Tell me about the iPad.

[flakypuff]

I am so confused. I didnt know there were several ipads. I wanted to maybe buy one for a birthday gift for DH I am lost. Can anyone please help

 

[DVCLiz]

I am so confused. I didnt know there were several ipads. I wanted to maybe buy one for a birthday gift for DH I am lost. Can anyone please help

You'll have to choose between AT&T and Verizon, then you'll choose how much memory you want it to have (16, 32 or 64GB) then I think you also choose color - black or white.

You'll also have to choose between the wifi only model and the wifi +3G.

When I bought mine I had the option of an unlimited data package but now I think you have to choose between two data packages and both are limited (although obviously the more expensive one has more data).

Your budget will determine which one you choose, really. Top of the line would be a 64GB wifi+3G with the largest data package. Bottom of the line would be the smallest data package, wifi only 16GB.

You'll make a one-time purchase of between $499 and $829, plus tax, then you'll choose a data package depending on which carrier you select. AT&T has two choices - 250MB or 2GB, for $14.99 and $25.00 respectively. Verizon offers four choices ranging from $20 to $80 per month, for up to 10GB of data.

 

[ellone]

You'll have to choose between AT&T and Verizon, then you'll choose how much memory you want it to have (16, 32 or 64GB) then I think you also choose color - black or white.

You can get ones without 3G so you don't have to get a plan with AT&T or Verizon. That's what we have. I only wanted it for around the house, so no need for 3G for me.

 

[Swimalie]

There are 18 different iPads. The first thing to chose is color - black or white, then decide on the size 16GB, 32GB or 64GB, the decide if you want 3G or just Wi Fi. With 3G you do need to chose between Verizon and AT&T. With straight WiFi you don't. There are no monthly or access fees with the WiFi models.

I just got one for my husband- it arrived yesterday I got him the black, 32GB WiFi model. It took about 4 weeks to arrive so order early.

If you order from the Apple store, you can get it engraved on the back for free. I got it done with a phrase that is only my husband's (his pilot call sign from the Navy) so if something happens to it, he can identify it. The prices are the same no matter where you go so there are no savings yet.

 

[JamesMom]

LOL. I was just drolling over the Ipad 2 at the local Apple store for an hour just this morning! -- they are all sold out. Need to order one online. As I know nothing about anything Apple, the guy at the store patiently answered my questions.
First, decide on a color: black or white. That's the easiest one, lol
2nd, decide on size. 16MB if you are using as a book reader, web surfing, but not storing alot of games, movies or pictures. Go up if need the media storage. Remember, you can always move your media around (keep on 2-3 movies on for the kids and rotate out).
Lastly decide on Wi-Fi or 3G model. If you plan to use it at home (and you have a wi-fi network) or at Starbucks then the Wi-fi is a no brainer. If want to use the map application in the car, watch Netflix at the Gym or check your email while camping, then you need the 3G (which adds $130 to the cost) AND make another decision...
Which carrier - AT&T or Verizon.
AT&T has a 1GB or 3GB plan (remember you only charged for airtime off Wi-fil) starting at $20 I think up to $30 a month.
Verizon has 2GB - 10B and starts at $25 (I think?) up to a whoppng $80 a month!
Now remember, again, that you only pay for the months you want the 3G. Like me, I can use my home wi-Fi for May, but turn on the 3G for my June trip to the beach and then turn it off in July.
Last tidbit, i swear - The data plan costs is for the ipad only - if you want an iphone, too, then that is a separate plan that requires a 2 year contract. And if you get super geeky, then you can get an iphone with plan, add teethering for a monthly charge which makes your iphone a wi-fi network and connect a wi-fi only ipad to it. Decisions, decisions.
Right now, there is a 1-2 week waiting period when ordering from Apple.com and all the regional stores in north Texas are sold out and have no idea when they will restock.

Hope that helps!

 

[DVCLiz]

You can get ones without 3G so you don't have to get a plan with AT&T or Verizon. That's what we have. I only wanted it for around the house, so no need for 3G for me.

Thanks - I saw I had left that out so went back and added it. Personally I hate not having access all the time so I got the 3G. I have been surprised by how often I use my iPad away from home, especially traveling, and I would be really disappointed not to have the 3G access. If it really never leaves your house, though, no sense in spending the extra!

 

[amyy]

Do ATT and Verizon both offer the option when you only pay for the months you want it to be 3G? Are there other hidden costs with this? thanks

 

[caitty13]

I have the 16gb wifi on order right now, it's supposed to ship on the 5th of May. I plan on using my phone which has a mobile hotspot built-in for wireless when traveling. To me that is cheaper then paying the extra for the 3G...

 

[amyy]

I have the 16gb wifi on order right now, it's supposed to ship on the 5th of May. I plan on using my phone which has a mobile hotspot built-in for wireless when traveling. To me that is cheaper then paying the extra for the 3G...

Right now we have "regular" phones but I am sure we will upgrade at some point. Do you have an iphone or will it work with other phones too? I guess it does seem the best way to go. thanks

 

[caitty13]

Right now we have "regular" phones but I am sure we will upgrade at some point. Do you have an iphone or will it work with other phones too? I guess it does seem the best way to go. thanks

I have the LG Optimus from Sprint. You can had the mobile hot spot for an extra $30 a month and turn it on and off as needed. I haven't tried it yet so I hope it works the way I need it to.

 

[Julia M]

I am saving for an iPad. I think I want the 3G version, as I travel alot and want to be able ti use Netflicks, etc. No heavy gaming-ones like ANgry Birds, Bedazzled, etc and web surfing, some movies, simple applications. I already have an iphone (bought used off of Craigslist). I have actually bought 3 iTouches and an iphone off off Craigslist.

I am thinking of getting a refurbished iPad 1.

Is there a big difference between the 1 and 2 ANything I should know?

Thanks
Julia

 

[christine*]

I am saving for an iPad. I think I want the 3G version, as I travel alot and want to be able ti use Netflicks, etc. No heavy gaming-ones like ANgry Birds, Bedazzled, etc and web surfing, some movies, simple applications. I already have an iphone (bought used off of Craigslist). I have actually bought 3 iTouches and an iphone off off Craigslist.

I am thinking of getting a refurbished iPad 1.

Is there a big difference between the 1 and 2 ANything I should know?

Thanks
Julia

The ipad 2 has a camera and is thinner than the ipad 1. If a camera is a "deal breaker" to you, then I would get the 2.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

Just so you know, you can still get a brand new iPad 1 at discounted prices. The wifi 64 model is $499. Unless you have to have a camera, I would look for one of those.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I just got my mom a 16 gb wifi ipad 1 for Mothers Day. I have a 1st gen ipad and am still happy with it. I don't need the camera and while the 2 is slightly faster, it's not enough for me to upgrade.

 

[SoonerSarah]

I have a refurbished iPad and I love it. I wish it was a bit thinner, but I'm very happy with it.

 

[marcemc]

I have the 3GB with AT&T, it's $25 a month.

The iPad it's super convenient, specially if you travel or want access to the Internet anywhere anytime

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I'm debating on this, myself. We're driving from MD to LA this summer, so I'm thinking the battery life will work perfectly to keep four kids (and myself) entertained!

Can anyone answer whether the 3G service is a contracted monthly fee or if it is a "pay as needed" basis? I'm almost certain I'm going to upgrade my iphone service to add the tethering, so I think (I hope) the ipad would work with wifi using that method. But, if it's not a solid monthly fee, I could also look into that.

Also, is the ipad 2 significantly thinner than the 1? I haven't seen the two together to compare.

I'd love to just find a refurbished ipad 1, since I don't really need the camera...but then I wonder if I should just splurge for the upgrade.

Thanks for any help!

 

[IDoDis]

DH bought us each iPads in March from Verizon for $299 each. They are the iPad 1 version without 3G so we just have wi-fi, but that's all we really need as we are not glued to electronics away from the house. They were brand new (not refurbished).

Last week I saw that AT&T had more refurbished iPad 3G's on sale. The 16gb was $329 with free shipping. The data plan is $14.95 per month, but you can buy 1 month of the data plan and then cancel it if you don't want to use the 3G. It's month-to-month so no contracts, but if you need 3G for a month (like if you want to take your iPad on vacation with you and get the internet), you can call and pay for just one month whenever you need it.

A friend of mine ordered one of these and received it a few days ago. The 16G are now sold out, but keep checking back because they end up selling more every couple of weeks. Also, the AT&T refurbs only have a 90 day warranty, but once you receive it, just call Apple with the info and they will cover it for a year as they do with all of their refurbished Apple products.

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phones/cell-phones.jsp?feacondition=allphones&feaavailable=allphones&feapaytype=standard&startFilter=false&typcat2450038=cat2450038#fbid=LQ78l3ji5j4

 

[jakoky]

Hi there, I bought an iPad 3 weeks ago and I absolutely love it ...I wanted a 32 gb and could only find a 16 gb which I ended up going with... I have at least 25 apps and other stuff and have only used 2 gb... I chose not to pay the extra for the 3 g as I have my phone if I need to get online when there is no wifi and I dont want to pay each month for something I would use very little....the one thing that was really important to me was I wanted the 2 nd gen for the camera, I am going to London this summer with my youngest daughter and I will be able to skype with my other two kids back home...this for me is very worth it... I will be honest, no matter what u choose, you will love it

 

[flakypuff]

You'll have to choose between AT&T and Verizon, then you'll choose how much memory you want it to have (16, 32 or 64GB) then I think you also choose color - black or white.

You'll also have to choose between the wifi only model and the wifi +3G.

When I bought mine I had the option of an unlimited data package but now I think you have to choose between two data packages and both are limited (although obviously the more expensive one has more data).

Your budget will determine which one you choose, really. Top of the line would be a 64GB wifi+3G with the largest data package. Bottom of the line would be the smallest data package, wifi only 16GB.

You'll make a one-time purchase of between $499 and $829, plus tax, then you'll choose a data package depending on which carrier you select. AT&T has two choices - 250MB or 2GB, for $14.99 and $25.00 respectively. Verizon offers four choices ranging from $20 to $80 per month, for up to 10GB of data.

WOW thanks so much.

There are 18 different iPads. The first thing to chose is color - black or white, then decide on the size 16GB, 32GB or 64GB, the decide if you want 3G or just Wi Fi. With 3G you do need to chose between Verizon and AT&T. With straight WiFi you don't. There are no monthly or access fees with the WiFi models.

I just got one for my husband- it arrived yesterday I got him the black, 32GB WiFi model. It took about 4 weeks to arrive so order early.

If you order from the Apple store, you can get it engraved on the back for free. I got it done with a phrase that is only my husband's (his pilot call sign from the Navy) so if something happens to it, he can identify it. The prices are the same no matter where you go so there are no savings yet.

Boy am I in space. I didnt know it would take so long

Thanks everyone. As usual everyone here is so helpful