not to worry about the data, it was free!

 

[Friarchuck]

With unlimited cell phone plans with hot spots, it makes no sense to buy a cellular iPad anymore. I can just use my phone as a hotspot and not pay anything extra.

This is why the new 2017 iPad is so appealing to me. Can't beat the price and costs nothing extra to use away from safe wifis.

 

[MarkB786]

I had cellular on all of my last several iPads and just recently cancelled it. So many places have Wifi now that I have only missed it once. In that case, I used my Note 8 as a hotspot. I'm saving $30/month, which equates to adding $360 to the cost of your iPad. I have recently switched to the Galaxy Tab S3 without LTE and continue to survive very well without the LTE subscription.

im looking to upgrade an old iPad with LTE to a new pro with the most storage.

But I’m curious is cellular even worth it or necessary? iPhones have okay hot spot functionality — and I’ve maybe used the cellular data plan on my iPad twice in the few years I owned it, mainly as a just in case. Curious if it holds any value as well