wifi or wifi w/3g? I am thinking of getting an Ipad for our family for christmas. 80% it will be used at home. Should be get the wifi only or invest in the the wifi w/ 3g? Does anyone have any opinions? I have two kids under the age of 10 so we will use it in the car or travelling. Also does anyone know if at&t offers month to month data plans. B/c we won't be using the 3g most of the time. thx for your help in advance. wifi or wifi w/3g? I am thinking of getting an Ipad for our family for christmas. 80% it will be used at home. Should be get the wifi only or invest in the the wifi w/ 3g? Does anyone have any... » Read More wifi or wifi w/3g? I am thinking of getting an Ipad for our family for christmas. 80% it will be used at home. Should be get the wifi only or invest in the the wifi w/ 3g? Does anyone have any opinions? I have two kids under the age of 10 so we will use it in the car or travelling. Also does anyone know if at&t offers month to month data plans. B/c we won't be using the 3g most of the time. thx for your help in advance. « Show Less
1857964
As long as you're in range of an available network, that should be fine. My husband's job takes him to more secluded locations, so he uses the 3G when he's in those areas. Plus, his office only has a wired network, not wireless, so he can't connect at his office. Be sure to check whether you'll be able to get onto a network when you're killing time, obviously you'll need it for any surfing!
1857965
But can you play the games while traveling? I thought even after you downloaded them that you needed to be on wifi or 3G to play them.
1857966
Take a look at the descriptions of 3G on Apple's website: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad?mco=OTY2ODA0NQ#AT&T; 3G plans are all month-to-month and can be subscribed to or cancelled directly from Ipad.
1857967
Your iPad will last how long? Over 3 years?Don't you think for the lifetime of your ipad, your going to regret not getting 3g.Its 130$ extra but you don't have to to have the plan all the time. You can turn it on and off whenever you want. It's going to come in handy several times over the lifetime of your ipad. I've had my ipad since april and there are so many times when I wish i had got 3g (and more memory than 16gb, at least 32gb is good).
1857968
It depends on the game that you downloaded. There are games that are complete for the computer that you are using and the game is between you and the computer. And there are games that require you to connect to the internet so you can play with other players. I believe that Verizon has a device the size of a thick credit card that will act like a WiFi hub. Your iPad (or other device) can connect to this WiFi hub and then the hub will call out on the Verizon network to provide the cell service that you need. Ask Verizon about it. This also lets you duck out of AT&T; service, in case you care. It depends on the game that you downloaded. There are games that are complete for the computer that you are using and the game is between you and the computer. And there are games that require you to connect to the internet so you can play with other players. I believe that Verizon has a device the size of a thick credit card that will act like a WiFi hub. Your iPad (or other device) can connect to this WiFi hub and then the hub will call out on the Verizon network to provide the cell service that you need. Ask Verizon about it. This also lets you duck out of AT&T; service, in... » Read More It depends on the game that you downloaded. There are games that are complete for the computer that you are using and the game is between you and the computer. And there are games that require you to connect to the internet so you can play with other players. I believe that Verizon has a device the size of a thick credit card that will act like a WiFi hub. Your iPad (or other device) can connect to this WiFi hub and then the hub will call out on the Verizon network to provide the cell service that you need. Ask Verizon about it. This also lets you duck out of AT&T; service, in case you care. « Show Less
1857969
The 4G sounds awesome however, you need to make sure you live in an area that supports the 4G or you will be very disappointed. There are still many areas that do not even support 3G. If it doesn't support it ... you can't benefit from it. The advertisements fail to tell you that.
1857970
Would the WiFi version of the iPad be good enough for general surfing on the web? I would probably only use this during lunch or sitting around killing time when I am not at home, news sports etc. I would like to stay away from adding another monthly expense associated with the 3G.
770027
I think the Wifi is good enough because it's mainly for use at home. You can download games and movies for travel. No need to pay the extra cost. 3G is slow anyway.
1857971
I heard that the newer, faster iPad 2 will be coming out by the end of February. Rumor is it might have 4G speed. It would probably be wise to wait a couple of months to see what Apple has to offer. I'm just saying....
1857972
The advantage of 3G is that you probably can get into the internet in places where you do not have WiFi available. Notice the "probably". It depends on how good the cell/3G service is where you are. I don't know if the Dominican Republic has this digital service, but if your blackberry works, the 3G/iPad might just work. Call your cell service provider and ask them.
38768
Just wifi is fine, that's what I have. I do have AT&T; mobile service but I have not associated the phone and IPAD as yet.
1257178
This one definitely is the I-Pad 4 w/ Retina Display but it is not the AT&T; or Verison ready I-pad that you can broadcast off of without it being in a wifi hotspot. What I wanted and did is this.... You can call AT&T; and turn a phone of yours into a wifi hotspot, so that this I-Pad will work with AT&T; which is what I did, because it comes out cheaper and also it allows me to braodcast ballgame info out to parents via wireless through it, for the ball games that I attend. But as far as this being a AT&T; or Version already setup ipad....It is not and I did not go that way because it was actually more expensive to do it like that. This one definitely is the I-Pad 4 w/ Retina Display but it is not the AT&T; or Verison ready I-pad that you can broadcast off of without it being in a wifi hotspot. What I wanted and did is this.... You can call AT&T; and turn a phone of yours into a wifi hotspot, so that this I-Pad will work with AT&T; which is what I did, because it comes out cheaper and also it allows me to braodcast ballgame info out to parents via wireless through it, for the ball games that I attend. But as far as this being a AT&T; or Version already setup ipad....It is not and I did not go that way because it was... » Read More This one definitely is the I-Pad 4 w/ Retina Display but it is not the AT&T; or Verison ready I-pad that you can broadcast off of without it being in a wifi hotspot. What I wanted and did is this.... You can call AT&T; and turn a phone of yours into a wifi hotspot, so that this I-Pad will work with AT&T; which is what I did, because it comes out cheaper and also it allows me to braodcast ballgame info out to parents via wireless through it, for the ball games that I attend. But as far as this being a AT&T; or Version already setup ipad....It is not and I did not go that way because it was actually more expensive to do it like that. « Show Less
1568570
I'm not sure exactly how to interpret your question, but I'll give an answer a try. Simply put, everyone who buys an iPad makes the same choice, that which is most appropriate to their anticipated needs. The wifi-only option, for instance, would be appropriate to folks who plan to use their iPad at home, or in hotel/motel accommodations which offer free wifi services to guests. The wifi + cellular option, on the other hand, would be more appropriate to folks who might wish to use their iPad camping, hiking, or the like. The main difference between the two (as you might suppose) is that usage and data charges might apply in the latter instance, depending on your cellular plan. Hope this helps. I'm not sure exactly how to interpret your question, but I'll give an answer a try. Simply put, everyone who buys an iPad makes the same choice, that which is most appropriate to their anticipated needs. The wifi-only option, for instance, would be appropriate to folks who plan to use their iPad at home, or in hotel/motel accommodations which offer free wifi services to guests. The wifi + cellular option, on the other hand, would be more appropriate to folks who might wish to use their iPad camping, hiking, or the like. The main difference between the two (as you might suppose)... » Read More I'm not sure exactly how to interpret your question, but I'll give an answer a try. Simply put, everyone who buys an iPad makes the same choice, that which is most appropriate to their anticipated needs. The wifi-only option, for instance, would be appropriate to folks who plan to use their iPad at home, or in hotel/motel accommodations which offer free wifi services to guests. The wifi + cellular option, on the other hand, would be more appropriate to folks who might wish to use their iPad camping, hiking, or the like. The main difference between the two (as you might suppose) is that usage and data charges might apply in the latter instance, depending on your cellular plan. Hope this helps. « Show Less
222541
Well I bought the 16GB WIFI-only model. I don't need 3G for my tablet as I use it mainly at home but when I'm outside I tether it to my phone's (Xperia S) 3G network and it works fine. Or you might want to get the 3G model if you need a constant 3 g connection.
42458
You can use your iPad with any available wi-fi source. If you don't have access to wi-fi than you would need to pay your provider extra for that service.
456837
Apple 16GB iPad has both inbuilt wi fi and 3G. 3g enable you to stuff the internet on the go with a subscription from a cellular providers like ATT or T-mobill
516545
Sean, why do you say it's a no brainer if you don't need wifi???? I would think most people need wifi. I have the brown one and use the wifi all the time.
2195324
i have a wifi only ipad, i use bad elf to navigate in city but i bought it to navigate off road using forest road maps. i cant remember if i link it to my iphone for the wifi or not to use apple maps, i dont know if you need wifi for apple maps to work, or if it will work off the bad elf gps only. sorry, i would assume u need the wifi for map loading or use per-downloading maps or link to your phone for the wifi, but it works great for off roading with pre-downloaded road maps
1778289
Thanks for the suggestion! Since I didn't get my first ipod touch until age 46, I think 8 is a little too young. I also am not happy with unrestricted internet access for an 8-year-old. But I do appreciate the suggestion.
1403620
Regardless of what kind of iPad mini it is (wether it has wifi or cell signal) it doesn't require you to activate it. If it has cellular capability, then you can purchase a monthly plan starting at 15.00 a month. Other wise, both types of mini are useable with a wireless router.
1629728
My Ipad came with a AT&T; chip, and I dont see it would not work with other service providers' data plans. Besides, my purchase was for overseas use, and it works just fine here.
1935163
HI,This is NOT a ipad where in you can insert a SIM. there is no slot for SIM card. when there is wifi options I did not feel the need of buying an Ipad with SIM card. There is wifi every where now.
1846758
The one I purchased for my 11 year old son did not as he just has the wifi capability and not the phone package, that iPad is easily available tho Barb, you can find it by scrolling through the option on iPads for sale onsite :)
1385350
I ordered 3 tablets for Christmas, one for each of my children (aged 12-19) and the tablets are still working just fine. They could watch Netflix on their tablets. They do not currently because of our wireless router, not the tablets themselves.
291141
I am suppose to have free WIFI also but they have a very cheap system & I am at end of park but the antenna works good in the window of my trailer & outside but if 4 to 6 people are using the Parks WIFI we start having problems but as far as the Antenna goes I would say it is worth the money(again that is just my opinion in my situation)-Good Luck
982851
With wi-fi accessibility, do you need to have a provider (AT&T or T-Mobile) data plan in place (to access something like myspace or other)? What is the least expensive way to go, if you have any idea? I am in NY and do not travel much, but my child is spoiled by the sidekick and we had to cut the web, leaving texting open. It doesn't state it has AIM either. It seems AT&T is better in the no-choice game, but since we have a family network already on T-Mobile and unlimited texting and free T-Mobile to T-Mobile calls, I am not sure there is a savings. Please...its on sale today :)