by Blake Pierce | Twitter.com/thefndtn
Apple’s brand new iPad is available now with 16, 32, or 64 gigabytes of storage in two distinct versions: Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + 3G. 3G connectivity in the United States is provided by AT&T, who have offered special contract-free internet plans specifically for the iPad. You can sign up for either 250 MB of data access for $14.99 a month, or unlimited data for $29.99 directly on your iPad at any time. Service is activated immediately, functions for 30 days and is automatically renewed, but you may shut off your 3G service at any time without penalty. 3G iPad models do run a $130 premium over the Wi-Fi only models, but it may or may not be worth it depending on your needs.
In an environment where mobile technology is getting more and more important, a 3G iPad can offer some distinct advantages over a Wi-Fi only unit. While Wi-Fi models are limited to the relative islands of connectivity surrounding homes, offices and coffee shops, 3G iPads can surf the internet in the vast ocean of AT&T 3G coverage. Greater internet accessibility gives you the ability to work and play wherever you may be, from answering emails in a taxi to catching up on news or your favorite TV show from the park. 3G access also transforms your iPad into the perfect road trip companion, with big, easy to read maps to guide you and the connectivity to find restaurants, hotels and attractions along the way. Aided by the built-in GPS that’s missing from the Wi-Fi model, your 3G iPad can even alert you of upcoming speed traps and construction zones, saving you time and maybe even a traffic ticket.
If you want an iPad as a coffee table computer or a bedside book reader, skip the 3G and save yourself the money. However, if you’re like me and plan on carrying it with you nearly everywhere, you may eventually want the enhanced connectivity the 3G model offers. But before plunking down the extra $130 though, it’s worth considering other mobile broadband options as well: a mobile hotspot product like Sprint’s OverDrive or Verizon’s MiFi is able to share 3G (or even 4G) connectivity to 5 devices over Wi-Fi, and some modern smart phones offer 3G tethering via Wi-Fi as well. It all comes down to how you plan to use it: if you want your iPad to be a mobile monster, consider the 3G model. If you’re only going to use it at home or the office, stick with the Wi-Fi only model and look at adding in a MyFi or OverDrive if you wander outside of Wi-Fi coverage more often than you expect. While both iPad models are extremely powerful multitouch computers, the 3G iPad has a little something extra that makes it a landmark Apple product.
For more great Mac news, tips & services, check out The Foundation!
What others think.
You’re right Brad, GPS on the 3G iPad is hugely important to me as well. I touched on the GPS features of the 3G when discussing traveling with iPad, but GPS on any mobile device is much more than simply maps. A GPS enabled iPad can geotag data and photos, provide location aware search results and information, and integrate location data into social networking sites. As location aware information becomes more and more vital in our lives, people who purchased a WiFi-only iPad may start to feel a little left out.
You missed another benefit of 3G: GPS. The iPad 3G is a great supplement for navigation, particularly for aviation. The GPS alone is why I’ll pony up the extra few bucks for the iPad 3G.
Would you be interested in exchanging blogrolls links with my site? Please email me if you are interested