iPad 3 WWYD?

PregNerd

When my macbook went up to Apple Heaven DH and I decided to switch to a desktop computer - my student days are over and we don't really have a need for the portability of a laptop anymore - however we do have a need for the storage capacity of the iMac.

The only thing a laptop would have been good for is sharing pictures with the family when we visit - which is why we are now thinking of an iPad. We will get all the portability and function that we need with no extra size or anything like that.

I'm stumped on the 4G or no 4G debate though. The difference is $130 for wifi + 4G. What do you ladies think? Is it worth the money to have the option? I'm not sure how much we will use the 4G, but part of that is we're not sure about much when the baby arrives. Does anyone have an iPad? Do you have the 3G/4G option? Do you use it much? Or not have it and wish you did?

 

lauren1204

I have an iPad 2 without the 3G. I didn't want to pay for the service every month. Honestly, I don't regret not having it. Lots of places have free wi-fi. I love my iPad. I use it a lot more than I even thought I would.

amber323

I have an iPad without 3g and honestly would never use it if I had bought it, you can connect to your home wifi and I use my smartphone for surfing the Internet when I'm out, waste of money IMO but I do love iPads and would definitely recommend it

mymonkeykeys

I have an iPad and didn't get the 4G simply because you pay all the extra money for it and there aren't really any towers up and running yet to support the 4G. I learned this when I purchased my EVO with 4G. I live in a major city (Dallas, TX) and so it can be quickly ruled out that I'm just not in a covered area. I love my iPad and have truly seen no disadvantage to not having the 4G and I saved the extra $130. HTH

theseaword

I'm going to be the different one. I have 4g and I use it all the time. Even places with wifi sometimes have shittty wifi and I end up switching it to 4g. There's no contract, so you don't have to pay the $30 unless you want/need it. 

MissButters

I have an iPad with the 3G (iPad 2) and wouldn't have gotten it without it.  I like having the option, and we've definitely used it when traveling, in the car, etc.

PregNerd

MissButters:

I have an iPad with the 3G (iPad 2) and wouldn't have gotten it without it.  I like having the option, and we've definitely used it when traveling, in the car, etc.

That is one thing we have been thinking about - the inlaws are 2hrs south and my family is 3hrs north of where we live, so we spend a fair amount of time traveling. I do have the iPhone4 though - so I guess I could use that if we really need it - but there are a few dead zones where nothing works.

I worry about not getting it and limiting us, but then I also worry about paying for a feature we may never use.

May I ask - how expensive is your plan?  

 

MissButters

PregNerd:

MissButters:

I have an iPad with the 3G (iPad 2) and wouldn't have gotten it without it.  I like having the option, and we've definitely used it when traveling, in the car, etc.

That is one thing we have been thinking about - the inlaws are 2hrs south and my family is 3hrs north of where we live, so we spend a fair amount of time traveling. I do have the iPhone4 though - so I guess I could use that if we really need it - but there are a few dead zones where nothing works.

I worry about not getting it and limiting us, but then I also worry about paying for a feature we may never use.

May I ask - how expensive is your plan?  

I have mine through AT&T, and it's not a contract so I can just activate it for 30 days and then have it not renew if I don't need it (no contract).  I think the prices are $15/month and $25/month depending on how much data you get.  Also, if you have dead spots with your iPhone and you get the iPad on the same provider as your iPhone, you may still have the same dead spots.

GeekFantasy

Something to consider too might be if your phone can be used as a mobile hotspot.  I don't have an iPad, but I do have a laptop, and the concept would be the same I think.  Instead of having a 3G adapter and paying a monthly fee so I'd always have net access, I just use my phone as a hotspot when I need it.

PregNerd

I started talking with DH about the 4G vs no 4G last night - the poor guy. He's so cute! He thought that I should get the no 4G model because who needs 4G when they all come with 3G?

I laughed - then had to explain it to him. He does make me smile